UK Government Minister Lord Bourne visits Glyndŵr University’s world-leading science and innovation centre
Lord Bourne: “Glyndŵr’s OpTIC Centre is leading the way in sustainable business and job creation, taking North Wales’ cutting-edge technology to the world.”
Minister for the UK Government, Lord Bourne of Aberystwyth will visit a North Wales university breaking new grounds in science and innovation today (15 December). The Minister will tour Glyndŵr University’s world-leading OpTIC science and innovation centre and meet the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar.
The OpTIC Technology Centre has been owned and run by the university since 2009, and is home to 18 businesses, employing more than 100 staff.
Businesses based in the centre include Glyndŵr Innovations, a leading provider of innovative product development engineering and technology consulting.
The centre houses research and design facilities to support the development of high-level opto-electronics technology and scientific research across North Wales.
The centre’s expertise in opto-electronics led to its scientists being chosen to polish prototype mirrors for the world’s largest telescope in 2015, which is due to be completed and situated in Chile in 2024.
Lord Bourne said:
Glyndŵr University’s OpTIC Centre has been pivotal for creating sustainable employment and innovative companies in the region, developing the skills base of its students and taking Glyndŵr’s and North Wales’ technology to the world.
Its location makes it the perfect place to bridge university research and industry, which is having a real impact on the local and Welsh economy.
It is inspiring to see the OpTIC Centre developing world-leading companies and technology, and I look forward to its continued global success.
Lord Bourne will also visit St Asaph Cathedral on Friday, where he will meet the Reverend Rex Matthias as part of his visit to North Wales.