Innovation UK > News > Innovation UK Vol6-1 > Teesside University is a hotbed of digital talent

Dr Jim TerKeurst

Teesside University has seen enormous growth over the last decade, with multi-million pound investments in state-of-the-art new buildings and equipment, and over 28,000 full and part-time students, including a growing number from overseas.

In 2009 Teesside University was named the Times Higher Education?s University of the Year, and also won the Times Higher?s Outstanding Business Engagement Award for its work with employers.

Its collaboration with Middlesbrough Council and Teesside University is building a super-cluster of high-tech creative industry companies through the DigitalCity initiative. The University?s £12m Institute of Digital Innovation (IDI), a key part of DigitalCity, is the engine for high-growth company creation and leading-edge digital R&D. It has attracted generous financial support from the European Union and regional development agency, One North East.

The IDI brings together an exciting mix of research centres, together with specialist labs for its DigitalCity Fellows - talented graduates who are supported in turning their business ideas into commercial reality. To date the Fellowships have generated over 90 new digital companies. The IDI has rented accommodation for businesses wanting to work closely with Teesside University researchers and graduates.

The nearby DigitalCity Boho Zone, an exciting new development by Middlesbrough Council, is providing business acceleration, networking and accommodation for a fast-developing cluster of indigenous and inward-investing companies. It?s a fantastic environment for ambitious, creative businesses. Among the teams based in the Institute is the Centre for Design in the Digital Economy (d-lab) which is putting the finishing touches to an innovative on-line expo-space for business.

In the Centre for Construction Innovation and Research, led by Professor Nashwan Dawood, a ten-strong research team has won major contracts from the EU, with projects such as IntUBE ? Intelligent Use of Buildings? Energy Information ? improving energy management without reducing user comfort or performance. The EU has also supported research by Teesside?s highly-rated Intelligent Virtual Environments Group led by Professor Marc Cavazza, whose projects include an emotional tree developed using virtual reality and interactive artwork.

As the catalyst for research-business collaboration in digital innovation, the IDI plays a key role in nurturing exciting talent, creating new business opportunities in one of North East England?s most rapidly growing sectors. Together with the Boho Zone, the IDI provides real opportunity for new and expanding digital businesses to benefit from a unique offer, says its director, Dr Jim TerKeurst.

?With our strong partnerships and the commitment of Teesside University to enterprise, we are making a mark on the European, and the international stage.? he says.

Teesside University
Tel: 01642 738888
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Website: www.tees.ac.uk