University of Derby
Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering and research in manufacturing, energy, transport, and smart cities.
University of Derby’s strengths
EarthScale partners play a vital role in unlocking regional strengths and climate innovation opportunities across the UK. The University of Derby is one of six regional hubs, offering ventures access to its in-house expertise, specialist facilities, and local innovation ecosystem.
Each hub is supported by a dedicated manager who coordinates tailored support and engagement activities. Explore the University of Derby’s strengths below.
A partnership between
Background
Accelerating small-business growth, breaking down barriers and creating unrivalled opportunities for entrepreneurs to innovate and thrive.
The University of Derby are closing the gap between research and impact, tackling issues that matter to the city, region, businesses and industry.
The Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Engineering focuses on sustainable engineering solutions across multiple sectors. The Institute supports innovation in design, manufacturing, product lifecycle management, and the application of new and smart materials, thereby supporting skills development and industrial growth in the region.
Here, businesses can access knowledge, funding, expertise, and technology to develop products and processes, driving innovation while always keeping sustainability in mind.
Regional strengths
Derby has long-standing links to rail, manufacturing and engineering industries – especially being home to the first factory in the world!
It is a centre for advanced transport manufacturing, home to Rolls-Royce, Alstom, and Toyota UK headquarters.
More recently, Derby has helped drive nuclear research as a specialism. The Nuclear Skills Academy is a first-of-its-kind partnership between the University of Derby and Rolls-Royce, supported by industry and education experts, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear and Derby City Council.
The university has also built a strong specialism in aquatic research, with a particular focus on coral reef restoration. Through its Aquatic Research Facility, it is partnering with organisations around the world to help make coral reefs more resilient in the face of unprecedented bleaching.
Established partnerships and facilities
Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Engineering
CNC machining, mechanical testing and metrology, additive manufacturing, design for manufacture software, and more.
The STEM Centre
4,200-square-metre facility, specifically designed to enhance applied, practical teaching. Facilities include building materials and concrete testing, composites and additive manufacturing, materials testing and microscopy centre, advanced manufacturing with a range of CNC machine tools and robotics, geotechnics and fluids labs incorporating flumes and soil testing facilities.
Cavendish Building
The latest addition to Derby’s innovation districts provides incubation space, office space, innovation vouchers, and regional and national events. The space has strong links with the Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Engineering, the Enterprise Centre, Derby City Council’s iHub, the East Midlands Institute of Technology, and the Nuclear Skills Academy.
Industry experts
Zero Carbon-related research, divided into three areas: Centre for Manufacturing, Materials and Energy, Centre for Mobility and the Built Environment and Centre for Nature-Based Solutions.
Local innovation ecosystem
The University of Derby has developed a local innovation ecosystem by providing opportunities for co-location, direct access to expertise, and collaboration with academic researchers, leveraging expert insight and cutting-edge facilities to accelerate growth.
- Programmes: The Green Entrepreneurship Programme, Invest to Grow, Derby Innovation Accelerator, Forging Ahead, Coral Reefs, Nature Connectedness and the DUST Project.
“EarthScale is addressing the growing need for a nationwide, collaborative, and interdisciplinary approach to supporting climate-focused startups. As these ventures advance toward commercial deployment, they require strategic assistance – whether in mitigating investment risks or navigating the complex landscape of emerging and innovative technologies, regulatory frameworks, testing protocols, and product certification processes.”
Dr Boris Ceranic, Senior Academic and Researcher and EarthScale Project Lead at the University of Derby
Our partners
A national network
Cranfield University
World-class industrial and pilot-scale facilities, including water, clean energy, agriculture, aerospace, automotive and more.
Imperial College
A collaboration between Undaunted and the Imperial Enterprise Lab; world-class research, deep climate expertise and a thriving innovation ecosystem centred in the White City Innovation District.
University of Derby
Their Institute for Innovation and Sustainable Engineering focuses on sustainable engineering solutions, supporting innovation in design, manufacturing, product lifecycle management and more.
University of Exeter
Home to 1500 climate and sustainability experts across 34 specialist environmental institutes and centres of excellence.
University of Leeds
Their Priestley Centre for Climate Futures is a world-leading climate centre that connects its climate experts with businesses, policymakers, and communities to transform how we address climate change.
University of Nottingham
State-of-the-art facilities that support sustainable manufacturing and low-carbon innovation.
Join the network
Become a regional hub partner
The network is actively welcoming new university partners to join, grow, and strengthen this unique and impactful collaboration.
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