The Centre for Process Innovation has expanded its operations by opening a new base in Newcastle.
The technology innovation body is already well established in the south of the region in the Tees Valley and at NETPark in Sedgefield.
Now the independent innovation organisation has moved into The Catalyst building on Newcastle Helix, where it is looking to collaborate with others to support the commercialisation of tech innovations that solve healthcare and sustainability challenges.
Read more: go here for more North East business news
Based alongside National Innovation Centres for both Ageing and Data, the organisation’s new home will help CPI nurture existing relationships in the region and connect with more high potential start-ups, SMEs and investors.
The business is a founding member of the Government’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult, a network of world class technology and innovation centres designed to transform the UK’s capability for innovation in specific technology areas to help drive future economic growth.
Jen Hartley, director of Invest Newcastle, part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “The expansion of CPI into the award-winning Catalyst Building on Newcastle Helix demonstrates the continued confidence in the city as a place for innovative companies to locate. CPI has a powerful reputation for helping companies commercialise and take ideas to market, and their new location will provide a focal point for their continued work as a deep tech innovation partner of choice. They are the perfect fit for the Helix community and we’re looking forward to working with the team as they grow.”
The CPI says it now has ambitious growth plans that will see it recruit several new staff this year.
Sophie Walton, director of strategic partnerships at CPI said: “Some of these will be tied more directly to our North East sites and some will work flexibly between them – quite a few will use the Newcastle office as their primary CPI office location and some will 'float' – using it to hot desk, hold project meetings and connect with key regional stakeholders.
“This new home will enable us to increase our strategic engagement with the regional ecosystem and strengthen involvement in ongoing projects. We’d also like to work more closely with universities, NHS Trusts, industry and investors in the region alongside NICA and the National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), and we’re excited to use this base to continue to support start-ups, SMEs, and high-growth companies in the region, and to drive forward the deep tech innovations that make our world a better place.”
Michelle Percy, director of place with Newcastle City Council added: “It’s fantastic to have CPI part of the Newcastle Helix community and to know that the city is playing a part in addressing big societal and environmental challenges. Catapults such as CPI are bridging the gap between business and academia, providing access to world-class research and development facilities, and expertise that would otherwise be out of reach for many.”
