University of Bradford Secures Funding for Business Equipment

The University of Bradford has successfully raised £2.7 million to acquire specialized scientific equipment. This machinery is intended for use by small and medium-sized businesses in West Yorkshire to aid in the development of new products. According to the university, this equipment will enable various firms, including manufacturers and medical technology companies, to analyze metals and plastics, thereby assisting them in developing their final products. A university spokesperson indicated that it is anticipated the scheme could offer research and innovation support to approximately 150 businesses by 2029. Professor Richard Telford, director of the Centre for Chemical and Biological Analysis at the university, stated that the project would “enhance the regional economy.” The project, identified as the Bradford University Digitisation Hub, is a three-phase program and is built upon two similar projects currently being operated by the university. At a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on December 12, funding amounting to £900,000 was approved for this specific part of the scheme. This new project, known as the Bradford University Digitisation Hub, is a three-phase program and is based on a similar project currently being run by the university. The existing project, known as Project SIBLING, which commenced in 2023, received £1.15 million from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the university raising the remaining £738,000. Professor Telford commented that both previous projects had been “incredibly successful in terms of providing over 100 regional small and medium-sized enterprises with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise at the University of Bradford. “This new project will be an extension of that work, which we hope will enhance the regional economy.” Dr. Jason Jones, commercial manager in the Faculty of Life Sciences, stated: “This is excellent news for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.” He added: “It will enable the University of Bradford to continue to provide expert support for innovative ideas, helping companies turn those into new products, and to optimise manufacturing processes, all of which will help revitalise the regional economy.”