Create, collaborate, innovate - MK:U Innovation Hub opens

Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP’s Chief Executive, reflects on the importance of the project for the business community.

MK:U’s Innovation Hub opened on March 18th; with the goal of helping to create, develop and grow new ideas in Milton Keynes.

Featuring Creative and Collaborative spaces, as well as a Communications Lab, it’s the perfect place for start-up and scaling businesses to create an inner circle of like-minded innovators to help develop Milton Keynes' reputation as a smart city.

The modern facility will also host degree apprentices to break skill-gaps, promote collaboration with local businesses, and provide ‘the next level’ of education for the future of Milton Keynes.

Watch a short video below touring the facility; with interviews from Neil Hart, Programmes Manager at SEMLEP, and Kristian Mackie, Innovation Hub Manager at MK:U. 

Hilary Chipping, SEMLEP’s Chief Executive, reflects on the importance of MK:U for the business community and why SEMLEP are keen to support the project:

“High technology, precision engineering and creative industries are important, high-value, fast growth sectors for this area and there is much need to strengthen the talent pipeline of individuals with the data and digital skills to meet growing employer needs. The new MK:U, Cranfield University and the South Central Institute of Technology all play a crucial role in focusing learning and practical application of these skills to support local businesses. More needs to be done to secure the future success of businesses. Skills, and therefore MK:U, needs to be a part of that response.

“SEMLEP will continue to raise the further Investment needs of MK:U with Government and the investor community, working with our colleagues in Milton Keynes Council, Cranfield University and beyond”

MK:U is partly funded by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s (SEMLEP's) Getting Building Fund.

Read more about this exciting new facility here: https://lnkd.in/dudjpsuU