Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP) is providing £1.3m in capital funds to University Campus Aylesbury Vale to create a Digital Innovation Hub.
The aim is to make University Campus Aylesbury Vale, in Walton Street, Aylesbury, a centre for start-up businesses in the digital sector, with facilities including a cyber-security suite and virtual reality engineering design studio. An aim is for small and early-stage businesses to access advice, support and incubation spaces and enjoy use of the wider facilities and opportunities offered at both institutions’ sites.
University Campus Aylesbury Vale is a purpose-built campus for the delivery of degree and professional development courses in Aylesbury, providing degree level courses and professional development through Bucks New University and Aylesbury College. It has more than 300 students studying courses including foundation degrees in Computing and Business Management.
Andrew M Smith, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Thames Valley Local Enterprise Partnership (BTVLEP), said: “We are delighted to be funding this key project to create an exciting hub where business and education can interact and which meet BTVLEP and regional skills priorities in design and technology. University Campus Aylesbury Vale’s Digital Innovation Hub will be the area’s leading destination and ideal environment for businesses and entrepreneurs in design and digital technology sectors seeking support for start-up, innovation and growth. The new facility will be a hub for business-to-business interaction and access to apprenticeship and higher skills development, all of which will help to retain expertise in Bucks and attract talent from other areas.”
Ian Harper, Chief Executive of University Campus Aylesbury Vale, said: “We are grateful to the BTVLEP for their support of the project and delighted that they are excited by our plans to support new businesses, apprentices and undergraduates in our Aylesbury campus. We look forward to working with the LEP to address the current and future skills needs of the region.”
The development will incorporate a business service to meet graduate level skills gaps and a technical design facility to support the development of technical businesses.
Prof Tim Middleton, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research, Enterprise & International, said: “Bucks New University is excited to be working with the support of the LEP to build on its work with business in further developing our University Campus Aylesbury Vale site as a place to work with start-up businesses and provide enhanced support for continuing professional development in cyber security and digital design.”
A mobile facility will use simulation to showcase work and courses offered at University Campus Aylesbury Vale, particularly where the College and University seek to widen participation in further and higher education among traditionally under-represented groups.
Background
University Campus Aylesbury Vale is a partnership between Aylesbury College and Buckinghamshire New University and provides degree level courses and professional development through the two institutions.
