Construction began last week of the new Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Torbay, which is partly funded by £3m from HotSW LEP’s Growth Deal.
EPIC will build on the strengths of the hi-tech sector in Torbay and provide a centre of excellence for photonics and electronics businesses across the whole of the Heart of the South West.
The £8m project comprises a purpose-built hi-tech innovation centre, along with car parking, landscaping and accompanying estate road.
The facility will promote collaborative activity between businesses and research institutions, while accommodating and supporting start-up and spin-off companies and foreign direct investment relevant to the microelectronics and photonics sector.
Local Growth Minister, Jake Berry, said: “Torbay is a shining example of how Government’s Local Growth funding is providing new and exciting economic opportunities for communities across the country. Delivered with support from the Heart of the South West Local Economic Partnership, this new Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre will help put Torbay on the map for technological innovation and cutting-edge research while supporting local businesses and attracting investment.â€
EPIC will provide open market access to purpose built hi tech facilities and specialist equipment to support R&D, prototyping, innovation and collaboration in emerging technologies, and developing new intellectual property.
Construction will be complete and ready for EPIC to be open in Spring 2019. For more information visit www.torbaydevelopmentagency.co.uk/projects/regeneration/epic