- Working with partners across the region, it aims to help upskill Welsh manufacturing businesses to provide technologies of the future
- Project part of over £400 million of government, industry and research institution funding to propel cutting-edge R&D projects across the UK
A major new project in South Wales, led by Cardiff University, called CSconnected, has today (26 June) received £44 million from the UK Government and industry.
The funding will help strengthen emerging industries in South Wales and deliver major technological advances in areas such as communications, 5G, autonomous vehicles and medical devices.
In collaboration with Cardiff and Swansea Universities, along with six leading welsh manufacturing companies, the project will help establish a cluster of manufacturing excellence, including a new skills academy to provide training in manufacturing and technology for small - medium businesses in the region.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma said:
The UK's world leading research and development industries in South Wales are critical to fuelling our economic recovery.
With this major £44 million investment, we're backing some of the region's very best scientists and researchers, as they work to advance innovation in sectors ranging from communications to autonomous vehicles.
This ground breaking research we're backing is not only good for consumers, but it will also create new job opportunities right across South Wales.
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:
The £44 million investment in the Cardiff University led project will boost the incredible research that is already taking place in this field across south-east Wales.
Investing in this emerging technology will enable us to create a lasting engineering and manufacturing legacy in Wales, generating high-skilled jobs and economic growth as we emerge from the coronavirus emergency.
Kellie Beirne, Chief Executive, Cardiff Capital Region City Deal said:
This is an outstanding achievement against the backdrop of significant economic challenge - this is a symbol of hope and opportunity that lies ahead.
This is an industry of the future and is significant in terms of supporting growth in telecoms, 5G, communications, future energy systems, future automotive and med-tech.
The investment is part of UK Research and Innovation's (UKRI) flagship Strength in Places Fund, which aims to drive forward research and innovation with a clear impact on local economic growth. Projects will benefit from a share of £186 million of UK Government investment, backed by a further £230 million from private firms and local authorities.
The announcement also follows the UK Government doubling investment in its Fast Start Competition to £40 million to help drive forward new technological advances and support the UK's next generation of innovative businesses.
