On Tuesday 21st May, 2013, The Duke of York visited the University of Huddersfield. The visit focussed on innovation and enterprise and particularly the work of the University’s new 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, which HRH opened.
The Duke toured the facility led by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bob Cryan, and accompanied by Sir George Buckley and the University’s Chancellor, Professor Sir Patrick Stewart.
As well as viewing a number of research facilities that are already established in the Centre, including the laboratories occupied by the National Physical Laboratory, HRH then welcomed 40 young entrepreneurs into the brand new The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre, which has been created in the facility. The Duke was introduced to the start-up businesses, run by both students and graduates, and opened the Centre.
The Duke then presented certificates to the winners of The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Awards. Ten young entrepreneurs, one from each of the Yorkshire universities, gave a short presentation illustrating their business venture. After the presentation ceremony, HRH also met with the winners and their family members to learn more about their business ideas.
The Duke concluded his visit by visiting three of the University’s leading research centres the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Advanced Metrology, the Institute of Railway Research and the International Institute for Accelerator Applications.
“There is a huge correlation between what the University of Huddersfield is achieving here and what is trying to be achieved nationally,” HRH told the audience of business people and young entrepreneurs in his closing speech.
