Huddersfield innovation hub celebrates supporting over 500 businesses worldwide

One of the UK’s first ever innovation hubs, the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) in Huddersfield, has reached its 10-year milestone as it reflects on a decade of supporting over 500 businesses worldwide.

Carved out from a former textile mill, the £12m 3M BIC was designed to bridge the gap between industry and academia, connecting the business world with the academic world. Its vision was to give companies, particularly SMEs, access to research expertise and advanced technology and allow universities to draw on commercial capabilities.

Launched in May 2013, the 3M BIC is a subsidiary of the University of Huddersfield, part-funded by ERDF, as well as Kirklees Council. It has since served as a hub for innovation, helping businesses to innovate, connect, and grow through access to technology, expertise, grow-on space, and research & collaboration opportunities with the University.

Since 2013:

• 55 businesses have spun in and out of the 3M BIC, with businesses residing at the centre for an average of 6.5 years, and 100 per cent experiencing business growth during their tenure at the Centre.
• Over £4m from the Local Growth Fund has been invested in technology as part of the Huddersfield Innovation and Incubation (HIIP)
• 3,000 3D prints have been created at the Centre in a range of materials including titanium, stainless steel, resins and nylon powder.
• 10 researchers have been supported as part of the 3M BIC Fellowship scheme launched in 2021, providing access to advanced technologies.

In conjunction with the 3M BIC, Kirklees Council and the University of Huddersfield, the first ever Kirklees Top 100 Companies list was launched at the Centre in 2020. The 3M BIC’s Innovation Week was also the precursor to the wider West Yorkshire Innovation Festival, hosted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) that takes place every Autumn.

The 10-year milestone was celebrated at an event on Tuesday 23 May, with the 3M BIC’s namesake in attendance, Sir George Buckley, former Chairman and CEO of 3M, and alumnus of the University of Huddersfield.

Sir George Buckley, who is the current Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, commented: “Innovation Centres like the 3M BIC are crucial to evolving and disrupting markets.

“Giving companies, particularly SMEs, access to academic expertise and technology that are otherwise out of reach due to budgets and limited skills, are invaluable to business growth, longevity and driving innovation. I’m extremely proud to have my name associated with the Centre and look forward to what the next 10 years hold.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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