The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has officially opened The Innovation Matrix, a cutting-edge 2,200 sq. m facility in Swansea’s SA1 Waterfront.
Designed to drive digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration, the new space is situated alongside the University’s existing IQ and Y Fforwm buildings. It has already attracted nine businesses to its high-quality working spaces, creating a dynamic cluster with the added benefit of direct access to UWTSD’s expertise and research.
Funded through a strategic partnership between UWTSD and the Swansea Bay City Deal, the Innovation Matrix offers a unique opportunity for established businesses and dynamic start-ups to accelerate new product development, access specialist technical support, hire graduate talent and create knowledge exchange partnerships with the University.
The building was developed by Kier Construction, which secured £6 million worth of contracts for Wales-based businesses during the construction process.
The launch event was attended by representatives of the Welsh and UK governments, civic leaders, and industry partners, including:
- Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Welsh Government
- Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Wales Office, UK Government
- Councillor Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, and leader of the Swansea Bay City Deal.
Dame Nia Griffith DBE MP, said: “It’s great that UK Government funding, through the Swansea Bay City Deal, has contributed to building this wonderful facility. Our key mission, as set out in our Plan for Change, is economic growth.
“The Innovation Matrix will provide space for established businesses to grow and new businesses to start up, creating jobs in the high-tech industries of the future.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: “We want Wales to be at the forefront of innovating new technologies that drive meaningful change in society and benefit people in their day-to-day lives.
“This exciting development will nurture a first-class ecosystem for digital innovation and enterprise that can be a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.
“It is a testament to the excellence partnership working can deliver for regional economies in Wales and is another step forward on our journey to a stronger, fairer, greener future.”
Among the companies who have already taken up residence at the Innovation Matrix, benefiting from the collaborative environment are:
- Kaydiar Medical – A medical start-up developing orthotic technology for wound prevention.
- BroadReach Integrity – A manufacturer of cutting-edge corrosion detection scanners.
- Rockfield – A high end technology company provide leading edge, numerical based simulation systems coupled with their industrial applications.
- Gwyr Films – A not-for-profit storytelling initiative promoting Welsh arts and culture.
- IDNS – A digital solutions provider transforming collaboration and engagement.
- Wolfestone – A leading provider of end-to-end language services, helping businesses communicate across global markets.
- Visit Digital – Specialists in harnessing the power of business data, providing clients with actionable insights and tailored strategies that enable faster, better-informed decision-making.
- Purus – A maritime services provider supporting offshore wind and low-carbon energy.
- ATiC – a provider using the latest User Experience and Usability Evaluation facilities to support prototyping and rapid development of new health technologies.
Professor Elwen Evans, KC, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD said: “The opening of this new building marks a significant step in digital innovation, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate, co-locate, and thrive in a high-quality space designed for partnership working. By bringing together industry and education, we are fostering an environment where cutting-edge ideas can develop, talent can flourish, and innovation can drive economic growth.”
Cllr Rob Stewart said: “Swansea has a proud history for innovation and entrepreneurship, but there has been a shortage in recent years of high-quality offices and shared workspace environments to meet the needs of businesspeople and aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Supported by cutting-edge digital connectivity, the Innovation Matrix will complement several other projects in Swansea to help meet that need while also giving access to university expertise and research.
“It will support existing businesses, give start-up businesses an opportunity to thrive and help create jobs for local people.
“The Innovation Matrix will also combine with other developments like the 71/72 Kingsway office scheme to further reinforce Swansea’s reputation as a city of business and investment.”
The Innovation Matrix represents UWTSD’s commitment to fostering digital innovation and business growth, reinforcing Swansea’s status as a key player in the UK’s technology and entrepreneurship landscape. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, the facility is set to become a catalyst for economic transformation, supporting the region’s future skills, research, and enterprise development.
