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Working With Us

Bridge to
Business Innovation

Work with us to drive innovation in your business and join our growing networks of science and engineering professionals.

We help you access technologies and methods at the forefront of research to create R&D solutions, to provide effective problem solving and to develop your workforce through accredited training.

Hosted by the University of Lincoln, Bridge is a not-for- profit facility with specialist spaces hosting advanced instrumentation, purpose-built laboratories and training and innovation suites designed to ease access for businesses to all aspects of materials innovation.

Man loading a TEM sample onto a sample holder

Bridge to
Modern Innovation Approaches

With interlinked programmes, each designed to increase businesses’ competitiveness, Bridge promotes innovation to all businesses (from SMEs to multinationals) and connects regional and international supply chains to cutting-edge materials science and engineering.

We deliver collaborative enterprise in a new-build facility through support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP). Bridge operates from the University of Lincoln with an experienced team of R&D specialists working alongside a consortium of business professionals and the University’s academic community.

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Bridge to
Materials Research and Innovation

Partner with us to access leading research and development technologies.

Bridge can address your advanced materials needs and that of the wider UK’s manufacturing sector. We achieve this by giving you access to world-class R&D at the interface of science and engineering and, through links to all departments at the University of Lincoln and a consortium of industry R&D partners, we access expertise spanning the majority of industry sectors e.g. advanced materials and engineering, chemical, pharma and healthcare, manufacturing, digitalisation, energy and net zero, packaging, and sustainability, amongst others.

A person in full PPE looking at a microscope in a Clean Room environment

Bridge to
Tailored Professional Development

We bridge multiple skills gaps with specialist training and Continued Professional Development (CPD) programmes.

Bridge houses a dedicated training space with modern AV, facilitating on-site and remote learning alongside laboratory settings for at-instrument or in-lab training. Bridge gives you direct access to academic and industry experienced consultants to educate, develop, and mentor and upskill your staff with our regular, specialist courses.

We are delighted to innovate training and create bespoke content for you. Furthermore, our 1-2-1 facility-user training provides qualification for you to access Bridge’s instrumentation and laboratory workspaces and introduce these resources to your routine workflows.

Team members training

Membership Packages

Tier 1

Tier 1 membership of the Bridge is a 3 year commitment suitable for companies with a need for advanced materials and engineering R&D support and access to state of the art equipment and facilities. It is our most comprehensive membership package and provides full access to the wide range of resources available at the Bridge.

Bespoke Tier 1 Membership could include:

  • Use of Bridge meeting rooms and networking/training facilities including hot desk space
  • Access to fully equipped R&D labs and workshop space including a minimum of 100 hours of allocated collaborative project activity including the use of state of the art equipment and dedicated instrument scientist resource
  • Ability to top-up of collaborative project activity at a discounted rate
  • Access to the University of Lincoln academic networks
  • A seat on the Bridge Advisory Board to support strategic future direction and equipment needs and requirements
  • Free places at all training events and workshops organised by the Bridge
  • Invitation to join consortia on relevant grant funded project proposals
  • Recognition through associated with a world-leading facility including targeted PR and marketing to the Bridge network and company profile on the Bridge website
  • Networking with supply chain companies, other Bridge members and the wider advanced materials and engineering community

Tier 2

Tier 2 membership of the Bridge is a 1 year commitment suitable for companies with a need for advanced materials and engineering R&D support and access to state of the art equipment and facilities. It is a comprehensive membership package and provides access to the wide range of resources available at the Bridge.

Bespoke Tier 2 Membership could include:

  • Use of Bridge meeting rooms and networking/training facilities at a reduced rate (50% discount)
  • Access to fully equipped R&D labs and workshop space including a minimum of 40 hours of allocated collaborative project activity including the use of state of the art equipment and dedicated instrument scientist resource
  • Ability to top-up of collaborative project activity at a discounted rate
  • Access to the University of Lincoln academic networks
  • Free places at training events and workshops organised by the Bridge and further places at discounted rates
  • Invitation to join consortia on relevant grant funded project proposals
  • Recognition through associated with a world-leading facility including company profile on the Bridge website
  • Networking with supply chain companies, other Bridge members and the wider advanced materials and engineering community

Affiliated Partner Membership

Affiliated Partner membership of the Bridge is suitable for companies with an ad-hoc need for advanced materials and engineering R&D support and access to state of the art equipment and facilities. This membership package provides access to the wide range of resources available at the Bridge.

Bespoke Affiliated Partner Membership could include:

  • Use of Bridge meeting rooms and networking/training facilities at a reduced rate
  • Access to fully equipped R&D labs and workshop space on a commercial project by project basis
  • Access to the University of Lincoln academic networks
  • Invitation to attend training events and workshops organised by the Bridge at a discounted rate
  • Recognition through associated with a world-leading facility including company profile on the Bridge website
  • Networking with supply chain companies, other Bridge members and the wider advanced materials and engineering community

We help you access technologies and methods at the forefront of research to create R&D solutions.

Hosted by the University of Lincoln, Bridge is a not-for-profit facility with specialist spaces hosting advanced instrumentation, purpose-built laboratories and training and innovation suites designed to ease access for businesses to all aspects of materials innovation.

Enquire Now
A man loading a sample onto a Raman

Start with a diagnostic consultation targeting how we can help your business.

For all businesses, we will undertake an initial diagnostic consultation, to discuss and identify where Bridge can use our expertise to offer support, targeted research, and/or training for your organisation to grow.

Our Funding
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Let's start something new

Start with a diagnostic consultation targeting how we can help your business

Enquire Now