The 2-year pilot was launched in spring 2023, supported by UK government innovation accelerator funding to the Glasgow city region. It was designed to show how a shared resource of highly skilled engineers could work in partnership with industrial R&D teams and local supply chains to accelerate the development of five emerging technologies identified by industry with risk profiles and technical challenges beyond the scope of individual companies.

Operating from the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre (JWNC), a world-renowned centre of excellence in research and translation, the CTA’s 12-person team of design, test, and manufacturing engineers enables industry partners to deliver innovative miniaturised and scaled products that open new markets.  Projects include an integrated silicon photonics platform that could enhance fibre connectivity to homes and businesses, reducing telecoms network energy.