Midlands Innovationis a group of eight universities inthe MidlandsofEngland.It was formed (asM5) in August 2012 by the universities ofBirmingham,Leicester,Loughborough,NottinghamandWarwickin order to boost equipment sharing between member institutions, following the success of theN8 Research Partnership.[1]In December 2012 the group, which had addedAston University,launched its online equipment sharing database.[2]In March 2015, ChancellorGeorge Osborneannounced that the Midlands Innovation universities would lead the £60 million Energy Research Accelerator project.[3]The project was re-announced in April 2016 as a £180 million project comprising the £60 million previously announced from the UK government and £120 million from the private sector.[4]The consortium was re-launched as Midlands Innovation in May 2016.[5]
| Formation | August 2012 (as M5) May 2016 (as Midlands Innovation) |
|---|---|
| Type | Consortium of United Kingdom-based universities |
Region served | English Midlands |
Membership | Aston University University of Birmingham University of Leicester Keele University Loughborough University University of Nottingham University of Warwick Cranfield University |
| Website | midlandsinnovation.org.uk |
In 2023, the eight universities together co-founded and formedMidlands Mindforge,a patient capital investment company to focus on commercialising research in three key areas: life sciences, green technology, and deep tech.[6]The company aims to raise £250 million from corporate partners, institutional investors and individuals.[7]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^John Morgan (9 August 2012)."Midlands bloc hopes for safety in numbers as resources battle intensifies".Times Higher Education.
- ^"M5 Universities launch online equipment sharing database".University of Nottingham.14 December 2012.
- ^"Budget 2015: Six Midlands universities to lead Energy Research Accelerator".Birmingham Post.18 March 2015.
- ^Lord O’Neill of Gatley and The Rt Hon George Osborne MP (26 April 2016)."Major new fund launched to drive cutting-edge research, innovation and skills across the Midlands Engine".HM Treasury.Retrieved2 April2017.
- ^David Greenaway (6 May 2016)."Midlands Innovation".University of Nottingham.Retrieved2 April2017.
- ^"Midlands investment alliance aims to eclipse northern neighbour".Times Higher Education.20 February 2024.
- ^"Midlands Mindforge".Retrieved27 February2024.