Research & Knowledge Exchange Facilities

Our facilities are designed to encourage and support open innovation.

Falmouth has made a significant investment in research facilities and infrastructure, including the Academy of Innovation & Research (AIR), the Creative Bridge and Launchpad.

Created to encourage collaboration and innovation across the University and beyond, the buildings incorporate work spaces for groups and individuals, bookable meeting rooms with presentation screens and event and exhibition areas.

Researchers also have access to facilities across our two campuses, including world-class photography studios, robot fabrication labs and inspiring writers' room, the Lighthouse.

The Academy for Innovation and Research (AIR)

AIR is a central hub for research and innovation, with individual research spaces alongside Open:AIR, a flexible space designed for those seeking a work environment that encourages open Innovation. In the centre of Open:AIR there is a large collaborative space for groups of up to eight to get together and exchange ideas. The space also includes a large television screen, which has been configured to operate the Solstice system. Solstice facilitates collaboration by enabling any number of connected users to share unlimited digital content on screen.

Explore the AIR building

AIR Sandpit

The Sandpit is a specialist technology-enhanced collaborative workspace located within the AIR Studio that enables groups of stakeholders (researchers, external organisations and other partners) to come together under the guidance of a workshop facilitator to explore issues and challenges. We run a variety of events in the Sandpit from specialised conferences and workshops to our researcher and research student development sessions.

Launchpad

Launchpad is a venture studio which is creating a new generation of Cornwall-based companies operating in high-value, high-growth sectors. The programme is designed to develop and retain talent to boost the local economy and create global opportunities.

Launchpad’s unique methodology reverses the traditional supply-side approach to business incubation and starts by working with industry partners to identify a market gap. This approach significantly reduces the high failure rate associated with conventional start-up and business incubation models.

A 1,200m² purpose built facility has been completed to accommodate Launchpad’s incubating and accelerating businesses as well as its staff. When fully occupied, it houses up to 172 people. Launchpad aims to support 64 enterprises, create 128 FTEs and incorporate 32 Cornwall based companies. Launchpad is part-funded under Priority Axis 1 of the ERDF Operational Programme, with Cornwall Council as match-funding provider.

The Creative Bridge

The Creative Bridge provides a physical transition between Launchpad and AIR and is also symbolic of the University’s relationship to innovation.

The lower floor of the Creative Bridge is designed to provide a platform for staging small exhibitions, mini-conferences and events to highlight the University’s research and innovation projects as well as its wider activities and achievements.