Projects we've supported through the East Midlands Investment Zone

To support the growth of the clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, this project mapped the current skills in the region, identified future needs, and created a clear plan to guide investment in skills and training. University of Derby led this project with support from Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham College, Chesterfield College, Make UK, and Derbyshire County Council.

The East Midlands Innovation Roadmap sets out a practical plan to help the region grow its global advantage in green industries and advanced manufacturing. Led by the University of Nottingham, the roadmap was developed in collaboration with key partners from industry and academia.

The Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe) will be a new, modern innovation and training centre focused on the rail industry. The centre will provide space for research, training, and commercial activity to help make rail transport more efficient and more sustainable. Chesterfield Borough Council, Barrow Hill Ltd, and University of Derby have delivered this project.

This project developed a system that lets existing natural gas power plants run partly on ammonia, a low-carbon fuel. The system can be added to generators that are already in use, which means companies don’t need to replace their equipment to cut emissions. The work was led by the University of Nottingham in partnership with the company Blue-Drive Propulsion Ltd.

Diesel-powered trains are a major source of carbon emissions in the UK. Electrification is a long-term solution, but it’s expensive and not practical for all rail lines. This project, led by Barrow Hill Ltd and the University of Derby, explores a way to retrofit diesel locomotives with a system that captures CO₂ directly from the exhaust, helping the rail sector cut emissions and meet net zero targets.

Bloc Digital Ltd, working with the University of Derby, set out to create advanced virtual models of manufacturing systems that help businesses monitor and improve their operations. These “smart twins” use artificial intelligence to spot problems, explain what’s causing them, and suggest solutions — all in real time. This helps manufacturers run more efficiently and reduce waste, supporting sustainability goals.

Barrow Hill Ltd, Unipart Rail Ltd, and the University of Derby worked together to design and test a vibration energy harvesting (VEH) system – a device that turns vibrations from moving trains into usable electricity. The aim was to create a prototype capable of generating more than 120 mW of power at over 50% efficiency, providing a new source of clean energy for rail applications.

Clayton Equipment Ltd and the University of Derby worked together to assess the feasibility of converting a diesel-hybrid shunting locomotive into a fuel-cell hybrid system. The goal was to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and align with the UK’s net zero targets.

The University of Nottingham worked with ITP Aero to study a special nickel alloy (Inco 939) made with 3D printing. The goal was to see how strong and reliable this material is under the extreme heat and pressure found inside jet engines, so it can be used to make lighter, more efficient parts in the future.