Manchester Metropolitan University

Company Name: Manchester Metropolitan University

Headquarters: Manchester

Profile: The Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre opened at Manchester Metropolitan University in September 2018.

The landmark new £4m technology hub has been set-up to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy.

The centre is exploring the pure science of the fuel cell itself, driving engagement with industry on a local, national and international scale, and developing the technology of tomorrow.

Its world-leading academics work in collaboration with regional SMEs and industry to have access to state-of-the-art equipment in order to develop the latest catalytic materials.

Establishing this synergy between material research and engineering, the centre will focus on creating the next-generation energy with new, clean electrolysers and fuel cells.

Its vision is for this technology to outperform current fossil fuel alternatives both in terms of environmental efficiency and cost effectiveness. The centre has the resources and expertise to manufacture screen- and 3D-printed energy storage devices.

While developing the technology talent of tomorrow, the centre is inspiring young minds, working with school children and education providers to raise awareness of green energy issues, embedding essential teaching and laboratory work into every stage of the curriculum.

The centre is led by director Amer Gaffar, post-doctoral research associate Dr Justyna Kulczyk-Malecka, post-doctoral research associate Dr Samuel Rowley-Neale, professor in electrochemical and nanotechnology Prof Craig Banks and head of research development Prof Peter Kelly.