The House of Lords debates the Catapult Network's role and future
On 19 May the House of Lords debated the report from the Science and Technology Committee: Catapults: bridging the gap between research and industry.
The debate highlighted the important role of the Catapult Network in powering innovation and driving benefits for the UK.
Matthew Durdy, Chair of the Catapult Network and CEO of Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult welcomed the debate, and the response from Lord Callanan, saying:
"The Catapult Network welcomes the tremendous vote of confidence from this debate in the Catapults as key to achieving some of society’s most important ambitions.
"From developing vaccines to spurring local regeneration, the Catapults – with the support of Innovate UK - are putting UK innovation in the global spotlight, bringing in investment, supporting growth and providing the vital link between industry and academia: taking ideas from concept to economic growth.
"But we were particularly pleased at the recognition of our potential to do even more.
"The debate acknowledged that the Catapult Network, as a national innovation asset, is uniquely positioned to drive levelling up, develop vital new UK skills and leverage essential private investment.
"Now, with confirmed access to additional funding opportunities, ongoing government support and an acknowledgment of our potential to deliver huge impact in areas of real national interest, we will continue our work with Innovate UK to bring real change for the benefit of all.
"The Catapult Network is proud to play its part in delivering the innovation that supports communities, businesses and economies across the UK and we are looking forward to continuing our work and growing our contribution."
The full transcript of the debate can be found here.
