Sir James Dyson donates £8m to new “invention powerhouse” at Cambridge University

One of the world’s most advanced engineering facilities for prototyping, inventions and collaboration on cutting-edge research has been opened at the University of Cambridge.

The development has been funded by a £8m donation from the James Dyson Foundation and will accommodate student-led projects centering on advanced materials development, smart infrastructure, electric vehicles and efficient internal combustion systems.

“Developing the intellectual property that will help Britain succeed in the global technology race depends on applying our brightest minds to ambitious and exciting research projects,” commented Sir Dyson upon opening the building this week.

“I’m hopeful that this new space for Britain’s best engineers at the University of Cambridge will catalyse great technological breakthroughs that transform how we live.”

The facilities, separated into the ‘Dyson Centre for Engineering Design’ and the adjoining ‘James Dyson Building for Engineering’ are located at the heart of the Cambridge cluster, Europe's largest.

This employs around 57,000 people in more than 1,500 technology-based firms, which have combined annual revenue of over £13 billion.

Professor Dame Ann Dowling, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Academic rigour must meet with practical invention. The Dyson Engineering Design Centre and the James Dyson Building for Engineering bridge the gap, encouraging engineers to apply their minds to creatively experiment and try new things.”