The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
New Michelin innovation chief ‘excited’ to link with Dundee University.
DUNDEE: Bosses at former Michelin site say partnership will give tenants access to expertise
The innovation park being developed at Dundee’s former Michelin site has added Dundee University’s expertise to its armoury.
Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the university to help drive the innovation of new products and processes for MSIP tenants who will work in the fields of sustainable mobility and low-carbon energy.
The site is being developed into a centre for advanced manufacturing and technology that aims to replace many of the hundreds of jobs lost with the closure of the tyre factory.
The partnership will allow MSIP to benefit from the university’s expertise in relevant areas, as well as its experience in design and development for manufacture.
The university will have access to MSIP’S space for start-ups, spin-outs and research and development.
It will also make connections with MSIP’S tenants, connecting the university’s people, research and innovations to industry.
John Reid, chief executive of MSIP, said: “We want to create a community of collaboration where the best academics and like-minded companies come together to innovate, create the skills of the future and develop new products and processes to tackle the climate emergency head on.
“The University of Dundee has a strong network of local and global partnerships and collaborations and an exceptional offering in R&D and commercialisation of technology.
“It also produces excellent graduates in a range of disciplines directly relevant to MSIP.
“We are excited to see what future opportunities this partnership with the University of Dundee brings.”
MSIP and the university will also work together to identify and apply for relevant funding opportunities and collaborate on MSIP’S skills academy and the business accelerator programme delivered by Elevator.
A partnership steering group will be established to progress this collaboration.
The university, with world-leading technology experts and advanced research facilities, has a strong track record of commercialisation and technology breakthroughs.
Professor John Rowan, vice-principal (research, knowledge exchange and wider impact), said: “The university is one of the main drivers of the economy of Dundee and the Tay Cities area.
“We want to stimulate new enterprise and business locally, which can also make an impact globally.
“Working with MSIP and other partners will help us create new opportunities and establish new jobs, bringing investment to Dundee and also helping us retain and develop expertise and skills in the city.”
MSIP is a joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise aims to drive growth and diversity in the Scottish economy while addressing the global climate emergency.
As well as large, flexible space, tenants will have access to an innovation campus, a skills academy, business support and competitive, green energy delivered from sustainable sources on the 32-hectare site.