Cross-border NWCAM2 project set to transform life and health sciences innovation

NWCAM2, the North West Centre for Advanced Manufacturing 2, was officially launched at Catalyst's Derry office, with distinguished guests and partners in attendance.

The transformative cross-border initiative is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). It is designed to accelerate innovation and sustainable manufacturing across the life and health sciences sector in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. 

The project, which will be led by Catalyst, received PEACEPLUS funding of €9,981,033 through the Innovation Challenge Fund. It aims to help 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products, enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete globally.  

Attendees were welcomed by Rob Grundy, Director of Innovation Partnerships at Catalyst. The event continued with a video message from Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, remarks from Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), a speech from Catalyst CEO Steve Orr, and a panel discussion featuring NWCAM2 partners. 

NWCAM2 will be delivered in partnership with Atlantic Technology University, North West Regional College, Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin and Irish Manufacturing Research.  

NWCAM2 builds on the success of the original NWCAM programme, which delivered high-impact innovations such as rapid-response ventilator technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new initiative will deepen research and practical implementation, embedding advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital tools and sustainable materials into the operations of participating SMEs. 

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said: “I am encouraged by the collaborative spirt of this innovative, all-island project, to drive innovation in our life and health sciences sector - identified as a key sector for my Department to drive economic development in the north.

“SMEs will be supported in the real-world implementation of their processes and products by academic and industry partners from across the island, combining scientific expertise and practical innovation.  This strategic investment will help strengthen regional innovation capacity, create high-quality jobs and support our transition to a greener, more competitive economy.”  

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SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “NWCAM2 is an incredibly powerful example of what cross-border collaboration can achieve. The PEACEPLUS Programme’s investment in collaborative innovation will help to shape a brighter, more sustainable future for Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Economic development in post-conflict regions is vital and the provision of support for SMEs, research, and innovation in targeted areas is a key focus of PEACEPLUS.

“NWCAM2 embodies this vision and it sets out to strengthen the links between research and industry and create a model of collaboration. Today’s launch marks a new era for advanced manufacturing in the health and life sciences sector and we look forward to seeing and welcoming the project’s progress.”

Steve Orr, CEO at Catalyst said: “NWCAM2 is an exciting step forward for us. It brings together brilliant minds from academia and industry to help businesses across the island of Ireland make real progress in sustainable manufacturing. This is about more than just innovation, it’s about creating opportunities, boosting our economy and building a stronger future for communities in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”

The launch event highlighted the strong sense of collaboration and shared ambition behind NWCAM2. With valuable backing from government, academia and industry, the initiative is well placed to bring meaningful benefits to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It aims to support innovation, boost job creation and help businesses thrive in the evolving world of advanced manufacturing.

PEACEPLUS is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive. The PEACEPLUS Programme has been designed to promote peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland and has a total value of €1.14bn.