Experts at the University of Derby helping firms push the boundaries of technology and innovation will hold a free event for more would-be entrepreneurs looking to develop new product ideas.
The University’s Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (pictured) will showcase how it’s worked with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); at a ‘Green Innovation and Design for Business’ event at the Institute’s headquarters at Lonsdale House, Quaker Way, Derby (DE1 3EE). The free event will be held from 8am to 11am on Thursday November 30. To book online to attend the event click on the link HERE.
This event is part of a wider project to develop sustainable and low carbon technology, which has received £2.3million from the European Regional Development Fund, part of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme 2014-2020.
ESIF funding in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government, and distributed via the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership; the private sector-led partnership which promotes economic and jobs growth across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The University’s Institute helps companies develop new product ideas, from concept to prototype and on to market. Institute specialists can offer access to materials, process and production. Facilities including 3D printing, simulation and prototyping, as well as the expertise to create assured feasibility studies.
Clients the Institute has previously worked with include:
- White Peak Distillery, which is in the process of setting up a Derbyshire whisky distillery, and has been working with the Institute to see how water from the River Derwent can be used in heating and cooling processes.
- Derby-based Tecforce Limited, which manufactures Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) compressors for refuelling vehicles at home and at work.
Professor Paul Stewart, University of Derby Director of Innovation, said: “We give free support to small and medium-sized business through consultancy, and also give them a chance of putting their ideas into concrete form by prototyping because usually they are so constrained by time and money.”
To read more about the D2N2 LEP’s use of ESIF funding to build its area’s economy see its website at www.d2n2lep.org/EUFunding
Media wanting more information about the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
