Digital Catapult, a leading deep tech innovation organisation, has announced the inauguration of its new office in South Gloucestershire, covering Bristol and Bath. This move reinforces its commitment to fostering partnerships across the South West of England and Wales. The office will provide innovation services such as technological consultancy, accelerator programmes, and access to Digital Catapult’s extensive lab network, enabling local startups to scale effectively.
Situated at the Bristol & Bath Science Park, this permanent base aims to bolster Digital Catapult’s regional presence. It builds on successful collaborations with academic institutions, government bodies, industry leaders, and startups. Notably, the organisation is involved in the £30 million MyWorld programme with the University of Bristol, the University of Bath, and the University of the West of England (UWE), which has catalysed nearly £28.3 million in investments by South West SMEs. Additionally, projects with the University of Bristol aim to advance 6G technology deployment.
The investment underscores Digital Catapult’s dedication to regional innovation, with the new centre serving as a hub to strengthen local capabilities and extend its impact nationwide. By leveraging regional skills and expertise, the initiative aligns with the UK government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and local growth plans, creating jobs and partnerships.
Collaboration with local partners is crucial to Digital Catapult’s strategy. A strategic partnership with the Centre for Modelling and Simulation (CFMS) exemplifies how local collaboration yields national benefits, combining CFMS’s simulation capabilities with Digital Catapult’s deep tech expertise.
Susan Bowen, CEO of Digital Catapult, highlighted the region’s significance, noting its potential as a centre for deep tech innovation. She emphasised the importance of early adoption of deep tech to support local industries, such as the aerospace cluster and AI Growth Zones, and to enhance regional energy security.
Councillor Ian Boulton and Adam Monk from South Gloucestershire Council remarked on the positive impact of Digital Catapult’s investment, aligning with the council’s ambitions to foster science and technology growth. Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing the region’s strengths in aerospace, creative industries, and energy.
