Led by Catalyst and supported by Dr Adrian Boyd from Ulster University, funding has been secured under the PEACEPLUS Innovation Challenge Fund for NWCAM2 (North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing 2) which will work with businesses in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland.
The project, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), has received funding of €9,981,033 and will be led by Catalyst, in partnership with Atlantic Technology University (ATU), North West Regional College, Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin and Irish Manufacturing Research Centre.
PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. The PEACEPLUS Programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, and has a total value of €1.14bn.
NWCAM2 will address crucial challenges in the life and health sciences sector by supporting SMEs in the development of environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products – enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete on a global scale.
NWCAM2 builds on the success of the original NWCAM project, funded through INTERREG VA, which was widely recognised for delivering high-impact manufacturing innovations such as Armstrong Medical’s rapid-response ventilator technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new programme takes that success further by combining deep research with practical implementation to ensure tangible benefits, directly supporting SMEs on both sides of the border to embed advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital tools, and sustainable materials.
Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice Chancellor of Research at Ulster University, said:
“Ulster University is delighted to contribute to the North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, an exciting collaborative cross-border project that builds on previous work and brings together a range of research institutions that will help drive innovation in manufacturing across the local Life and Health Sciences sector.”
Dr Adrian Boyd, Senior Lecturer at Ulster University School of Engineering and project researcher, commented:
“NWCAM2, which builds on a previously funded project, will support the development of new innovative products and process, enhance sustainability, and help companies adopt net-zero approaches. The impact of this project will mean enhanced global competitiveness for these companies, the creation of new jobs, enhance knowledge transfer through pooling our collective expertise, and bring massive benefits to local communities and wider society. We are grateful for the funding from PEACEPLUS and are looking forward to seeing the results of the project.”
Rob Grundy, Director of Innovation Partnerships, Catalyst:
“NWCAM2 is a natural evolution of our work through the original NWCAM project. This investment allows us to scale impact, supporting businesses to drive forward innovation that benefits both our economy and the environment.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre added:
“Economic development in any post-conflict region is essential for underpinning peace, by creating prosperity. The provision of support for SMEs, research and innovation in specific areas identified is a key focus within the PEACEPLUS Programme.
“By investing in collaborative innovation, we will see the development of strong and entrepreneurial, innovation-led ecosystems that drive sustainable growth, increased productivity and competitive advantage.”
