STFC: Higgs Centre for Innovation at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh now open for applications from start-ups

The Higgs Centre under construction.
(Credit: STFC/UK ATC)

SWINDON, 13-Feb-2018 — /EuropaWire/ — The Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) flagship new business innovation centre – which will bring together the best of academia and industry – is now welcoming applications from start-up companies.

The recently-completed Higgs Centre for Innovation at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh will host a new Business Incubation Centre providing a comprehensive offering to support 12 high-technology start-ups for two years each.

Dr Julian Dines, UK ATC Head of Innovation, said: “The Higgs Centre for Innovation will offer facilities and collaboration opportunities to businesses that are unavailable elsewhere, in an environment where innovative ideas truly are encouraged. Working with industry and academic colleagues throughout Scotland and beyond, we believe the centre will be a Launchpad for successful businesses for years to come.”

The centre has been built with £10.7million of funding from the UK Government, part of its ongoing investment in ground-breaking research and development and at the heart of the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

The Industrial Strategy aims to bring together the UK’s world-class research base with business investment, ensuring the nation continues to develop the technologies and industries of the future.

The Higgs Centre for Innovation has been developed by STFC in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the European Space Agency (ESA), UK Space Agency, and CERN.

Modern facilities at the new centre include a suite of dedicated micro- and nano-satellite test equipment in purpose-built cleanrooms, as well as big-data visualisation capabilities – available to SMEs as well as resident start-ups. Successful applicants will gain valuable access to technical expertise from across STFC, Edinburgh University and partners network; state-of-the-art laboratory, cleanroom and product testing facilities; business support and training; and a grant of over £40,000 towards product development.

The deadline for the first round of applications is February 20. For more information on how to apply, visit The Royal Observatory Edinburgh’s website.

SOURCE: Science and Technology Facilities Council

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