Midlands Innovation is a group of eight universities in the Midlands of England. It was formed (as M5) in August 2012 by the universities of Birmingham, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham and Warwick in order to boost equipment sharing between member institutions, following the success of the N8 Research Partnership.[1] In December 2012 the group, which had added Aston University, launched its online equipment sharing database.[2] In March 2015, Chancellor George Osborne announced 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 | www.midlandsinnovation.org.uk |
In 2023, the eight universities together co-founded and formed Midlands 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. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
- ^ David Greenaway (6 May 2016). "Midlands Innovation". University of Nottingham. Retrieved 2 April 2017.
- ^ "Midlands investment alliance aims to eclipse northern neighbour". Times Higher Education. 20 February 2024.
- ^ "Midlands Mindforge". Retrieved 27 February 2024.