Wired and Wireless Network Equipment for the Aura Innovation Centre The Aura Innovation Centre is a University of Hull project in receipt of ERDF funding for the construction and fit out of a new building focused on the development and support of the energy estuary. This opportunity is for the wired and wireless network which is required to support the operation of the building. All of the procurement documents can be found here: https://www.proactisplaza.com/supplierportal/?cid=UNIHULL

In early 2018 The University of Hull's (hereafter referred to as the University) Aura Innovation Centre (AIC) was awarded funding of £12 million from the European Regional Development Fund, Regional Growth Fund Green Port Growth Programme and match funding from the University of Hull. The Centre is set to provide large businesses and SMEs with the space to collaborate and innovate to deliver low-carbon energy and clean growth.

The England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 is providing up to £4m of funding towards the AIC construction and support to SMEs. The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund (the "Grant Funder"). Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects, which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regeneration. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

The focus of the AIC will be about providing practical support to SMEs to develop their products and services to meet the low-carbon agenda and to provide a collaborative space to facilitate the involvement of academia and large business in one space. Its aim is to foster innovation and research to address the real challenges faced by the offshore wind and low-carbon energy industries. It will also be about developing and rooting an effective low-carbon energy supply chain in the Energy Estuary with the ultimate goal of regenerating a region and contributing to clean growth, which is central to the UK's Industrial Strategy.

When opened, the AIC will have a number of different areas and facilities to support businesses in the area to benefit from the growing supply chain. The AIC will include Business Areas and Solutions Areas as well as meeting spaces and research zones. The equipment in the Solutions Areas will range from high spec 3D printers, big data super computer access through to metals and plastics testing equipment and product development facilities. As the centre grows, the aim is to provide SMEs with support and advice through each of the stages of product or service development - from ideas generation through to R&D, testing, analysis and taking the product to market.

You are invited by the University to submit a bid for the wired and wireless network equipment required within the Aura Innovation Centre.