Competence centres are industry led organisations comprised of businesses and academic
researchers working collaboratively under an agreed strategic research plan, to deliver
market focused projects which generate benefits for industry.
The research plan for the Northern Ireland Advanced Engineering Competence Centre
(which will be based in NIACE) has been drawn up and submitted to Invest NI. The Funding
plan will secure £5M to support research for the next 5 years and is due to be awarded
in July 2013.
In addition to the state of the art facilities participants can avail of within NIACE,
participants can become members of the Northern Ireland Advanced Engineering
Competence Centre, and get access to the benefits this unique funding opportunity
can provide.
Benefits include:
>> An opportunity to engage in high-risk, longer-term research into market
problems that, once solved, can offer them a competitive edge
>> Access to leading edge technology and expertise
>> Access to collaborative industry led and focused R&D projects between
businesses and Universities
>> Access funding of up to 75% to fund collaborative projects