We were excited to join forces with Kent Science Park (KSP) for an event that brought together creativity, science, and enthusiasm. The collaboration between CCCU and KSP marks the beginning of an exciting partnership aimed at innovation, knowledge sharing, and mutual growth. This event is the first in a series designed to foster collaborations and create an ecosystem where academia and industry can work hand-in-hand on cutting-edge projects. 

The EDGE Toolkit: Enhancing Employability for Diverse Engineering Students 

One of the standout projects discussed during the event was the EDGE Toolkit. Originally developed to support underrepresented students, especially those from minority backgrounds in engineering, technology, and design, the EDGE Toolkit aims to improve employment outcomes by focusing on key areas such as digital recruitment profiles and social capital. This has been a collaborative project with EqualEngineers and funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering. 

Key Achievements and Impact: 

• Core Activities Completed: The EDGE Toolkit was successfully developed with input from a range of stakeholders, including students, academics, and industry professionals like EqualEngineers. This collaboration ensured that the toolkit is relevant and valuable to its target users. 

• Stakeholder Engagement: The project saw significant engagement from all involved parties, which played a crucial role in shaping the final toolkit. This collective effort made it more effective for students preparing to transition into the workforce. 

Although some evaluation activities are scheduled for the 2024/25 academic year, the EDGE Toolkit is already poised to improve the employability of engineering students. By supporting the development of LinkedIn-style profiles and fostering greater social capital, this tool will help students transition smoothly into the job market, boosting their career prospects. 

The Immersive Centre: Expanding XR and Immersive Technology at CCCU 

Another highlight of the event was the introduction of CCCU’s Immersive Centre, which is part of the university’s Vision 2030 strategic framework. The Immersive Centre focuses on expanding the use of XR (extended reality) and immersive technologies across the university, benefiting teaching, research, and knowledge exchange. 

“The Innovation Showcase event at the Kent Science Park was a fantastic opportunity to share with our external stakeholders the progressive use of immersive technologies within the university, and how this could have a positive impact on training and use of these same technologies within their own organisations.  There were many positive discussions on the day as part of the Virtual Reality (VR) Workshop facilitated by Gareth Ward and Tim Jackson on behalf of the university.” 

Key Goals of the Immersive Centre: 

• Institutional Strategy: The Immersive Centre is working to establish a long-term strategy for integrating immersive technologies at CCCU. This includes developing guidelines and resources to maximise the potential of XR across various disciplines. 

• Collaboration and Support: The centre will serve as an advisory body, encouraging collaboration between faculties, schools, and departments. This approach ensures that resources are shared, and projects benefit from a multidisciplinary perspective. 

• Industry and Academic Partnerships: By partnering with external industrial and academic organisations, the Immersive Centre will drive innovation in both education and research. These partnerships will also enhance knowledge transfer and business innovation by leveraging XR technologies. 

This initiative builds upon a significant £300,000 investment from SELEP, which resulted in the creation of two VR labs on the CCCU campus. The Immersive Centre will coordinate and expand on these efforts, ensuring that immersive technology benefits students, researchers, and industry partners alike. 

Exhibition Stands and Interactive Workshops 

The event featured a variety of exhibition stands held by KSP tenants, suppliers, local authorities, the university, and a charity. These stands provided valuable insight into industry innovations and collaborative opportunities. Attendees had the chance to dive into interactive workshops and talks held by university academics, covering exciting topics such as: 

• Captivating VR workshops – Immersive Centre 

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships 

• Funding opportunities 

• The latest in creative technology – Creative Innovation Hub 

Collaborations Sparked 

Throughout the day, connections were made, contacts exchanged, and collaborations began forming. Some of the notable exhibitors who attended the event included: 

• Flexible Lab Solutions – Providers of innovative integration and servicing solutions for laboratory automation. 

• Sota Solutions – Experts in digital transformation, offering services such as managed IT, cloud hosting, cyber resilience, and unified communications. 

• Skeye – Global providers of comprehensive solutions for geographic data acquisition, industrial inspections, and high-end aerial imagery. 

• BPES – Specialists in biotech, biopharma, and cell and gene therapy equipment. 

• MAB (Kent) – Providers of expert mortgage advice on a local, regional, and national level. 

• Kent County Council – Kent & Medway Business Fund – Offering financing options for growing businesses. 

• Invios – Innovators in next-generation cancer therapeutics that empower the immune system to fight cancer. 

• Chromatography Direct – Leading innovators in chromatography consumables and mass spectrometry products. 

• Alzheimer’s Research UK – The UK’s leading Alzheimer’s research charity, aiming to find a cure for dementia. 

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future 

This event was a resounding success, setting the stage for future partnerships and collaborations between CCCU and KSP. As we move forward, we are excited to explore new opportunities in innovation, research, and education, helping to build a brighter, more connected future.