£250 million defence deal enables University to drive innovations in advanced marine technology

The ²ÝùÊÓƵ Defence Growth Deal will enhance our expertise across the defence and security sectors
USV CETUS is a C-Worker 4 unmanned surface vehicle developed and supplied by L3Harris Technologies (Credit ²ÝùÊÓƵ)
The ²ÝùÊÓƵ’s expertise in advanced marine technologies will be critical to a major investment programme set to transform ²ÝùÊÓƵ and its economy.
The UK Government has announced the city is to receive a share of £250 million through its UK Defence Growth Deals scheme.
Building on the city’s recent designation as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, the ²ÝùÊÓƵ Defence 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 ²ÝùÊÓƵ’s place as a centre 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 defence and security sectors.
The ²ÝùÊÓƵ Defence 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 defence have confidence that ²ÝùÊÓƵ – 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 recognised 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.

Richard DaviesProfessor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor

The ²ÝùÊÓƵ Defence Growth Deal will be driven by a consortium working together as Team ²ÝùÊÓƵ, a strategic partnership positioning ²ÝùÊÓƵ to lead in defence, 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 ²ÝùÊÓƵ, 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.

Read more about this announcement

  • UK Government press release:
  • ²ÝùÊÓƵ City Council press release:
Devonport Dockyard
The Defence Growth Deal announcement also comes days after the University’s unique marine and maritime expertise was highlighted by the former Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, the Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP. In his speech () Mr Kyle, who gained a new role in the recent Government reshuffle, said: 
"Students don’t travel around the country – or move to a new one – because a university is the same as their local one, but precisely because they are distinctive, with a depth of expertise. Again, here in Devon, we see a great example with ²ÝùÊÓƵ’s defence and marine cluster… and the ²ÝùÊÓƵ is the anchor around which the whole system is moored."
 

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USV CETUS is a C-Worker 4 unmanned surface vehicle developed and supplied by L3Harris Technologies (Credit ²ÝùÊÓƵ)