ASTUTE project shortlisted for EU award

ASTUTE is one of two Welsh projects shortlisted for a European Union RegioStars Award.

ASTUTE (Advanced Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies 2010-2015) is a vibrant alliance between eight universities in Wales, specifically formed to stimulate regional and national economic growth.

The EU-funded project promotes collaboration between universities and the Welsh manufacturing industry, combining the latest innovations, specialist expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to offer Welsh manufacturers the opportunity to collaborate with renowned academics and industry experts.

Over 250 companies have engaged with ASTUTE, resulting in over £200m worth of economic impact, 383 new products, 174 jobs and 10 new enterprises created - significantly enhancing the Welsh economy.

Accomplishments of the ASTUTE project has driven the follow-on operation ASTUTE 2020 aimed at enabling greater levels of business innovation in future manufacturing.

Professors Mohamed Naim (Cardiff’s ASTUTE lead) and Rossi Setchi (Cardiff’s ASTUTE 2020 lead) said: “We are delighted that the ASTUTE project has been shortlisted for a European Union Award for supporting smart industrial transition.

“The Cardiff team in ASTUTE provides manufacturing companies from Wales with access to proven world-class expertise and facilities in a number of key areas including robotics and autonomous systems, digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing, operational excellence, supply chain resilience and future manufacturing systems. Our close involvement with industry ensures that our research has both relevance and meaning.

“This focus on applied research enables us to work with some of the world’s most renowned global companies, whilst also contributing to the needs of the local region through our collaborations with SMEs.”

The RegioStars Awards, organised by the European Commission General Directorate for Regional and Urban Policy, identify good practices in regional development and highlight original and innovative projects that are attractive and inspiring to other regions.

The RegioStars Awards Ceremony is due to be held in Brussels on October 9. Voting for the public choice award opens on July 3 and you can vote now.