The Technology Strategy Board has revealed plans for two Catapult centres in future cities and transport systems, which will bring business and research together to accelerate innovation in order to improve services and quality of life in cities, and to develop integrated, efficient and sustainable national transport systems.
The two new centres join the five Catapults areas already announced: high value manufacturing, offshore renewable energy, cell therapy, satellite applications and connected digital economy. The Technology Strategy Board has also committed to invest over £50 million of its budget to stimulate innovation in five areas of research and development where a Catapult centre is not currently the appropriate solution, but which also hold high potential for growth. These areas are photonics, sensors, smart grids, resource efficiency and complex systems.
Catapults are a rapidly growing network of seven technology and innovation centres, established and overseen by the Technology Strategy Board with over £200 million of government investment. All Catapults are expected to be fully operational in 2013.
The Technology Strategy Board has published a Catapult update brochure titled Shaping the network of centres which is available from the website at www.innovateuk.org.
For more information including the press release visit http://www.innovateuk.org/content/featured-items/catapults-in-future-cities-and-transport-systems-a.ashx