The Project
Supporting the needs of technology focused businesses
With a rich legacy in microelectronics and photonics, Torbay has continued to support the needs of an everchanging technology landscape.
2019 saw the completion of an £8M Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC), funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) and is already proving to be an invaluable asset to the local business community. The centre houses over a dozen businesses, many of which are involved in cutting edge technologies and innovation. Businesses in and around EPIC contribute towards a vibrant supply chain in the Telecommunications, Military Aerospace, Defence, MedTech and IoT sectors.
Benefits
Firms from Europe and North America have chosen Torbay and EPIC as a venue to house their UK R&D and UK HQ facilities. Some of the benefits these and other businesses have benefited from are:
- Access to >£2M worth of microelectronics prototyping equipment
- Ability to tap into an ever-growing pipeline of engineering expertise
- Financial incentives to relocate
- Rent-free periods
- Links to local universities and colleges
- Access to a classified cleanroom
- Exposure from joint marketing campaigns and exhibition stands.
Torbay is also able to support rapid growth of businesses that plan to expand.
In addition to the various sized offices and labs located within our purpose-built electronics centre, plans are already in place for businesses to move into grow-on space in the adjacent Production Park.
EPIC is the home and headquarters of the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster group that represents and supports the needs of the businesses within the area.