Sunderland to generate 650 jobs

Sunderland University is planning to create more than 120 startups and 650 jobs over five years by investing £9m ($15.37m) into the development of the Sunderland Enterprise and Innovation Hub. 

The centre will be located at the university’s city centre campus. Sunderland’s investment will be supported with a further £3.5m ($6m) investment from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The money has been made available through the UK government’s Growth Deal programme.

Sunderland Enterprise and Innovation Hub will focus on attracting businesses from Sunderland and the wider region. It will offer a lab space, and support the businesses in bringing their products to market. It will also offer dedicated space to creative industries startups. On top of the physical offer, the centre will also provide access to the university’s academic staff, as well as give student and graduate support.

The centre will have a particular focus on Sunderland University’s specialist areas: advanced manufacturing, health, sciences and the creative industries.

Shirley Atkinson, deputy vice-chancellor at Sunderland, said: “The hub will be a crucial driver for growth in enterprise and innovation in Sunderland and the wider region. We have a successful track record in this area, and thanks to the generous support of the LEP and the valuable contribution of Sunderland Business Group and Sunderland City Council, we can build further on this success. Sunderland Enterprise and Innovation Hub will create an environment which will encourage and allow the university community to work better with entrepreneurs and businesses in the North East to innovate and create wealth and jobs to support the economy for years to come.”