Vision and mission

ACORN aims to accelerate the commercialisation of robotics and AI, making nuclear decommissioning safer, faster and cheaper, while stimulating regional job creation and economic growth in Oxfordshire and Cumbria.

Vision and mission

Our £5m fund supports research and commercial partnerships, to help de-risk and simplify the journey to deployment of nuclear robotics and AI. We’re also funding locally-rooted STEM initiatives to find, engage and inspire a diverse next-generation nuclear robotics and AI workforce, powered by people from local communities in Oxfordshire and Cumbria.

We believe the partnerships, innovations, and initiatives activated by ACORN can build on the UK’s world-leading expertise in nuclear decommissioning and deliver improved safety, economic growth, equal opportunity and shared prosperity across Oxfordshire and Cumbria.

ACORN has been funded by EPSRC to deliver opportunities for UK researchers to commercialise their technologies, for supply chain organisations – big and small – to harness the potential in Oxfordshire and Cumbria, and for local leaders to contribute to creating local employment and economic growth, while shaping safer, faster and cheaper nuclear decommissioning practices.

Goals

ACORN aims to accelerate the deployment of robotic and AI technology to decrease the cost, timescale and hazard of performing nuclear decommissioning. To do this, we’re awarding up to £5m in funding which will help universities to partner with businesses and nuclear operators to commercialise emerging robotics and AI technology for the nuclear sector.

Along the way we hope to create regional job opportunities, stimulate economic growth in Oxfordshire and Cumbria, and encourage local talent to grow a culture of innovation and discover new skills and opportunities in nuclear robotics and AI, and inspire a local and diverse next-generation workforce in Oxfordshire and Cumbria.

Acorn
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