The topping out of Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc’s (MSIP) flagship Innovation Hub has taken place in Dundee today.
The Innovation Hub is a key part of MSIP’s regeneration of a former manufacturing facility into an Innovation Parc focused on tackling climate change, that will provide a focal point to the Innovation Parc.
Dundee City Council secured £3.5M of funding to support the Innovation Hub from the Tay Cities Deal Industrial Investment Fund. The project has also been funded by Scottish Enterprise and Michelin.
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.
The Innovation Hub has been built with its carbon footprint in mind, with a Glulam (glued laminated timber) and CLT (cross laminated timber) structure used in place of a conventional steel construction, saving an estimated 715 tonne of carbon dioxide.
Both materials used are a natural alternative to steel, concrete, and plasterboard, and are manufactured off-site to precise size specifications, resulting in very little to no waste in the construction phase.
The use of these natural materials from sustainably managed forests reduces the buildings carbon footprint in two ways. Firstly, less carbon dioxide is generated during the production of Glulam and CLT than conventional building materials. Secondly, the use of wood as the principal building material locks away the carbon it contains for the lifetime of the building.
The Innovation Hub is located at the main entrance to the Innovation Parc, creating a space to support and drive collaboration and innovation. Core facilities include co-working space, flexible meeting and events space, design labs and a range of business support services.
The Innovation Hub is due for completion by October 2023.
Colin McIlraith, Chief Operating Officer, MSIP said: “This is a significant moment for MSIP, marking once again the amount of progress we have made at the Innovation Parc in the 2 years since we took over stewardship of the Innovation Parc.
“The Innovation Hub sits at the core of our mission at MSIP, to create a place where industry, academia and government can come together and thrive, to enable the growth and advancement of the sustainable mobility and decarbonisation industries.
“With the physical structure now in place, and construction continuing at pace, I look forward to welcoming innovators, businesses, learners and the community into this remarkable building later this year.”
Scottish Enterprise Chief Executive Adrian Gillespie said: “The Innovation Hub will help cultivate a culture of innovation and collaboration which will see MSIP play a vital role in making Scotland a global leader in sustainable mobility. “
“I am excited to see the Innovation Hub become a focal point for businesses, academics and researchers at MSIP to work together on developing, testing and commercialising new products and services for a sustainable, low carbon future.”
Dundee City Council Leader, Councillor John Alexander, said: “This is another important milestone in the transformation of the former Michelin site, and it’s fantastic to see the progress that has been made.
“Driving innovation in low-carbon transport and sustainable mobility is at the heart of the MSIP mission, and I look forward to the creativity and collaboration this new facility fosters playing a part not only in creating jobs and prosperity but also helping to address the global climate emergency.”
Kevin Dickson, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Tayside, said: “The commitment made by MSIP to regenerate the site is clearly demonstrated through the Innovation Hub, the selection of materials reflects the aspirations that are being delivered throughout the project and how the facility will be used in the coming years.
“Decarbonisation is a key element in addressing the climate emergency and the end use of the Parc will place Dundee at the centre of innovation and collaboration to make positive changes that will benefit both the economy and the environment.
“We are proud to be continuing our relationship with MSIP and to celebrate this significant milestone in the delivery of the Innovation Hub.”
Details on the programme for our Demonstrator and Showcase 9th March event are below:
Doors open – 9am
Breakfast and Networking
MORNING SESSION
10am – 10.30am
Welcome address
Greig Coull, CEO, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
Ministerial address
10.40am – 11.30am
Panel session: Innovation and technology in 2023, and ensuring we have the skills to keep up
- Sarah Petrie, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (lead panellist)
- Stuart Jackson, Transport Scotland,
- Stewart McKinlay, National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland
Workshop 1: ‘Efficient Technology Innovation and Qualification’ led by Astrimar
Workshop 2: ‘How do we flexibly Manage Energy Demand?’ led by Mike Thususka, Summerside
Tour of MSIP Innovation Labs
11.40am – 12.30pm
Plenary: Phil Steele, Future Technology Evangelist, Octopus Energy facilitated by tbc
Workshop 1: DER-IC led, title tbc
Workshop 2: Zero Emission Truck Task Force led, title tbc
Tour of MSIP Innovation Labs
12.30PM – 1.20PM
Lunch and networking
AFTERNOON SESSION
1.20pm – 1.30pm
Welcome back – Greig Coull, CEO, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
1.40pm – 2.30pm
Panel session: New Technology for new behaviours, mobility in 2023 – facilitated by tbc
- Sebastien Thomas, Tripshift
- Hugh MacKenzie, Trojan Energy
- David Hamilton, Scooply
- Tbc, Cosortiq
Workshop 1: ‘De-risking innovation in your business’ led by Will Mitchell, 4C Design
Workshop 2: ‘Building IP Strategies that secure investment’ led by Veronika Brázdová, Potter Clarkson
Tour of MSIP Innovation Labs
2.40pm – 3.30pm
Panel session: ‘Enabling innovation – MSIP Accelerator Showcase’, facilitator tbc
- Tronius
- Carruthers Renewables
- Vahanomy
- CalPac Resources
- Kinetic Hydro
- Laidir Circular Mobility
Workshop 1: ‘5G Enabled Energy Innovation Workshop’, led by Kirsty Scott, Scotland 5G Centre
Workshop 2: ‘Skills for Decarbonising Transport’, led by Stuart Jackson, Transport Scotland
Tour of MSIP Innovation Labs
3.40pm – 4.30pm
Reflection on the day: Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
Keynote: Ian Houston, President, Scottish Business Network US/SBN Ambassador Washington, DC
Final remarks: Greig Coull, CEO, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc
4.30pm – 5pm
Final networking
Close of event
Tickets can be purchased here – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/506077249677
Five companies have been awarded funding as part of Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc’s (MSIP) second Innovation Challenge.
MSIP and partners The Data Lab, Censis and Dundee City Council, are providing project funding of over £86,000, towards a total project cost of over £136,000.
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.
MSIP’s Innovation Challenge 2 aims to provide grant funding to companies seeking to develop and demonstrate innovative new models for personal transport and commuting whilst addressing the Scottish Government’s challenging Net Zero targets for transport.
A competitive funding call was launched in September 2022, resulting in 13 applications, which have been narrowed down to four funded projects from five companies.
As part of the funding, the successful companies will have access to space at MSIP’s soon to launch Innovation Labs.
The funding awarded will allow the successful companies to test, prototype and demonstrate technologies focused on new sustainable transport options including e-bikes powered by solar; an electric vehicle and hydrogen refuelling system; development of an electric vehicle with the innovative capacity to yield energy to the grid; and mobile electric vehicle charging technology.
All projects are due to start by April 2023.
Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, MSIP said: “I’m excited to announce that we are funding a further four projects through our Innovation Challenge 2.
“Through MSIP’s Innovation Programme we want to support early-stage companies that will benefit from additional support to test, develop and demonstrate innovative ideas into viable products that can be taken to market.
“This kind of funding is critical to achieving the ambitious net zero targets set in Scotland, which is why it is a core part of our Innovation Programme at MSIP.”
Brian Hills, CEO, The Data Lab said “Data science is already helping us to understand climate change and develop technologies to support the transition to net zero.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these projects get started, which have the potential to change the way we think about transport.
“Normally we think of greener transport options as vehicles with a lower carbon footprint, but to be able to demonstrate transport options that actually generate energy back to the grid could be game-changing.”
Councillor John Alexander, leader of Dundee City Council, said: “The four projects selected display the kind of creativity and innovation that is going to be required to address the global climate emergency.
“The work undertaken through this Challenge will help to further both MSIP and Dundee’s reputation as being at the forefront of new, greener transport technologies. I look forward to seeing each of projects develop and wish them every success.”
Projects selected for MSIP Innovation Challenge 2 funding are:
Frisco Project Management Consultancy Services Limited: the Frisco e-Bikes and the Frisco Solar Docks harness the use of solar power, to wirelessly recharge e-Bikes, at Docking Stations with solar panels.
OTG1821 and Tronius: a collaboration to develop a portable EV charging and hydrogen refueler system. The new product will be named the “GINIUS”Pod and respond to the increasing demand for accessible EV charging and lack of hydrogen fuelling locations.
IC2EV: MH2G will convert an existing motorhome running on fossil fuels into a 100% electric vehicle with the innovative capacity to yield energy to the grid through V2G technology controlled by IC2EV’s evBrain software.
4SB Mobility Ltd: an attachable, swappable, ‘jerry can’ battery that connects directly to an electric vehicles main battery.
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.
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.
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) will today be sown with a variety of native Scottish plant species, to create a wildflower meadow at the Innovation Parc.
Young learners from Barnhill Primary School and others from the MSIP community will take part in a seed sowing event, that will create a series of meadow areas on the Innovation Parc that will bloom throughout the summer months.
This is part of a wider Eden Project National Wildflower Centre initiative to bring colour and biodiversity to the city with the planting of a series of wildflower meadows covering 14 hectares of land across Dundee.
Funded by the Alexander Moncur Trust, who are celebrating their 75th anniversary, the project directly addresses the decline of natural wildflower meadows that support bees and other pollinating insects. Species sown today will flower in late summer and will include native local provenance species such as corn chamomile, poppy, oxeye daisy and red campion.
Ten further sites have been identified by Dundee City Council, as part of the City’s biodiversity grasslands initiative, and will be developed and maintained through the Nature Restoration Fund, with Eden Project supporting the training and narrative building.
The planting programme is part of Eden’s commitment to the city ahead of the opening of Eden Project Dundee in 2025 and delivers on MSIP’s ambition to maintain a connection to the local community as well as raise awareness of climate action.
This project follows on from the previously announced strategic partnership between Eden Project and MSIP.
Caishlan Sweeney, Project Engagement Manager, Eden Project said: “We’re delighted to be working with MSIP to introduce these important wildlife habitats as part of our continued work in Dundee., Sowing wildflowers is a fantastic way to introduce children and adults to the diversity of nature and begin to build a new connection to it.”
Sarah Petrie, Innovation Director, MSIP said: “The creation of a wildflower meadow will add to the variety of habitats available on the Innovation Parc for wildlife to thrive.
“We want to provide a rich and varied working environment for people to enjoy at MSIP, and we believe that the wildflower meadow will add to that, stimulating new innovations as a result.
“It’s great to be able to include local young learners and our MSIP community in the building of this, something that they can all hopefully benefit from in the years to come.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”