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The Southwest could become a global hub for next-generation engineering after the launch of the Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation (DETI) program.

The program aims to bring together world-leading technology innovators from academia and industry. The program is run by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), delivered by the Bristol-based National Center for Composites, in association with the Center for Modeling and Simulation at Bristol & Bath Science Park, the Innovate UK initiative based at Bristol Digital Catapult, UWE Bristol, the University of Bristol and the University of Bath.

Industry partners include Airbus, GKN Aerospace, Rolls Royce and Siemens to test new products and ways of working.

Last week, DETI announced the completion of its first phase, with highlights including research and tools that will power the next generation of electric vehicles; quantum secure 5G connectivity to operate remote factories; and digitally driven product development that is five times faster than traditional methods.

Proof-of-concept demonstrators offer digitally-enabled ways to make UK industry more sustainable and globally competitive, creating new markets and opportunities for businesses in the South West.

Dan Norris, Mayor of the West of England metropolitan area, said: “There is a biodiversity and climate emergency that requires leadership and action – deeds, not words.

“Luckily in the West of England we are working to combat the climate crisis head on. The Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation programme, supported by £5m in funding from my West of England Mayor’s Office, is helping to harness the innovation and abundance of talent we know we have in our West of England region to address this and other pressing challenges.

“It is developing the digital technologies and skills we need to achieve our net zero emissions targets locally, while showing the world that the West of England is the place to be for digital and technological innovation and knowledge of the engineering.

“In turn, through the Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation program, we are creating more high-quality jobs for all residents while inspiring our youth to pursue careers in the green economy, helping create the innovators of tomorrow. In short, it is an absolutely vital program and I am proud to support it.”

Richard Oldfield, Executive Director of the National Composites Center, added: “The Southwest has a proven track record of leadership in developing next generation products. DETI’s success is built on fostering successful collaborations between academia, industry, and world-class research and development innovators.

“By allowing highly innovative concepts to be tried and tested, the ‘learning factory’ DETI partners created takes the risks out of implementation and demonstrates return on investment and increased agility.

“This puts the region at the forefront of working to develop technologies and tools that will power our net-zero future and inspire future generations.”