INSIGHTS / News

Image courtesy of EPIC.

SETsquared Exeter and EPIC (Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre) in Torbay are delighted to announce their new partnership which will enable technology businesses to benefit from the unique combination of skills, knowledge and expertise that the partners offer.

The University of Exeter Enterprise Zone project has enabled the expansion of its business acceleration offer through SETsquared Exeter with the launch of a dedicated, purpose built accelerator space on the Exeter Science Park. Accelerator member businesses participate in a structured programme of support which is designed to create rapid growth, and the new partnership will enable EPIC tenants to access the programme from the centre in Paignton.

EPIC has a rich and thriving microelectronics and photonics community. The centre boasts more than £2M worth of microelectronics equipment for businesses to share in addition to a classified cleanroom.

The formal partnership, which will also support EPIC tenants in accessing University of Exeter research expertise, is perfectly suited to harness the strength of both organisations.

The alliance will provide collaborative business support and new prospects for local businesses, tailored to their needs. It will champion careers in microelectronics and improve retention levels of graduates in the region by promoting positions and therefore responding to recent skills shortages in STEMM sectors.

Joe Pearce, Head of Business Support at SETsquared Exeter, University of Exeter, said: “This partnership suggests a number of ways that we can work together for mutual benefit. This is a great moment to unite and create exciting opportunities for the region’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Together we can make the South West a hub for technology innovation and develop possibilities for the next generation.”

Wayne Loschi, Centre Director EPIC said: “We are seeing some impressive growth from EPIC tenants in addition to an encouraging pipeline of companies wishing to take space here. An important part of our tenants’ strategy is recruiting a new generation of talent. This collaboration with SETsquared and the University of Exeter will fully support this strategy”.