Innovation networks programme launched

It will be launched with a series of Access Innovation Roadshows from March 22 with a focus on bringing together businesses from across Lisburn to find out how increased levels of innovation can improve overall business performance.

The Programme is being delivered by University of Ulster and South Eastern Regional College. As part of the programme, both partners will offer expert support to identify and develop appropriate new technologies, new processes, new systems or products which will add value, and improve overall business competitiveness and profitability. The programme also offers businesses the chance to access the world-class research and new technologies developed by UU staff, which will provide opportunities to explore launching new commercially viable products and entering new markets.

Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, said: “It is widely recognised that businesses which position innovation as an integral part of their business activities are generally more successful and competitive.”

Star Instruments, one of the participant companies in last year’s programme, is one of the UK and Ireland’s longest established manufacturers and suppliers of pressure gauges, temperature gauges and associated instruments. The company joined the Innovation Networks Programme for assistance to develop their own Low Pressure Control (LPC) manufacturing in house. The programme has assisted with the simulation-driven design process for the tooling for in house LPC manufacturing as well as the creating the opportunity to further supply to other instrument manufacturers throughout Europe.

Freda Casey, Enterprise Development Executive at the UU said: “Typically the University and College will undertake initial scoping projects with the business to test feasibility of a new business concept, or to test the physical prototyping of a new product or service, or in identifying a new process or service before applying for support or funding for further development.”

Over the coming week a series of Access Innovation Roadshows will be held throughout the City to increase awareness of the range of innovation support available to local businesses including the Innovation Networks Programme. These Roadshows will be held on Thursday March 22 at Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, on

Friday March 23 at House of Vic-Ryn, Moira Road, Lisburn and on Monday March 26 at Beechlawn House Hotel. To find out more about the Roadshows, or any aspect of the Innovation Networks Programme, contact Freda Casey on 9036 6718 or email [email protected].