One year at The University of Warwick Innovation Campus. A reflection on 2025

January 2026 is the first anniversary of our move to the campus. Simpact has always had an affinity to academia. Both Directors have fond memories of their doctoral studies at the University of Leeds and the Eindhoven University of Technology respectively. It is great to be in an environment with aspirational people from a variety of backgrounds. In this context, the news that the UK is rejoining the EU’s Erasmus scheme is positive.

As an engineering consultancy, we have the privilege of looking into “the kitchen” of a wide range of SMEs. With the energy transition and general aim towards a more sustainable future there is a huge demand for driven engineers. Initiatives such as STEM Connect at the University of Warwick offer a rounded mix of theoretical knowledge education to become an engineer but there is more that we can do.

We like to create a stronger engineering community sense in the region with the campus as the central hub. Too many students and professionals miss the joy of face-to-face interaction with people with similar goals at various stages of their career. Creativity sprouts from spending time together. In its most basic form this can for example be chatting at the drinks machine in communal areas. Engineering design is a creative process. The covid lockdowns and the advances in video call technology have accelerated the decline in casual encounters in the work environment.

We look forward to welcome companies that share these views and decide to join a growing ecosystem. This includes a presence on the campus. The university has big plans for the Wellesbourne site, so it is an excellent time to be here. Together we can create the breeding ground for top quality engineers and anchor prosperity in the region.

2026 is going to be an exciting year.