Who are we?
We provide advice and resources to support small to medium sized microelectronics companies across the South West and help turn business ideas into real products and services. By understanding what it takes to nurture innovation along with the challenges faced by our particular sector, we have created the kind of practical, well targeted support required to make a difference to your business. By connecting and extending our existing networks we create real opportunities for companies in the South West.
Our £2.3m ERDF funded project forms part of the Government’s ‘Solutions for Business’ portfolio with all support and services offered free of charge. The project began on 1 July 2010 and will run for three years. Led by The University of the West of England we are backed by an impressive consortium of partners bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the project.
We provide an effective arena for innovation by providing networking activities, supporting new company and new product development, and assisting with transitional phases during company growth.
The iNet also forms part of a longer term vision to strengthen our globally recognised Microelectronics sector in the South West.
Our Partners
University of the West of England
The University of the West of England (UWE) is one of Britain’s most enterprising universities and a hub for innovative and dynamic projects. It has a well-deserved reputation for working effectively with industry partners and an impressive track record of engaging with the region’s SMEs
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a world-class university with research strengths crossing multiple sectors, including microelectronics. The University hosts the SETsquared Business Acceleration Centre, the award winning business incubator that supports around 50 early stage, high tech, high growth businesses from inside and outside the University. The largest sector cluster within the Centre is Microelectronics, making the relationship with the Microelectronics iNet highly synergistic.
Electronics, Sensors, Photonics KTN
Working in Electronics, Sensors or Photonics, or Systems Engineering, Autonomous Systems, Embedded Software, Robotics, Instrumentation, Mechatronics, Optics etc? Then this is the network for you!
We span the technologies that underpin today’s devices, tools and machines and those being developed for the future, enabling the UK to remain a world leading economy.
We help make connections between industry, academia, Research Councils and markets, bringing new technology and ideas in to new sectors. We are a link to the Large Research Facilities across Europe.
Contact Andy Carr at andy.carr@espktn.org or by phone on 01403 251354
NMI
NMI is the UK’s premier electronics trade association with over 200 members from Electronic Systems Design and Manufacture, Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs), Fabless Semiconductor Manufacturers, Semiconductor Foundries, Electronics Design Services, Intellectual Property Providers, Research and Academic Institutions.
NMI’s work includes:
- Encouraging innovation, communication and collaboration
- Representing the industry to government, policy makers and regulators
- Supporting skills development, education and training
- Improving Supply Chain efficiency through benchmarking and best practice initiatives
- Providing an industry specific information flow
STmicroelectronics
In addition the iNet is actively supported by:
- South West RDA
- UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills
- European Regional Development Fund