A new competition has been launched to create a single, core innovation hub to develop new digital and manufacturing technologies for the construction industry.

Up to £72 million is available from Innovate UK for UK-based research and technology organisations that already have substantive existing facilities and expertise to work with others in the sector such as businesses, the research base or public sector organisations.

Innovate UK said: "The way we create buildings has not changed in 40 years, and construction has not seen the same increases in productivity as other industries. The sector is also facing a skills crisis due to an ageing workforce.

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"This competition aims to fund a single, core innovation hub that will develop and commercialise new digital and manufacturing technologies for construction. The hub should focus on how to:

• create better performing built assets

• increase the industry-wide adoption of emerging digital and manufacturing technologies

• design new processes to improve productivity in construction

For applicants to be successful, they must demonstrate there is a commitment from the private sector to invest and use the hub once it is complete.

Projects should start in August and last for up to four years. The deadline for applications to the competition is midday on 23 May 2018.

(LM/MH)