Connected Supporting Innovation at QUB Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC)
Building an Innovation Culture for Northern Ireland's Manufacturing Future
The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), led by Queen's University Belfast, represents a significant investment in the future of manufacturing and engineering across Northern Ireland. As an industry-led, open-access innovation centre, AMIC is designed to accelerate manufacturing innovation, improve productivity, and strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses through access to cutting-edge facilities, expert engineering support, and world-class academic expertise.
With a 10,000-square-metre facility dedicated to advanced manufacturing innovation, AMIC is helping to create an ecosystem where businesses of all sizes can explore new technologies, develop innovative products, and enhance manufacturing processes.
The Role of Connected
Connected has played an important supporting role in the development of AMIC's innovation ecosystem through the delivery of Sector Specific Projects and Competitive Fund Projects. These funding mechanisms have enabled businesses, particularly micro-enterprises and SMEs, to engage with innovation activities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
By supporting collaborative projects between industry, further education colleges, universities, and AMIC, Connected has helped establish the foundations of a strong innovation culture within Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector. This engagement is particularly important for smaller businesses, providing them with opportunities to access expertise, facilities, and funding needed to explore new ideas and improve competitiveness.
Driving Innovation Through Collaborative Projects
Connected's funding programmes have supported a range of projects focused on:
New product development
Manufacturing process improvements
Technology adoption and digital transformation
Skills development and knowledge transfer
Research and innovation collaboration
Through these initiatives, businesses have been able to work closely with AMIC's engineering specialists, academic researchers, and education partners to identify challenges and develop practical solutions that deliver tangible commercial benefits.
Supporting SMEs and Micro-Businesses
A key objective of Connected's support has been to increase engagement among SMEs and micro-businesses. These companies form the backbone of Northern Ireland's manufacturing supply chain but can often face barriers when investing in research and development activities.
The Connected Competitive Fund has provided targeted support for innovation projects, enabling smaller businesses to test new concepts, improve production capabilities, and develop products with greater market potential. This approach not only supports individual company growth but also contributes to a wider culture of innovation across the region.
AMIC's Impact on Manufacturing Excellence
Funded through a £98 million investment as part of the Belfast Region City Deal, AMIC has been established to improve productivity, enhance competitiveness, attract inward investment, and accelerate the growth of Northern Ireland's manufacturing sector.
The centre's advanced infrastructure includes state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, such as robotic rotational moulding equipment, providing capabilities that allow engineers and businesses to undertake larger and more complex projects than previously possible.
By combining these facilities with industry expertise and academic research excellence, AMIC is creating an environment where innovation can move from concept to commercial application more quickly and effectively.
A Partnership for Future Growth
The collaboration between AMIC and Connected demonstrates the value of partnerships in driving regional economic growth and innovation. Connected's investment in Sector Specific and Competitive Fund Projects has strengthened engagement with businesses, particularly SMEs and micro-enterprises, ensuring they can actively participate in Northern Ireland's advanced manufacturing future.
Together, AMIC and Connected are helping to build a more innovative, productive, and competitive manufacturing sector, creating opportunities for businesses to grow, adopt new technologies, and contribute to the region's long-term economic prosperity.