University forms new partnership with digital tech firm

The University of Derby has announced it has formed a new partnership with digital technology firm Bloc Digital.

The university has entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Bloc, which is based at its Enterprise Centre, in Bridge Street.

The agreement will spearhead knowledge transfer between the two organisations, providing a framework for joint research and development opportunities, support for the university’s vocational learning agenda, and ensure emerging talent is trained and retained within the region.

Bloc Digital is an award-winning leader in the use of digital visualisation and immersive technology in industry.

As part of the partnership, it will harness its digital knowledge to drive engagement in connected technologies, such as Smart Cities, within the region.

It will also utilise its expertise in pioneering innovative and immersive solutions to help develop a suite of industry-relevant and R&D-informed teaching programmes.

Student-employer engagement and technology masterclasses will ensure students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to meet next-generation workforce needs.

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “We are delighted to have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Bloc Digital.

“The university has worked closely with the company for a number of years, supporting its ambitions to scale up, providing a pipeline of student and graduate talent, as well as through research and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.

“It is fantastic to see the success of Bloc Digital and to cement our relationship further through this partnership which will provide even more opportunities for us to align innovation and teaching at Derby with industry needs to make a real impact.”

Keith Cox, co-founder of Bloc Digital, said: “By harnessing our industry-leading capabilities in developing future-forward technologies, we are proud to be supporting state-of-the-art research and building skills for the workforce of the future.

“This partnership also strengthens our long and rich history with the university.”