NMITE unveils Pioneering Innovation Programme and Future Skills Hub
In a bold move to put Herefordshire on the innovation map, the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) has launched its Innovation Programme 2024-2025.
This key initiative marks the first phase of establishing the Centre for Innovation and Future Skills (CIFS), an ambitious project aimed at bridging the gap between local businesses and academia. Set to become a dynamic hub for collaboration, CIFS will drive growth, foster new ideas, and equip businesses with the skills needed to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
The Innovation Programme kicks off with a bang on 12th September at the Skylon Campus in Hereford, where an exclusive Demo Day will celebrate the achievements of local businesses that participated in the six-month pilot. The event, which runs from 4-8pm, will provide a glimpse into the transformative power of NMITE’s approach, showcasing real-world successes and setting the stage for the official programme launch.
Empowering Local Businesses for the Future
Applications for the Innovation Programme will open on 12th September, offering up to 15 companies from Herefordshire and surrounding areas the chance to take part. The programme is packed with hands-on workshops designed to help businesses innovate, grow, and prepare for the future of work. Topics covered include ideation, evaluating business innovation readiness, market opportunity analysis, and the development of new products, services, and processes.
Key highlights of the programme include:
- Full-day workshops on critical topics like ideation, market opportunities, and product development.
- Commercialisation and funding strategies to ensure businesses have the resources and insights needed for success.
- One-on-one support from Innovate UK’s Innovation and Growth Specialists, providing tailored guidance for each business.
Nick Day, Head of Development and Innovation at Services for Independent Living (SIL), who took part in the pilot, described the experience as transformative: “The Innovation Programme was a game changer for Services for Independent Living (SIL). The level of consultancy was excellent, and the diversity and professional background of guest speakers was impressive. The organisational learning that we gained was significant and the traction this gave us in advancing our business project was unprecedented. The atmosphere of the sessions and ongoing engagement was so supportive and upbeat, we will genuinely miss the team at NMITE and Innovate UK. It was six months that were well spent in terms of outputs for SIL but also a really enjoyable, insightful and life-affirming experience. I can’t recommend the programme highly enough.”
CIFS: Building a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem
The Centre for Innovation and Future Skills aims to serve as the beating heart of Herefordshire’s business community, acting as a bridge between industry and academia. By aligning with sectors critical to the region’s future—like agriculture, manufacturing, construction, environmental technology, health, and security—the centre seeks to create a thriving ecosystem where innovation can flourish.
Professor David Oloke, Chief Academic Officer at NMITE, emphasised the centre’s mission: “The NMITE Centre for Innovation and Future Skills will facilitate innovation incubation and propagation through the collaboration of key stakeholders. The Centre will also foster an environment for upskilling and re-skilling the workforce in readiness for the required skills to tackle future global challenges.”
Through its innovative approach, CIFS is set to attract inward investment and generate new opportunities, ensuring that Herefordshire is not just keeping pace with global trends but leading the charge.
A Vision of Innovation and Opportunity
The launch of the Innovation Programme 2024-2025 represents more than just a series of workshops; it’s a statement of intent from NMITE. The initiative is part of a broader vision to create a different model of engineering higher education, one that not only produces talented engineers but also cultivates the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.
NMITE’s educational approach stands out by blending traditional engineering disciplines with liberal arts and interpersonal skills, equipping students with the versatility needed to tackle real-world challenges. The institution aims to recruit a diverse cohort, including those who might never have considered engineering as a career. By focusing on student-centric learning and practical problem-solving, NMITE is redefining what it means to be an engineer in the modern world.
Looking Ahead: NMITE’s Commitment to Herefordshire
As NMITE forges ahead with its Innovation Programme and the establishment of CIFS, the impact on Herefordshire’s business landscape is set to be profound. By providing local companies with the tools, skills, and support needed to innovate, NMITE is not just investing in businesses but in the community itself. This commitment to driving economic growth and nurturing talent will position Herefordshire as a beacon of innovation in the UK and beyond.
For businesses eager to be part of this transformative journey, the deadline for applications is Monday, 11th November. As NMITE continues to roll out its ambitious plans, one thing is clear: the future of innovation in Herefordshire is bright, bold, and brimming with possibilities.
