Successful pilot project pays off for emerging industries
We are pleased to share the success of the Mid Wales Challenge Led Launchpad Series, which met a series of ambitious goals during its launch last year.
These achievements included creating placement and job opportunities for young people in the region, and helping kick-start fledgling enterprises with financial and professional support.
Dr Rhian Hayward MBE, chief executive officer for AberInnovation said: “The knowledge gained from the Launchpad’s pilot phase has provided us with really valuable experience in designing and delivering R&D support programmes for industry.
“This experience also benefitted our key funding partners and will help further reinforce the strength of future business and academic collaborations.”
She added: “A total of 13 businesses ‘launched’ from the Launchpad last year and each were given 100% funding of up to £30,000 for R&D.
“These 13 innovative enterprises used the funding in full to flourish and grow, with the outcome being the development of a total of 14 strategically important projects.
“Looking ahead, the next phase of the launchpad looks exciting for emerging businesses in need of financial, technical and business support.”
As part of last year’s challenge, emerging industries in the area were given the opportunity to apply for funding, support and a space at AberInnovation’s state-of-the-art research base here at Aberystwyth University, with the goal of addressing urgent challenges.
Alongside this, the concept of developing new skills in emerging industries to fill the skills gap was tested through an innovative work placement and match-making scheme, badged as the ‘Mid Wales Launchpad Skills Builder’.
Mid Wales Challenge Led Launchpad Partnerships
The first stage of the Mid Wales Challenge Led Launchpad pilot programme was funded by the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund and the Welsh Government, delivered by AberInnovation and Innovation Strategy, and supported by a technical group which included representatives from Ceredigion County Council, Powys County Council, Hywel Dda University Health Board, Powys Teaching Health Board and BT.
