The Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus (AGIC), based at Rosyth Docks in Fife, is a global centre of excellence in large-scale manufacturing formed through a collaboration of universities and key industry players, including the University of Edinburgh and Scottish Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.
The AGIC focuses on manufacturing to support the UK’s Green Industrial Revolution including nuclear and energy transition sectors alongside manufacturing for the marine sector.
As part of the £50m Scotland Defence Growth Deal funded by the UK government, AGIC is receiving £5m to support the growth of the marine and advance their manufacturing capabilities with the overall aim of protecting the UK from foreign threats.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard outlined that the funding will “ensure Scotland leads in the technologies that will define the next generation of defence-maritime, space, quantum and advanced engineering.”
Alongside defence, the government states that the funding will have a positive impact on the area resulting in significant growth through job creation while advancing opportunities for young people.
The University of Edinburgh hopes that the funding will have a significant impact on the development of green technologies, including the further development of their projects such as FastBlade which tests tidal turbine blades.
Professor Guangzhao Mao, Head of School of Engineering and AGIC Steering Group at the University of Edinburgh, stated:
“The University of Edinburgh will bring its gamut of expertise in advanced manufacturing and materials, as well as data science and digital systems, to support innovation and upskilling at AGIC.
“By bringing together industry, academia and government, we can turn world‑class research into impact.”
Image by Will Lander for The Student.