Industry Archives - Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Dundee (MSIP)

Hello! My name is Amy and I joined the team at MSIP as the marketing intern back in June, having just finished my fourth year at Abertay University studying Business Management. This post will be a summary of my time at MSIP so far, and some of my highlights!

But before that, here is a little bit about me: I’m 22 years old, originally from Kelso (Scottish Borders) but have lived in Dundee for the past 4 years while at university. You would think that I would be familiar with the East Coast slang by now but since working at the office, I’ve been guilty of regularly Googling Dundee slang after conversations – my most recent search was baffies (which are slippers if you’re like me and were unsure).

When I’m not at work I enjoy playing hockey, and currently play for one of the local clubs called Monarchs.

I was made aware of the internship by one of my university module leaders, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to gain some experience within an area of business I’ve never worked in before.

Now that I have been at MSIP for a few months I can safely say that it has been! I’ve had the chance to be part of the planning process for numerous events, my favourite so far being the first regional STEM Expo. We had approximately 440 pupils from 15 Dundee and Angus schools visit the new Skills Academy, to participate in a wide variety of interactive activities organised by the exhibitors, and after the end of the second day it was great to hear all the positive feedback from pupils, teachers and the exhibitors! I’m also really looking forward to helping organise the MSIP Showcase Event in March having heard how highly everyone speaks of the previous one, which was hosted last November.

In addition to events, I have been able to see the thought process behind marketing campaigns and social media posts, which is a lot more intense than people might think!

It’s also fair to say I’m now an expert in building/dismantling QUICKBLOCK, which we use for furniture and to build our stage for events.

Although I am primarily involved with marketing there have been numerous opportunities for me to grow and develop other skills, such as basic accountancy. I have been able to help process invoices and purchase orders coming into the business with the expert guidance from the finance department. I’m also currently participating in a Climate Solutions Course through work, and I’m looking to use this to be able to review current processes at the Parc and see where we can improve in terms of sustainability.

Overall, I have learned so much already having only worked at MSIP for a short period of time and been able to put knowledge from university into practise during work. I’m very grateful for everyone passing on their expertise and making me feel like part of the team from my first day!

Twelve innovative young companies have been successful in applying to take part in Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc’s (MSIP) latest accelerator programme, committed to amplifying sustainable mobility and decarbonisation solutions.

MSIP, a joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise, is a world-class Innovation Parc in Dundee for sustainable mobility and decarbonisation, which aims to drive growth and diversity in the Scottish economy whilst addressing the global climate emergency.

Part funded by Scottish Enterprise and delivered by Skillfluence, the MSIP Accelerator has been specifically designed to help ambitious young companies who are developing new solutions in sustainable mobility and decarbonisation achieve a step-change in their business.

Skillfluence, experts in designing and delivering impactful start-up accelerator programmes, will expand its current offering with the delivery of MSIP’s successful accelerator programme, providing a specialist programme to support Scotland’s Net-Zero carbon ambitions.

This is the third cohort of the MSIP Accelerator. The successful applicants are developing a range of future thinking products and services, including new electric vehicle and charging technologies, hydro and wind power solutions, energy efficiency and urban mining.

Cohort 3 will primarily be delivered virtually, commencing on 30 August and running for 16 weeks. The programme will provide participants with access to the skills, knowledge, networks and advice to enhance their overall solutions. A number of participants will become the first users of MSIP’s soon to launch Innovation Labs facility.

The MSIP Accelerator is one of many initiatives MSIP is undertaking as part of its Innovation Programme, designed to underpin Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency.

The successful companies that have been selected are:

4SB – solution for city living electric car owners with limited access to roadside and overnight charging: an attachable, swappable ‘top-up’ battery.

Carruthers Renewables Ltd – low head hydropower to decarbonise the Global North and electrify the Global South.

dpSun Ltd – sustainable electrification.

HANA (Electric Motion) Ltd – developing innovative solutions for ultra-rapid EV charging in rural and semi-rural locations.

Kinetic Hydro Ltd – river turbines that are reliable and easy to use for off-grid communities.

Láidir Circular Mobility Ltd – Láidir Circular Mobility is focussing on enabling a circular bioeconomy energy and materials future for global offroad vehicle, van and medium to heavy truck markets.

Myriad Wind Energy Systems Ltd – myriad Wind Energy Systems – designing the next generation of high-performance wind turbines.

Neocycl UK Ltd – we are a green metals technology company producing refined non-ferrous metals from scrap with zero carbon emissions.

Shakey Robotics Innovators Ltd – a company formed to create, develop and spin out bespoke technology solutions which accelerate the maritime sectors drive towards Net Zero by 2040

ThermaFY Eco Solutions – ThermaFY offers the first holistic approach to delivering a journey to net zero for individual homes.

Tronius Ltd – EV technologies and Renewable Energy Management Solutions

Vahanomy Ltd – Vahanomy provides B2B AI-driven solutions to accelerate the rollout of the EV charging infrastructure through a location data analysis tool and marketplace for the EV charging infrastructure ecosystem.

Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, said:

“I’m so pleased to see the start of this latest MSIP Accelerator programme.

“We want to work with companies that are exploring new ideas, products and technologies that will progress the transition to net zero. To have 12 new companies to work with that are each doing just that, as part of the MSIP Accelerator programme, is incredibly exciting.

“Previous participating companies have gone on to achieve great things and we hope the same will be true with Cohort 3 as well.”

Alison Gray, Founder and Director of Skillfluence Ltd, said: “This is an exceptional group of entrepreneurs who are building businesses with a real potential to make a major positive impact on the world. We’re thrilled to be working in partnership with the team at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc to do all that we can to support them in their journey. With the climate-related challenges the world is facing, the work these entrepreneurs and MSIP are doing is more important than ever.”

Suzanne Sosna, Director of Economic Opportunities and Climate at Scottish Enterprise said: “Sustainable mobility and low carbon energy are the industries of the future and bring great opportunities for innovative companies. Supporting businesses to develop in this space is vital to ensuring we maximise their potential and the part they will play in a successful greener Scottish economy.”

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) has today announced OTG Ltd as the latest company to locate at the Innovation Parc.

OTG Ltd is a partnership of innovative companies collaborating to bring electric mobility solutions to the mobility market.

The partnership includes:

Alba Mobility – sustainable mobility specialists;
Camal Studio – a modern style centre focused on product and automotive design;
Man Evotech – an engineering service company that offers consulting, learning and research & development of custom projects;
Dell’Orto – specialists in e-power for transport systems;
Mazzanti Lab – sustainable innovation specialists for the automotive industry; and
eProinn – a University of Salerno spin-out focused on the conversion of traditional cars into hybrid solar vehicles.

The company will initially manufacture a range of electric golf carts at its space at MSIP, with plans to expand the range into other sustainable smart mobility options in the future, based upon market needs and demand.

OTG Ltd is the latest tenant to move into the recently completed Fulhame Building at MSIP, joining solar thermal innovators SolarisKit and hydrogen technology specialists Hydrogen Green Power.

This news follows the recent announcement that AMTE Power has selected MSIP as its preferred location for its first Megafactory to be based.

Creating 10 new jobs initially with future growth plans over the coming years, OTG Ltd is the 15th company to locate at MSIP, bringing the total number of jobs now based at the Innovation Parc to 130.

Greig Coull, CEO, MSIP said: “OTG joins a collective of companies working at the forefront of sustainable mobility and decarbonisation. It is a forward-thinking, collaborative business with exciting plans for the future.

“I’m really pleased they have chosen to locate at MSIP and recognise that we are a location of choice for innovative companies looking to transition the transport sector to net zero.

“This is as another clear demonstration of progress in delivering our ambition to create jobs and economic growth for Dundee and Scotland.”

Giorgio Cozzolino, Director, OTG Ltd confirmed: “Following many years of hard work I am delighted to be a part of the MSIP project, and this move represents a significant step forward in the OTG Ltd company development”.

“Our business strategy is underpinned by partnerships and people, as well as our experience in business, design, and technology to develop collaborations. As the founder and CEO, I intend on bringing the best of Italian design and technology to Scotland.

“Our projects and business cover a wide range of sectors from, the manufacturing of golf and street carts, as well as consumers goods, what they all have in common is an eye for design and style, technological advancement and minimising any environmental impact.”

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) has awarded Skillfluence, an experienced skills training provider, a major contract to continue the delivery of its successful MSIP Accelerator that will lead the charge for Scotland’s sustainable mobility and decarbonisation sectors.

The MSIP Accelerator has been specifically designed to help ambitious young companies who are developing new solutions in sustainable mobility and decarbonisation achieve a step-change in their business.

Skillfluence will expand its current offering with the continuation of MSIP’s successful accelerator programme, providing a specialist programme to support Scotland’s Net-Zero carbon ambitions.

Applications of the fully subsidised programme are now being accepted for Cohort 3, which is due to start in August, and participating companies will get access to MSIP’s soon to launch Innovation Lab facilities.

The MSIP Accelerator, part funded by Scottish Enterprise, is one of many initiatives MSIP is undertaking as part of its Innovation Programme, designed to underpin Scotland’s response to the global climate emergency.

Delivered primarily virtually, with some time spent physically at MSIP’s world-class facilities in Dundee, the 16-week programme will provide participants with access to the skills, knowledge, networks and advice to enhance their overall solutions.

Companies can find out more on how to participate in the MSIP Accelerator here. The closing date for applications is 1 July.

Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, said “The continuation of MSIP’s Accelerator demonstrates the value that it has already made on industry. With an alumni of 19 companies, we are already seeing clear outputs of success for MSIP and across industry, with the progression of new technology that will get us to net zero.

“I’m excited to be working with Skillfluence and to be launching recruitment for cohort 3 of the MSIP Accelerator. I am confident Skillfluence will deliver a programme that will achieve great results, working with companies to scale up, grow and above all else, deliver upon Scotland’s ambitious transition to net zero.”

Alison Gray, Founder and Director of Skillfluence, said “I’m excited to lead our Accelerator Team to deliver the prestigious Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc Accelerator Programme. The programme will fast-track ambitious sustainable mobility and decarbonisation companies by supporting them to develop and commercialise their innovative ideas.

“The Skillfluence Accelerator Team will provide exceptional business advice and support to this year’s successful participants, enabling them to access knowledge, skills, networks and investment to turbocharge their growth.”

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) has today announced HGP (Scotland) Ltd as the latest company to locate at the Innovation Parc.

HGP (Scotland) Ltd has developed a turnkey Climate Tech solution for the decarbonisation of carbon intensive industries, to help achieve Net Zero targets.

The company’s novel solution, an Integrated Hydrogen and Methanation Enhancement (IHM) System, will generate Green Hydrogen which combines with industrial waste CO2 to create Biomethane, reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

HGP (Scotland) Ltd is the second tenant to move into the recently completed Fulhame Building at MSIP and one of the first manufacturing companies at the Innovation Parc, others to join in the coming weeks. This brings the total number of jobs now based at MSIP to 115.

Greig Coull, CEO, MSIP said: “We already recognise that green hydrogen technology will be essential to the decarbonisation of industry and achievement of net-zero. The technology that HGP (Scotland) Ltd has developed will enable green hydrogen to be more accessible to those that can utilise it, reducing carbon emissions and ultimately tackling climate change.

“Having a company that specialises in green hydrogen technology located at the Innovation Parc is a great addition to the growing tenant community based here. HGP (Scotland) Ltd is a perfect fit for MSIP, and I’m pleased they recognise that too.”

Geoff Carragher, CEO, HGP (Scotland) said: “We are really pleased to now be a part of the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc community. The Innovation Parc is already attracting some successful low carbon technology companies. This is a fantastic initiative, we fully endorse MSIP and welcome the support of Michelin, Scottish Enterprise, and Dundee City Council.

“Critically for us, the Innovation Parc has the space to accommodate the growth of our business. We will create nine employees initially with plans to significantly increase the workforce over the next five years.”

The first development at Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) is complete and sees the delivery of a new design and build industrial space.

Comprising of six light industrial units, the Fulhame Building is the Parc’s first lettable space for small start-up businesses and covers 1,125m2 of internal floor area. Tenants will align with MSIP’s sustainable mobility and decarbonisation mission as it looks to create a greener future, through innovation for people, place and planet.

The £20m transformation programme, and redevelopment of the former Michelin Dundee site, will position MSIP as a world leading Innovation Parc, bringing together industry and academia with a focus on sustainable mobility and decarbonisation.

Kevin Dickson, regional managing director, Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “The completion of the Fulhame Building signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the site.

“MSIP will create a dynamic and creative home for innovators, manufacturers and skills leaders. With future works already underway, Robertson looks forward to continuing its relationship with MSIP and playing our part in helping to deliver Scotland’s newest Innovation Parc.

“Robertson is committed to being socially, economically and environmentally responsible and is already aligned with MSIP’s mission, as we look to further reduce the whole life carbon of our projects across the country.”

Colin McIlraith, Chief Operating Officer, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, said:“With the first development now complete, phase one of our transformation programme is progressing well.

“When we formed MSIP and considered what our offer to industry was, we quickly realised we had to add space of this size and specification, in order to meet industry demand. I’m pleased to see the progress since that decision was made, with the Fulhame Building now complete and ready for occupancy.

“All six of the new units are already reserved, which demonstrates we made the right decision. I look forward to sharing more on those tenants once leases are finalised.”

The next stage in the Innovation Parc’s ambitious plans is the delivery of Innovation Labs and a Skills Academy, which will include classrooms, workshops and a 1750m2, versatile space for learning and demonstrations.

Construction works are already underway with both additions due to complete later this year.

MSIP is being delivered by Robertson Construction Tayside through Procurement Hub Major Projects framework.

MSIP is a joint venture consisting of Michelin, Scottish Enterprise and Dundee City Council, formed to drive growth and diversity in the Scottish economy whilst also addressing the global climate emergency.

Louise Dodds, client relationship manager, Procurement Hub, said: “Using the Procurement Hub Major Projects framework provided the flexibility and platform for MSIP to utilise a local contractor of their choice for the duration of the project and to develop future phases and additional works. We are delighted to be playing our part in the important regeneration of this site.”

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) has today shared a first look at its flagship space, the Innovation Hub.

The Innovation Hub will be a purpose-built facility at the heart of MSIP, supporting collaboration and innovation between organisations of different shapes and sizes.

It will be a place where businesses, researchers and challenge-holders can work together on developing, testing, and commercialising new products and services for a sustainable, low carbon future.

Alongside the 1,200 square metre physical development, MSIP will deliver an associated programme of innovation activity and will provide access to support programmes.

The Innovation Hub will be located on the east side of MSIP, at the main entrance of the Innovation Parc. The facilities, which will include hot-desking, meetings rooms, event spaces, design workshops and a café, will be available to everyone working on the Innovation Parc and others that can benefit from what it offers.

Dundee City Council previously secured £3.5M of funding from the Tay Cities Deal Industrial Investment Fund to support the Innovation Hub. Detailed design work is already underway, and the planning application has been submitted.

Robertson Construction was appointed in 2020 as the build contractor for MSIP’s wider transformation programme, which was procured through Procurement Hub Major Projects framework. Construction will begin on the Innovation Hub in early 2022 with completion expected in 2023.

Colin McIlraith, Chief Operating Officer at MSIP said: “The Innovation Hub is a core part of the transformation programme, which is already underway and brings everything else that we offer at MSIP together.

“The design for the Innovation Hub provides a dynamic space housing a changing mixture of people, all aspiring to achieve the same goal of net zero. It’s also important to showcase our mission in everything we do, and we’ve worked hard to ensure that the design considers the environmental impact of the space, both in its development and in the future when it will be in use.

“It’s great to be able to now share what the Innovation Hub will look like. It’s ambitious but achievable, which is what MSIP is all about.”

Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, MSIP said: “The Innovation Hub will be the focal point for MSIPs innovation activity and the place where the earliest stages of innovation and entrepreneurship are initiated.

“It’s a key part of the offer at MSIP and will be a driver for business formation and growth, harnessing know-how, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit – a gateway for new businesses and a stepping-stone for small businesses.

“It is vital that this space is an exciting, modern, fun, and accessible environment, to attract and retain the best talent and to stimulate ideas, enthusiasm, and collaboration. Looking at the exciting designs shared today, I have no doubt we will deliver that.”

Craig Heap, Project Director at Holmes Miller, said: “With the Innovation Hub being home to a mix of start-ups, SMEs, and large corporates, as well as researchers and students – all of whom are working together to bring us closer to Net Zero – we had to create a dynamic space that is flexible enough to meet a range of needs, both now and in the future.

“Crucially, sustainability is at the heart of the project, and every effort has been taken to minimise the environmental impact of the building, both in terms of its construction and its ongoing operation and maintenance, which includes its own green and sustainable energy supply. Ultimately, the new hub will help inspire users and visitors and showcase MSIP as a modern, fast-moving, and ambitious collaboration, driving forward innovation in low-carbon transport and sustainable mobility.”

Kevin Dickson, Regional Managing Director at Robertson Construction Tayside said: “Robertson is honoured to support Phase 2 of MSIP’s ambitious journey and transformation plans to deliver another high-quality facility as part of the ongoing regeneration of the site.”

DAY 1 (11th November 2021)

Doors open – 08:30am

Breakfast and Networking

Part 1: The Future of Zero Emissions Transport

Welcome

Ministerial Address

Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc

Panel session: What will future zero emission transport look like? – Riversimple, Ampaire and Neuron Mobility.

Panel Session: What will power and enable future zero emissions transport? – Brillpower, Oomph EV, SWARCO, TUV SUD.

Breakout Session -with workshops from HSSMI, Niche Vehicle Network and Mabbett.

Part 2: The Storage and Transportation of Energy

Welcome back

Panel Session: How critical will the movement, storage and mass transfer of energy be in the energy transition? – SSE, H2Green, Cumulus Energy Storage and AMTE.

Breakout Session -with workshops from Oomph EV and Technology Scotland – MAAS.

Part 3: A Vision for 2030

Welcome back

Michelin

Keynote Speech from Ian Houston, President, Scottish Business Network US/SBN Ambassador Washington, DC.

Reflection on Day 1

Breakout Session

Close of Day 1 – 17:30pm

DAY 2 (12th November 2021)

Doors open – 08:00am

Breakfast and Networking

Part 1: Innovation and Entrepreneurship for a Net Zero Future

Welcome

Opening address

MSIP Accelerator Showcase – DanuRobotics, QuickBlock, ZUoS, Bounce, Empowering Local Energy and Hydrowheel.

Breakout Session -with workshops from Scotland’s Sustainable Mobility Cluster Builder and DER Scotland.

EVROS Stop Over Event

Part 2: Solutions for a Net Zero Future

Introduction

MVV

Ecotricity

Alexander Dennis

Scottish Enterprise

Keynote Speech from John Reid, NMIS

Reflection on Day 2

Breakout Session

Close of Day 2 – 16:30pm

Tickets can be purchased here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/demonstrator-and-showcase-event-11th-12th-november-tickets-166926964043

Eight companies, each focused on alternative energy options to achieve net zero, have been awarded funding as part of Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc’s (MSIP) first Innovation Challenge.

MSIP’s Innovation Challenge aims to provide grant funding to companies seeking to develop zero emission alternatives for small scale off-grid, mobile or temporary energy provision.

A competitive funding call was launched in July, resulting in 17 applications, which have been narrowed down to nine funded projects from eight companies.

Each funded project will demonstrate the viability of a zero-emission alternative as an off-grid energy solution across a range of options, including hydrogen fuel cells, battery power, solar thermal, heat capture, and hydro.

The funding awarded will allow the successful companies to carry out a range of studies including market research, feasibility and prototyping projects. It will enable the progress of new ideas and technology that will identify future solutions that can be used for a variety of needs, including heating, powering events and road works and lighting towers, construction and many others.

The funding will be awarded, and all projects are due to start by October 2021.

Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, MSIP said: “The potential to decarbonise small-scale energy provision provides huge opportunities not only for companies but for the reduction of carbon emissions. That is why our first Innovation Challenge addresses that directly.

“Through MSIP’s Innovation Programme we want to support early-stage companies that have an idea, but will benefit from additional support to further test, research and develop that idea into a viable product that can be taken to market.

“I’m excited to announce the funding of nine projects in our first Innovation Challenge. It’s great to see this funding awarded to several of our MSIP Accelerator Alumni and tenants, but also to other companies including early-stage and start-up companies, that will be critical to achieving the ambitious net zero targets set in Scotland.”

Projects selected for MSIP Innovation Challenge 1 funding are:

PlusZero Limited: Identifying the most cost-effective hydrogen-based technology to meet the events industry needs for a small scale clean portable power generator;
Enocell Limited: Market assessment – fully autonomous fuel cell and electrolyser generator;
Tronius Limited: Tronius GenEcan;
Solarskit Limited: Unlocking the potential of solar thermal technology for off-grid communities: Trialling a low-cost, self-assembled passive solar hot water system in the Southern Africa region;
Finesse Control Systems Limited: Mobile Battery Power Supply;
KelpCrofting Limited: Development of an eco-dryer for processing kelp;
Carruthers Renewables Limited: The Carruthers System is harnessing Very Low-head Hydropower (½ the world’s potential hydropower);
Hydrowheel Limited: Validating Hydrowheel within a beachhead market;
PlusZero Limited: Development of a carbon free space heating module to double PlusZero’s hydrogen monofuel generator efficiency and add significant customer value.

On a daily basis we all hear news of forest fires, melting sea ice, droughts, flooding and other extreme events, with many of these being attributed to climate change. With the publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) latest report, we can see further evidence of how human activities have warmed Earth’s atmosphere, land and oceans.

The report shows global temperatures rising more quickly than expected, due to the increasing levels of CO₂ in the air and that these will continue to increase until at least 2050 under all of the scenarios studied. This is the first in a series of published reports which will inform and influence inter-governmental discussions at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference and the resulting actions agreed to mitigate further temperature increases.

With global temperatures rising more rapidly than previously thought and the potential longevity of changes in our oceans, ice sheets and atmosphere we now need to deliver urgent actions that address this. The need to reduce CO₂, CH₄ and other greenhouse gas emissions is not new, yet current government statements will not deliver the required reductions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. These statements need to be supplemented by progressively more challenging increases in the scale and ambition of emissions reductions beyond 2030.

Taking the diesel generator market as an example, the lack of grid infrastructure in remote locations and increasing industrialisation in developing countries are just two factors that are driving the growth of the diesel generator market globally. With every litre of diesel fuel generating 2.6kg of CO₂, the decarbonisation of this sector alone has the potential to impact these emissions significantly and globally.

We know our Innovation Challenge is well timed and well directed. Aimed at decarbonising small-scale off-grid, mobile or temporary energy provision, successful projects have the potential to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to addressing the challenging climate change targets we all need to deliver.

We want to support a range of projects that deliver or demonstrate the viability of zero emission alternatives for small scale off-grid, mobile or temporary energy provision. These can include early stage opportunity or feasibility studies which will allow companies to develop a platform for future product and process development projects.

All information including Frequently Asked Questions, Application Form and Terms and Conditions can be found on our website with applications open until 11am on 20 August.

Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, MSIP