The University of St Andrews and Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) have signed an agreement to explore collaborations in the fields of sustainable mobility and low carbon energy.
The university has signed a memorandum of understanding with MSIP – a joint venture between Michelin, Dundee City Council and Scottish Enterprise that is based at the former Michelin tyre factory in Dundee.
The first companies that are bringing more than 100 jobs to the campus were exclusively revealed by The Courier last month.
St Andrews University is developing its Eden Campus in Guardbridge to enhance innovation in companies working in energy storage, conversion and other technologies.
The campus will provide scale-up facilities for research and development, early prototyping and proving technology, before moving to large-scale manufacture.
Under the terms of the agreement, the University and MSIP will commit to the shared delivery of low-carbon technologies, supporting product development in companies, assisting companies in the sustainable mobility and low-carbon sectors to grow, offering test and demonstration facilities and equipment and access to external funding.
St Andrews chief operating officer Derek Watson said: “Paper mill workers in Guardbridge suffered similar job losses to workers at Michelin.
“It is fitting therefore that the two new emerging facilities work together at every opportunity to rebuild their communities.
“We are delighted to forge an alliance between Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, Eden Campus and the wider academic community at the University of St Andrews.”
The announcement follows MSIP signing a strategic agreement with Dundee University in June.
St Andrews University and MSIP will also explore the potential for work experience and apprenticeships opportunities.
The top Scottish university will support the delivery of courses, modules or postgraduate training through the proposed Skills Academy at MSIP.
MSIP chief operating officer Colin Mcilraith said: “The University of St Andrews has an international reputation for excellence across multiple areas that link well with what MSIP is aspiring to achieve and it has excellent graduates that provide a competitive skills offer to our future tenants.
“At Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc we want to create an environment that brings academia and industry together to collaborate on innovations and technology that will change the future of mobility.
“We know that energy storage, conversion and the technology to do so is critical to that.
“Eden Campus will push forward new innovations in that space and given that is the focus of MSIP, this is a great fit for us. I’m really pleased this strategic partnership is underway.”
