A series of “Prosperity Partnerships” designed to encourage businesses and universities to collaborate on technologies to support public good and economic growth have been backed by £97m of investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the private sector.
A total of 23 partnership projects have been agreed ranging from using AI to help examiners mark tests to developing longer-lasting batteries to transform the electrification of cars, aircrafts and ships.
These projects have been supported by a £41m investment from UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as well as £56m from businesses and academia.
Participating businesses include Quantum Motion Technologies, AstraZeneca and Rolls-Royce.
“These partnerships show the range of real-world challenges the UK’s world-class research base is helping to tackle – from cutting carbon emissions in heavy transport, to improving access to life-saving medicines,” said Science Minister Lord Vallance.
“By backing scientists to work hand-in-hand with industry, we’re combining cutting-edge research with business expertise to turn science into practical solutions that can make a difference in people’s daily lives.”
Other projects included in the partnerships include studying the thermal behaviour of low temperature electronics to support the development of quantum computing equipment, strengthening cybersecurity amid the rise of AI and researching how greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles can be reduced.
“Our flagship Prosperity Partnerships scheme brings together world-class expertise from businesses and academia to solve big challenges to support the growth of industry and advance UK research,” said EPSRC executive chair, Professor Charlotte Deane.
“These 23 ambitious projects present a significant investment in the UK’s future. From speeding up drug manufacturing to longer lasting batteries, these partnerships have the potential to make a real difference to people’s lives and help boost the economy”.
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