Three stand-out initiatives from the University of Bath are highlighted as part of a new national campaign launched this week by Universities UK (UUK).
UUK’s new Industrial Strategy campaign showcases how through cutting-edge research, business collaboration and regional partnerships, universities connect skills and knowledge across the country, powering jobs, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Bath is recognised for its leadership in clean energy and digital skills development through flagship institutes and centres:
IAAPS: Based at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, IAAPS is accelerating ultra-low and zero-emission transport technologies, supporting hydrogen propulsion, and anchoring high-skilled jobs in the region.
iCAST: Operating from the Carriageworks in Swindon, the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies is a joint initiative with the University of Oxford. It bridges academic research and commercial application in sustainable chemical technologies, supporting over 40 industry projects and enabling breakthroughs in biodegradable materials, battery recycling and circular economy solutions.
Institute of Coding (IoC): Led by Bath, the IoC is a national collaboration helping over one million learners gain digital skills in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and creative tech - many from underrepresented backgrounds.
The UUK campaign highlights how universities are supporting growth across all eight of the government’s Industrial Strategy priority sectors: Advanced Manufacturing; Clean Energy Industries; Creative Industries; Defence; Digital and Technologies; Financial Services; Life Sciences; and Professional and Business Services.
Launching the campaign, UUK Chief Executive Vivienne Stern MBE said: “If the government wants to maximise the potential of its growth sectors, universities are essential to the success of its Industrial Strategy.”
Professor Sarah Hainsworth OBE Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research & Enterprise) said: “The University of Bath is helping to drive growth locally and nationally through skills, investment, jobs and innovation.
"Working in close partnership with industry, our institutes and centres are unlocking and delivering real-world innovations across key areas of the government’s Industrial Strategy, including clean energy and digital technologies.
“It’s fantastic to see the contributions of IAAPS, iCAST and the Institute of Coding recognised in this timely campaign from Universities UK.”
Powering growth
The latest Economic and Social Impact report for the University of Bath, published in July 2025, found that activities from Bath helped to generate over half a billion for the local economy as well as more than 7,000 jobs.
In July, the University also launched the new Brunel Centre to support inclusive and sustainable growth in the West of England by providing data-driven insights and strategic analysis to inform regional decision-making.
Learn more about other examples of Research with Impact and Innovation with Impact from Bath.