Uni buys machines for businesses to use

Dr Jason Jones (left) and Professor Richard Telford (right) are leading the project

The University of Bradford has raised £2.7m to purchase specialist scientific equipment for small and medium-sized businesses in West Yorkshire to use to support new products.

According to the university, the equipment would enable firms such as manufacturers and medical technology companies to analyse metals and plastics to help them develop their final products.

A university spokesperson said it was hoped that the scheme could provide research and innovation support to about 150 businesses by 2029.

Professor Richard Telford, director of the Centre for Chemical and Biological Analysis at the university, said the project would "enhance the regional economy".

The project, known as the Bradford University Digitisation Hub, is a three-phase programme and is based built on two similar projects being run by the university.

'Expert support'

At a meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority on 12 December, funding of £900,000 was approved for this part of the scheme.

This new project, known as the Bradford University Digitisation Hub, is a three-phase programme and is based on a similar project currently being run by the universit.

The current project (Project SIBLING) which started in 2023 was given £1.15m by the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the remaining £738,000 raised by the university.

Professor Telford said both the 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, said: "This is excellent news for small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.

"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."

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