The University of Strathclyde is playing a leading role in three of six projects shortlisted for up to £160 million of UK Government Investment Zone funding in the Glasgow City Region.
The region-wide zone, focused on Advanced Manufacturing, is expected to attract £300 million in private investment and support up to 10,000 jobs. All six shortlisted projects are currently developing business cases ahead of final funding approvals.
Strathclyde is leading Project PRISM (Platform for Scaling Responsive Space Systems Research, Innovation & Manufacturing), from the Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID), which aims to enhance the UK’s space sector capabilities. The University is also academic lead on the Maritime Supply Chain Innovation project. Through the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), Strathclyde is spearheading the National Advanced Semiconductor Packaging and Integration Centre (NASPIC).
New centre
The Maritime Supply Chain Innovation project will support the creation of a new Maritime Supply Chain Innovation Centre (MSCIC) and supporting infrastructure at Old Kilpatrick in West Dunbartonshire, including a new heavy-lift quay and the regeneration of a brownfield site.
It’s envisioned that the project – a collaboration between Strathclyde, West Dunbartonshire Council, Malin Group and industry partners –could support over 750 long-term jobs and more than 450 during construction, with wider benefits for over 6,000 maritime-related jobs across the region.
Project PRISM, whose partners include AAC Clyde Space, Spire Global, Craft Prospect and SaxaVord Spaceport, will create new infrastructure within GCID to support the full development cycle of space technologies, from research and development to manufacturing and launch. The £100 million initiative will enable organisations to rapidly advance technologies across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–9, significantly increasing the UK’s launch capability and accelerating market growth, with a focus on security and resilience.
Leading capability
Professor of Practice for Space and Industrial Director at Strathclyde, Craig Clark said: “PRISM marks the next stage of growth for the space sector in Scotland, enabling it to keep pace with global competitors and provide the UK with a leading capability in small satellites and their applications.”
NMIS, operated by the University, is leading the development of NASPIC from the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). The Centre will form part of Strathclyde’s Advanced Net Zero Innovation Centre (ANZIC), supporting the scaling up of semiconductor manufacturing in power electronics and photonics – critical components of the UK’s £500 million electrification supply chain. The project is expected to generate £800 million in revenue and create 300 jobs.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said:
Strathclyde is proud to be leading and supporting these transformative projects, which align with our mission as a leading international technological university.
“By working in partnership, industry, academia and government can accelerate innovation, drive economic growth and create high-value employment across key sectors such as space, maritime and advanced manufacturing.”