Universities Minister tours enterprise zone and robotics lab on visit to UWE Bristol

Chris Skidmore MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, toured Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) and the University Enterprise Zone (UEZ) as part of a visit to UWE Bristol.
The minister, MP for Kingswood, met UWE Bristol Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve West and BRL Director Professor Chris Melhuish during the visit earlier today (Fri 22 March).
He received a guided tour of the UEZ after last month announcing £10 million would be available for up to 10 new similar zones to be established at universities in England. UWE Bristol's UEZ - an enterprise ecosystem promoting collaboration between the University and industry - was funded during the pilot phase of the UEZ programme launched in 2014.
As part of the tour of the UEZ, the minister was accompanied around the Health Technology Hub, Launch Space Incubator, Future Space Innovation Centre, BRL Robotics Innovation Facility and Hardware Incubator. The UEZ hosts business incubators, grow on space and SME support services, and is home to over 70 companies specialising in technology, robotics, automation, health technology and biosciences. In the adjacent BRL, the minister received a tour of the Assisted Robotics Laboratory, Nuclear Decommissioning Suite and Driverless Car Workshop and Simulator.
Professor West said: "We were absolutely thrilled to host the minister for his first visit to the University since his appointment in December, and proud to highlight our sector-leading work in Bristol Robotics Laboratory and the University Enterprise Zone. Our unique approach to enterprise is helping to connect entrepreneurs and tech innovators with scientists, researchers and graduate talent; sparking collaboration, innovation and growth."
Professor Melhuish said: "It was a great pleasure to show the minister the pioneering work taking place in a university in his neighbouring constituency. At the BRL, we have a track record of successful innovation and enterprise, and enabling dynamic start-ups including Reach Robotics and Open Bionics through our Hardware Incubator, which is unique in the UK."
Minister Skidmore said: "I was impressed with the excellent facilities at the University of the West of England and to see the fascinating work on the future of robotics.
"The University's partnership with enterprising private sector firms is a great example of how our world-class academic communities are helping shape the future of life in the UK. This is at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy's aims to create highly skilled jobs and boost the economy.
"In February, I announced a £10m Research England fund to extend University Enterprise Zones which facilitate interactions between universities and small businesses. Bristol was a very successful part of the pilot for these zones."
Minister Skidmore last week announced his plans to set up a new robotics leadership group to ensure government understands the opportunities and helps tackle the barriers to growth in this sector.
The ministerial visit was preceded by a visit to the BRL earlier in the day by the Department for International Trade, with senior trade representatives from UK embassies around the world viewing the facility as part of an Advanced Manufacturing Sector Knowledge Visit.
Related news

11 July 2025
Wound dressings developed with support from UWE Bristol to be launched by global firm
Technology that a team of UWE Bristol scientists helped develop to aid the healing of chronic wounds will be used in new ‘smart dressings’ being launched by global medical company.

10 July 2025
Researcher awarded funding to develop digital health platform that connects people to local services
A UWE Bristol academic has received funding to develop an online platform that connects people to local community organisations offering health and social care support.

03 July 2025
Research lab The Brunel Centre opens to power sustainable and inclusive growth for the West of England
A new data and research centre designed to support sustainable and inclusive growth and industrial strategy in the region, has officially launched.

11 June 2025
Telling our story at UWE Bristol: RISE with us
UWE Bristol has launched RISE - standing for Research, Innovation, Skills and Enterprise - an institutional framework which shapes the University's purpose, culture and future growth.

23 May 2025
New Centre launched at UWE Bristol to drive social and economic change across Africa through HE partnerships
UWE Bristol has launched the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) — a collaborative platform to support African-led innovation, research and HE initiatives.

11 December 2024
UWE Bristol alum develops flatpack wood stove to heat homes damaged in conflict
A UWE Bristol alum has designed a flatpack wood burning stove which will provide a vital heat source for people whose homes have been damaged in areas of conflict across the world.

28 November 2024
Entrepreneur and advocate for workplace equality awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol
Dr Zara Nanu MBE, an innovator in addressing workplace inequalities and tackling the gender pay gap, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.

21 November 2024
Crypto-trader training platform among eight graduate businesses to receive funding boost
A platform that trains people to trade cryptocurrency safely is one of eight graduate businesses to have received funding through UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award.

20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.

29 July 2024
Student who dedicated his time at university to helping disabled people graduates
A student who has dedicated his time at UWE Bristol to helping people with disabilities has graduated.

21 May 2024
Growth for tech innovation in Bristol as Future Space expands
UWE Bristol’s award-winning innovation centre, Future Space, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities.

18 January 2024
The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England
UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.