Access the region’s Centres of Industrial Collaboration

Beating the competition in today’s tough business environment demands innovation. New ideas, new materials, new products and new services.

Collaboration is the key to successful innovation and the Yorkshire Forward Centres of Industrial Collaboration can help to unlock the cutting edge technical expertise and specialist resources you need to drive your innovation process forward.

The network of Centres of Industrial Collaboration (CIC) is a  £11 million initiative established by Yorkshire Forward to help businesses harness the innovation and cutting edge expertise from universities within Yorkshire and Humber.

A rigorous selection exercise has resulted in the accreditation of a network of Centres in recognition of their world-class facilities and exceptional track record of successful industrial collaboration.

The accredited Centres represent the very latest technologies. They cover a variety of disciplines ranging from medical technologies, advanced materials, through product design and manufacturing, to environmental sciences and digital technology.

Each Centre of Industrial Collaboration has : -

  • A dedicated Commercial Manager, who has hands on experience of their industry sector
  • A Centre Director, who is internationally recognised in their field of science or technology
  • A Scientific Advisory Board composed of leading academics and industrialists, who guide the strategic direction of the Centre

The CIC programme is currently in its fourth year of operation (2006). So far the region’s CIC’s have worked on more than 1500 projects with business, grossed more than £38m of income and created or safeguarded 1400 jobs.The centres deliver real business solutions through short-term analysis and testing, independent validation of technology, process improvement, research and development projects, new product development and longer-term strategic partnerships.

What Can we do?

The CIC's have expertise in six main industry sectors. Please click on one of the links below for more information

An award winning programme

In 2008, the CICs’ fifth year of operation, the programme won the European RegioStars Award for Innovation. These awards recognise examples of technological innovation across Europe which have encouraged regional economic growth. The CICs were short-listed against 71 nominations from across 18 European states, and won the award for Technology Transfer to SMEs. Find out more.

CIC Case Studies

Briton Engineering and Polymer

“The improved design of our Snowflex ski and snowboard surface, developed with the Yorkshire Forward Polymer Centre of Industrial Collaboration, has given a radical increase in quality, durability, and safety. This has reduced repair costs and opened up overseas markets, resulting in an estimated 80% increase in sales”. Shaun Waddingham Managing Director Briton Engineering Developments Ltd. Find out more.

Galpharm International & Pharmaceutical Innovation

“The work undertaken by the Yorkshire Forward Pharmaceutical Innovation CIC to optimise the formulation of one of our tabletted products will significantly increase our productivity and profit margins.” Adam Haigh Senior Projects Manager Galpharm International. Find out more.

Malvern Instruments Ltd & Particle

“Our alliance with the Yorkshire Forward Particle Science and Engineering CIC has significantly increased the efficiency of our business. Malvern is generating an additional 10-12 system sales each year, with a value of several hundred thousand pounds.” David Higgs Business Development Manager Malvern Instruments Ltd. Find out more.

Contact the appropriate CIC

There is also an affiliated Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence.

For further information please contact:
Holly Sowden
Tel: 0113 3949916
Email: Holly.Sowden@Yorkshire-forward.com
 

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