This week, NWCAM2 (North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing 2) was launched by Catalyst in Derry~Londonderry. The transformative cross-border initiative is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
It is designed to accelerate innovation and sustainable manufacturing across the life and health sciences sector in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The project, which will be led by Catalyst and supported by Ulster University as a partner organisation among others, received PEACEPLUS funding of €9,981,033 through the Innovation Challenge Fund.
It aims to help 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products, enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete globally.
Attendees were welcomed by Rob Grundy, Director of Innovation Partnerships at Catalyst. The event continued with a video message from Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, remarks from Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a speech from Catalyst CEO Steve Orr, and a panel discussion featuring NWCAM2 partners.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said:
“I am encouraged by the collaborative spirt of this innovative, all-island project, to drive innovation in our life and health sciences sector – identified as a key sector for my Department to drive economic development in the north.
“SMEs will be supported in the real-world implementation of their processes and products by academic and industry partners from across the island, combining scientific expertise and practical innovation. This strategic investment will help strengthen regional innovation capacity, create high-quality jobs and support our transition to a greener, more competitive economy.”
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said:
“The launch of NWCAM2 represents a major milestone in advancing sustainable manufacturing and innovation across the island. This €9.98 million investment, supported by PEACEPLUS, will empower SMEs to adopt cutting-edge technologies and environmentally responsible practices, strengthening their global competitiveness while contributing to our climate goals.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and driving high-impact innovation in life and health sciences.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said:
“NWCAM2 is an incredibly powerful example of what cross-border collaboration can achieve. The PEACEPLUS Programme’s investment in collaborative innovation will help to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Economic development in post-conflict regions is vital and the provision of support for SMEs, research, and innovation in targeted areas is a key focus of PEACEPLUS.”
NWCAM2 will be delivered in partnership with Atlantic Technology University, North West Regional College, Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin and Irish Manufacturing Research. It builds on the success of the original NWCAM programme, which delivered high-impact innovations such as rapid-response ventilator technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new initiative will deepen research and practical implementation, embedding advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital tools and sustainable materials into the operations of participating SMEs.
Adrian Boyd, Senior Lecturer at Ulster University School of Engineering and project researcher, commented:
“NWCAM2 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.”
Professor Liam Maguire, Pro Vice Chancellor of Research at Ulster University, said:
“Ulster University is delighted to contribute to NWCAM2, 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.”
