Shahid Mughal

I help out with the Society for Chemical Industry and they are looking to gather industry feedback via a questionnaire...to quote them "If you are a UK based SME in the science and technology sectors this is a great opportunity to have your voice heard. This Industrial Strategy Survey was developed by the SCI® Where Science Meets Business and will be used to influence government policy."...if you have ever been frustrated with policy this is your chance to do something about it, at a time when genuine industrial policy is getting serious consideration. So please spare a few minutes to give your input, it will be greatly appreciated, via the questionnaire here https://lnkd.in/eDgarUwK . And if you want to know more about the SCI, see www.soci.org, and remember chemistry is at the heart of everything physical!

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Reading and Milton Keynes start-ups among eight pioneers on Digital Catapult programme 💼📈 The UK authority on digital technology, Digital Catapult, has welcomed eight tech pioneers to the 'Made Smarter Innovation - Smart Manufacturing Data Hub Sustainability Accelerator' programme so the start-up firms can supergcharge their ambitions. The programme is funded by Made Smarter UK and Innovate UK and sees industry giants like BAE Systems, HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd and Creagh Concrete partner up with smaller firms. It is aimed at improving efficiency in manufacturing in the UK and each company will receive £75,000 to develop proof-of-concept projects, while a further £100,000 will be available for up to four companies to advance to phase two, where they will develop pilot prototypes. Among the eight companies is Reading-based Coraledge Ltd and its Thingitude business, which is focused on using the Internet of Things (IoT) to deliver more efficient operations for clients and better service delivery for the end-customers. It will collaborate with one of the UK’s largest producers of concrete products - Belfast-based Creagh Concrete. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/en49W_hM UK Research and Innovation #startup #smallbusiness #sme #ukbusiness #pioneer #finance #funding #investing #businessnews #businessintelligence

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The UK Autumn Budget introduces funding for clean energy, circular packaging, and sustainable manufacturing. Yet, gaps in EV infrastructure and commercial energy efficiency remain. This is a key moment for SMEs to align with green initiatives and unlock available support. At Sustainable X, we help SMEs turn policy into action. Ready to get started? Here’s the link to read more: http://bit.ly/3UEkIHX #Sustainability #SMEs #UKBudget #GreenBusiness #CleanEnergy #CircularEconomy #SustainableGrowth

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Innovate UK's Mike Biddle chaired a panel discussion which launched the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII) latest report, ‘the UK Hydrogen Innovation Opportunity’. The report published by HII on the 24th of April combines key insights from over 250 businesses and 12 sector bodies, including public funding data analysis conducted by Innovate UK Business Connect. This comes at a key time in hydrogen innovation as the global hydrogen technology market has been predicted to reach £1trn annually by 2050. Find the report here - https://lnkd.in/d2TV5uK7 #hydrogeninnovation #innovation #netzero2050

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Our colleagues at Cranfield University have just announced their Green Future Investments Ltd Future Frontiers Fund (GFIL-FFF) and Technology Accelerator Fund (GFIL-TAF) are open again for applications. Innovators and entrepreneurs can now apply to scale up ideas that address the challenges related to tackling climate change, protecting our environment, and delivering a Net Zero future. No match funding is required. Applications close 11th November 2024 at 5:30 pm   The Future Frontiers Fund (FFF) supports the generation of fresh and highly novel ideas, technologies, products, and services. We are looking for truly innovative leaps and will provide support through small grants of approximately £10,000 to test ‘might work’ concepts, along with technical mentoring support. Eligible applicants include SMEs, start-ups, spinouts, individuals, academics and students.   The Technology Accelerator Fund (TAF) provides six awards in the region of £50,000 to innovators with technologies currently at TRL 4-5, to access Cranfield expertise and advance ideas or technologies to prototype and beyond. Eligible applicants include SMEs, start-ups, and spinouts.   We are hosting two live webinars for potential applicants to learn more about the funds and ask questions directly from the fund directors:   GFIL Technology Accelerator Fund Webinar, 9th October 2024 at 2 PM with Professor Paul Jeffery   GFIL Future Frontiers Fund Webinar, 15th October 2024, 1:30 PM with Professor Phil Longhurst Links are in comments below for the funds and the evednts.

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🐦 The NERC Digital Solutions Hub, based at The University of Manchester, will launch in 2025 but are you signed up to get early-bird access? ⬇️ 🗺️ Currently in demo-phase, the NERC Digital Solutions Hub is a free online mapping tool combining social, environmental, economic and health data to allow policymakers to make evidenced-based decisions. 🏡The NERC Digital Solutions Hub can help policymakers with informed answers to issues like where to build 1.5 million homes to ensure they are not on future flood-plains, that they avoid areas of high air pollution and have access to essential infrastructure like public transport. 👉 To be an early member and get priority access on release, as well as the latest updates until then, sign up to the NERC Digital Solutions Hub newsletter - https://lnkd.in/euuxYhgH

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A new report produced by Oxford Innovation Advice has revealed that four fifths of companies are looking to ‘digitally upskill’ their staff but are finding the biggest barriers to achieving this are cost and a lack of in-house knowledge. Over two thirds (68%) of the 239 businesses questioned are planning to invest in digital technologies, meaning there is a massive opportunity for the new Labour administration to deliver more specialised support to help boost skills and unlock the potential of UK industry. Based on responses from the survey, Oxford Innovation Advice has developed a five-point policy action plan that it plans to submit to Government to build on successful programmes, such as Made Smarter Digital Adoption. The recommendations focus on providing basic level training and advice to manufacturing SMEs to convert critical analogue data capture processes into digital ones. This is a critical first step for companies and gives them the ability to analyse processes and identify efficiency improvements. Training should also be tailored to include a strong problem-solving focus, which could feature mentoring and one-on-one practical support to help manufacturers trial solutions and digitalise processes. Finally, Oxford Innovation Advice is urging Government to involve companies in the design of businesses support, whilst also ensuring that programmes are available nationally and connect SMEs to their peers to sustain their digital journey.

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New Collaborative R&D Creative Catalyst Competition Launched by IUK Innovate UK (IUK) has launched the Collaborative R&D Creative Catalyst Competition, aimed at fostering innovation across the UK’s creative industries. This funding opportunity supports industrial research projects that enhance the creative economy through collaborative efforts. With a total budget of up to £2 million, the competition provides grants of £150,000 to £200,000 for projects that align with key objectives, including advancing industry challenges, creating new revenue streams, and delivering market-ready solutions within 12 months post-completion. Proposals must demonstrate innovation, value for money, and potential for significant industry impact. Eligible project leads must be UK-registered micro or small businesses focused on one or more of the following creative subsectors: advertising, architecture, arts, crafts, design, fashion, film, games, music, publishing, or visual arts. Collaborations must include at least one grant-claiming business outside Greater London. While academic institutions, RTOs, and large businesses can join consortia, only micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises can lead projects and claim grants. The competition also welcomes involvement from charities, CICs, and public sector organisations. The deadline for applications is 29 January 2025. More information 👇 https://lnkd.in/ecDbK-uW

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⚡ Industrial electrification is critical for decarbonisation, efficiency improvement and driving manufacturing system approaches. This report, commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and written by Thomas Butler and his colleagues at ERM highlights key opportunities and benefits for adoption, research and application of technologies for industrial electrification. It is important that the outputs from this report find their way into the new government's industrial strategy, which is open for public consultation. If you are writing a response to the strategy, please take the time to consider this report's findings. Electrification technology development in association with electrical energy price reform will enable industry to meet its 2050 net-zero goals. Chris Dungey Chris Williams Stuart Bradley Felix Martin Simon Webb David Greenwood Maf Smith Daniel Cox Elspeth Keating

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#AI and #energyefficiency are in the spotlight 💡 🌟 We recognised the value of AI in optimising energy efficiency & sustainability several years ago. So we've developed & refined the intelligent Eniscope ecosystem & Virtual Energy Management service as a smart solution to help businesses drastically cut their energy use & energy bills 🍃 A great example of Eniscope in action is Tex Plastics in the UK, where they've achieved a 26.7% reduction in energy usage, amounting to savings of £237,000! 👇 Check out our Tex Plastics case study in more detail: https://lnkd.in/eD2isiz2 You can also take a closer look at how AI is transforming energy efficiency here 👀 https://lnkd.in/e2waBBBR #Sustainability #VirtualEnergyManagement #Eniscope #GreenTech #Manufacturing

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Innovation Accelerator Pilot led by Innovate UK, on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, fuels Local Growth. ✅ £100m investment ✅ 26 innovative projects ✅ Supporting high-potential innovation clusters in Glasgow, Greater Manchester and West Midlands Glasgow City Region spotlight 🔦 We invested £7.5m in ‘Modular chemical robot farms for chemical manufacturing’; a pioneering project by Chemify Limited, who are leading the charge in digitising chemistry and chemical discovery 🧪🦠 Chemify have since secured a further £28m in funding from private investors as they continue their ground-breaking work. Prof Lee Cronin, University of Glasgow Regius Chair of Chemistry, and CEO of Chemify 🗣️ “Chemify is aiming to be the Amazon Web Services for Chemistry, developing the critical infrastructure for drug and materials discovery and development. The Innovation Accelerator programme has been instrumental in moving more quickly to build the company and we are working towards opening our first Chemify ‘chemifarm’ in Glasgow later this year that will employ more than 100 people.” For more information, head to: https://lnkd.in/eAmxS2ks Innovate UK, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Glasgow City Region, University of Glasgow #InnovationAccelerators #BusinessGrowth #Investment #Technology #Collaboration2SeenLike

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'Embracing technology can enhance productivity: Booth Welsh look to push the boundaries, beyond the human element, to collaboration with technology to optimise their operations' 📈 We are featured in the latest issue of Scottish Chambers of Commerce Business Scotland, discussing how our internal AI focus group is transforming our operations, and the future opportunities this could present for our clients. Click the link below to read more: #ayrshirebusiness #digital #artificialintelligence #futurefocused

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This post highlights significant differences in perspectives between the UK and the US regarding the future and scalability of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Innovate UK’s report, launched by Mike Biddle underscores a strong belief in hydrogen’s potential within the UK market, anticipating a substantial industry growth to a £1 trillion annual market by 2050. This optimistic outlook is supported by insights from numerous businesses and sector bodies, suggesting a robust framework for innovation and development in hydrogen technologies. Contrastingly, the view from the US, as detailed by the National Petroleum Council (NPC), presents a more cautious and sobering perspective. The NPC report, spurred by a request from U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm, indicates that under current policies, the US is unlikely to meet its net-zero emissions goals with the projected growth of the hydrogen industry. This report highlights the need for significant changes in federal support and policy adjustments to expedite the growth of the hydrogen industry, particularly concerning the production capacities and infrastructure required to support both 'green' and 'blue' hydrogen at the scale needed for substantial emission reductions. These contrasting perspectives underline a global divergence in confidence and strategy towards hydrogen’s role in the future energy landscape. The UK’s aggressive push may serve as a bellwether for other nations, while the US’s cautious approach highlights the challenges and the scale of investment needed to realise hydrogen’s potential fully. Both viewpoints provide valuable insights into the complexity of transitioning to a hydrogen-based energy economy, emphasising the need for tailored policies that can adapt to rapid technological advancements and varying national contexts. <Source: https://lnkd.in/etY4rYwM> #hydrogen #policy

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🌌 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆'𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗥&𝗗 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 🚀 Our latest blog written by Brian williamson explores the immense possibilities of the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scottish space industry and how business incentives like R&D tax relief can propel your company to new frontiers! From in-orbit servicing and space debris removal to space-based energy and manufacturing, the future is brimming with groundbreaking solutions. Yet, these advancements start right here on Earth, in factories and design houses looking to tackle the challenges of space, from harsh environments and microgravity. The space industry's unique challenges make it ripe for R&D tax relief, providing significant benefits for innovative businesses. Whether you're designing a widget in Falkirk or developing new technologies in Dundee, the opportunities are endless. 🛰 Dive into our blog to explore: ✅ The challenges ✅ The critical role of R&D tax relief ✅ Compiling an application or claim ✅ The current landscape ✅ How to choose the right provider Read more about the journey from innovation to infinity and how to navigate the complexities of R&D tax relief in the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eB4EWHVv #researchanddevelopment #innovation #taxrelief #spacesector #spaceeconomy

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Our latest blog has Dr Muhammad Basir unveiling the enablers of industrial digital technologies in UK manufacturing, and considers how a shift in perspective could help UK manufacturers harness the full potential of digitalisation. For this, and many more blogs, insights and case studies visit www.p-ld.co.uk #digitaltechnology #ukmanufacturing #poweredbypeople

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A pioneering research project has developed a blueprint to guide UK manufacturers, particularly SMEs, towards greater productivity, flexibility and competitiveness. A challenge that has plagued UK industry for decades is how to help small and medium sized manufacturers better understand and exploit the benefits of automation and digital technologies. While there are numerous examples of SMEs who have successfully embraced these advancements and are reaping the benefits, it is also true that most haven’t. Click here to read the full blog -> https://loom.ly/hqS6v_0 #manufacturing #productivity #technology #automation

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