Building on the city’s recent designation as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, the Plymouth Defense Growth Deal will be used to forge long-term partnerships between government, business, and research institutions in the city and to harness local expertise and resources in support of the UK Armed Forces.
A significant part of that will see the University driving innovation through a new Advanced Marine Technology Hub, uniting and expanding the city’s expertise in dual-use capabilities, marine science, and critical national infrastructure support.
Its aim will be to reaffirm Plymouth’s place as a center of excellence and rapidly grow the UK’s marine autonomy capability, supply chain expertise, and export capabilities across a range of sectors.
That will enhance the University’s world-leading expertise in autonomous marine systems, maritime cyber security, offshore renewable energy, and environmental intelligence, as well as reaffirming its long-standing partnerships with—and commitment to—the city’s defense and security sectors.
The Plymouth Defense Growth Deal will also strengthen local skills initiatives with a particular focus on STEM outreach, and in fields including electrical engineering, renewable energy systems, nuclear operations, and autonomy.
This investment will create unprecedented opportunities for the University and everyone living and working in our city.
“It shows those in charge of our nation’s defense have confidence that Plymouth—thanks to our expertise and facilities, our location and heritage—is perfectly placed to tackle the complex and varied threats the UK is currently facing, and to inspire and train those who will be critical to its future security. Our University is already home to expertise and facilities that have for many years been recognized at a regional, national, and international level. The creation of the Advanced Marine Technology Hub places us even closer to the heart of the UK’s national resilience, and we—and our partners—are ready to seize all the opportunities that brings,” said Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor.
The Plymouth Defense Growth Deal will be driven by a consortium working together as Team Plymouth, a strategic partnership positioning Plymouth to lead in defense, marine autonomy, and advanced manufacturing, securing its place at the forefront of national resilience and regional renewal.
Building on work carried out through Growth Alliance Plymouth, the new identity also reflects a strengthened partnership with government, industry, and local stakeholders and signals a collective ambition to seize this moment and transform the city’s future.
