Worcestershire is set to become a world leading centre for the sensors market if it is successful in becoming the Smart Sensor Catapult Centre being proposed at a special event hosted by QinetiQ this week. On Tuesday, 21 June, representatives from a range of the UK 's leading research organisations and businesses will meet to discuss the future of the sensors market and how, with the cutting edge research being done in the county, it can be ensured that the benefits stay in the county.
The sensors market is estimated at £50Bn globally and supports a larger sensor-dependent market of roughly £120Bn. It is a significant component of Worcestershire’s economy and the Smart Sensor Catapult centre is being developed locally in partnership with a number of organisations including Innovate UK, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire County Council, local industry, Universities and QinetiQ.
Malvern based, QinetiQ has been at the forefront of this work to encourage Innovate UK and Government to invest in building a Smart Sensors Centre and Catapult in Worcestershire, with the aim of further developing Smart Sensor research in line with the ever developing needs in British Manufacturing and end use application. It is expected that sensors will play an ever increasing role in future system with the emergence of the Internet of Things (IOT) or internet controlled appliances. A UK centre of excellence for Sensor research would offer support, help in keeping Britain at the very peak of sensor technology and create enormous and lucrative economic opportunities not only for the local economy but nationally too.
This event, which is free to attend, will provide information on the UK Smart Sensors Catapult journey so far and already has a fantastic participation covering Defence, Automotive, Food, Utilities, Manufacturing, Academia and Government,
Specifically invited representatives from Local Government, business and academia as well QinetiQ will be discussing what markets will be affected in terms of growth and how a catapult in Malvern will benefit on a Regional, National and Global scale.
Cllr Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for Economy, Skills and Infrastructure said: "With such huge potential benefits it is vital that we support this move to create a centre for world renown centre for Sensors research"
Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership said: "Worcestershire is developing into a county of excellence when it comes to technology and cyber skills and the emergence of a Smart Sensors Catapult will help to project the county both nationally and internationally. The WLEP and partners are working together with QinetiQ to ensure that relevant businesses are aware of this development and that they sign up to this free event as soon as possible."
The event is open to anyone who feels they have a stake in this industry and wants to gain an understanding of what role they and their organisation could play, the benefits and the potential rewards from being involved. Sensor technology cover many markets sectors and all sector representatives are invited to join.