Author: HM Government
The Aqualunar Challenge is an international prize for technologies to purify ice frozen in the Moon’s soil to make human habitation on the lunar surface possible. SonoChem System by Naicker Scientific named winner for its innovative use of microwaves and ultrasound to generate millions of microbubbles in melted lunar ice, producing clean, drinkable water for astronauts. FRANK by father-and-sons team RedSpace and AqualunarPure from a team from Queen Mary University named runners up. The Aqualunar Challenge is a £1.2 million international prize funded by the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund and delivered by Challenge Works – part of Nesta.…
The Environment Agency has today published water company Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) Annual Return data for 2024 showing the frequency and duration of spills from storm overflows in England. The data for 2024 shows a 2.9% decrease in the number of sewage spills compared to 2023. Spill durations increased by 0.2% – this is the number of hours overflows operated for compared to last year. This year’s data shows that storm overflow spill counts and duration remain unacceptably high. The data also shows that in 2024: The average number of spills per overflow was 31.8 compared to 33.1 in 2023 and…
Local Transport Minister took part in a precision time trial at First Bus’ ‘Battle of the Buses’, which saw participants learn more about the learner bus driver test Simon Lightwood meets apprentice drivers and competes alongside Essex cricketers Matt Critchley and Paul Walters, to understand elements of the learner driver test £1 billion investment and incoming Bus Services Bill set to boost local control and unlock transport links, getting the country moving to drive growth through our Plan for Change A ‘Battle of the Buses’ saw Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, compete against pro cricketers to promote apprenticeships for the…
Economic growth is the core mission of this government and FTAs have an important role to play in achieving this. We are seeking an enhanced FTA with Switzerland that guarantees market access for UK services suppliers, facilitates the seamless flow of data and ideas between two world-leading services powerhouses and provides long-term certainty on UK business travel to Switzerland. An enhanced FTA will contribute to growth and prosperity across the UK and build on our existing trading relationship with Switzerland. This currently supports 130,000 services jobs and more than £17 billion in services exports, including over £700m from Scotland and…
Tech entrepreneur and Metail founder Tom Adeyoola selected as preferred head of Innovate UK as the government ramps up plans to drive growth Backing businesses across the UK, Innovate UK invests in game-changing innovation, from advanced AI to zero-emission transport, fuelling our Plan for Change Under Tom’s leadership, Innovate UK will accelerate efforts to scale up British innovation and turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact, helping businesses grow and compete on a global stage Tech entrepreneur and business leader Tom Adeyoola will head up Innovate UK to unlock the potential of British business and turbocharge growth through our Plan for…
£1.6 billion investment to tackle scourge of potholes to be delivered to councils from next month as PM tells councils to put cash to use for the first time every council in England must publish how many potholes they’ve filled or lose road cash local authorities that comply will receive their full share of the £500 million roads pot – enough to fill the equivalent of 7 million potholes a year, as part of the government’s Plan for Change government also announces £4.8 billion for 25/26 for motorways and major A-roads including economy boosting road schemes on the A47 and…
People living with dementia are set to benefit from government-backed research designed to help them live more independently in their own homes. Four new research networks led by the UK’s top researchers, developers, health and social care professionals will focus on creating technologies to help dementia patients manage memory loss, communication difficulties and cope better with everyday tasks, in the hopes of slowing the progress of the disease and maximising the time they can spend safely and happily at home. The teams will work alongside people living with dementia and carers to ensure lived experience and changing needs are…
The Energy Secretary has today (Saturday 22 March) commissioned the independent National Energy System Operator to urgently investigate the power outage incident that impacted Heathrow Airport and the surrounding area. Working with Ofgem, Ed Miliband is using Energy Act powers to formally launch the investigation. This follows the action taken yesterday to restore power to all affected customers. NESO’s investigation will support efforts to build a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding this incident and the UK’s energy resilience more broadly so that it’s prevented from ever happening again. The government’s Plan for Change is rebuilding Britain’s resilience, including boosting…
Global tech giant IBM to provide platform for flagship cyber skills programme for girls – boosting diversity in the booming £13 billion cyber sector as more young people explore careers in cyber girls between 12-13 to be supported in developing new computing and cyber skills partnership comes as best and brightest cyber minds gear up to represent UK Cyber Team in a series of international challenges Technology giant IBM have backed plans to diversify the UK’s cyber sector and encourage young people into cyber careers, as the government safeguards online services which deliver economic growth – central to the Plan for Change. …
Welsh Secretary champions the ground-breaking research undertaken in Wales The Research and Development Sector is a vital source of employment in Wales with huge potential for economic growth Bangor University among universities at the forefront of Research and Development in Wales and Menai Science Park a home to innovative businesses benefitting from their expertise. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has told leaders in Research and Development that they have a vital role to play in helping to grow the economy in Wales when she met them at Bangor University’s science park M-SParc on Anglesey. The discussion is the latest in a…