Birmingham is set to become a major hub for membrane research, thanks to a £13 million investment in the AIME-led MEMetic project. The initiative has secured £6.1 million from the Department of Science, Industry and Technology (DSIT), with an additional £7.1 million from industry partners, including Science Card and Bruntwood SciTech.
MEMetic is developing biomimetic polymer membranes that mimic biological processes to separate molecules from water more efficiently. With applications in wastewater treatment, blood dialysis, and resource recovery, the project could play a key role in tackling global filtration challenges.
Led by Professor Alan Goddard from the School of Biosciences and Dr Matt Derry from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, the team will work over the next seven years to scale up the technology for industrial use. The Research Ventures Catalyst (RVC) programme has facilitated the funding, ensuring long-term investment and researcher recruitment.
Bruntwood SciTech will provide workspace and business support, while Science Card’s funding model will help drive R&D. Midlands Mindforge, co-founded by eight Midlands universities, will offer expertise and guidance to accelerate commercialisation.
With this backing, Birmingham is poised to become the UK’s centre for cutting-edge membrane technology.
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