EDGE Hub, based in the University’s new £65m Verena Holmes Building, will strengthen the retention of high-quality graduate skills across critical science, technology and health sectors, while increasing diversity in Kent and Medway’s workforce, with a strong focus on more women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds in STEM. The hub also will support entrepreneurial activity and be a catalyst for digital transformation in Kent and Medway, with a strong focus on Industry 4.0 and 5.0.

The EDGE Hub is projected to deliver an additional £7.6m to £11.4m into the regional economy each year, injecting 1,250 highly skilled Engineering and Technology graduates into the local economy by 2024. 

South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) Chair Christian Brodie, said: “SELEP is pleased to further support this project, which will provide invaluable educational space for engineering and technology higher education in Kent and Medway.

“As the UK begins its recovery from the pandemic, we need to ensure that we are fostering the right skills for our future economy, paving the way for boosting skills in the South East and attracting future inward investment into Kent and Medway.”

Professor Mohamed Abdel-Maguid, Pro Vice-Chancellor (STEM) and Dean of Science, Engineering and Social Sciences, said: “We are delighted to receive this additional funding from SELEP which will enhance facilities for our students and enable us to continue to support local businesses. Additional equipment purchased will be based on regional need to support businesses in the new environment brought about as a result of the pandemic. Initially considering how we can support remote access by businesses to specialist equipment and expertise in areas such as advanced manufacturing, chemical engineering, mechatronics and computing, with a focus on industry 4.0 and industry 5.0.”

Find out more about the Kent and Medway Engineering, Design, Growth and Enterprise (EDGE) Hub.