Local business collaboration is central to the ACORN scheme, ensuring that innovation is driven by real market need rather than isolated research. This award led by Kaiqiang Zhang of UKAEA aims to create trusted pathways for translating robotics and AI research into deployable solutions for nuclear decommissioning.
National investments have advanced research in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (R&AI) to support the UK’s nuclear decommissioning programmes. The sector is now at a critical stage when research advancements are expected to be converted into economic and societal impacts. Evidence shows that regional, business-driven ecosystems, such as innovation clusters, play an important role in enabling this conversion.
This project proposes to systematically define how such an ecosystem can be created in Oxfordshire, unlocking the region’s strengths in R&AI and nuclear technologies. Building on proven cluster models, the project will bring together researchers, technology companies, and other stakeholders in partnership with South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. This collaborative approach will identify necessities for an Oxfordshire ecosystem that enables R&AI research translation into spinouts, job creation, and business growth in the nuclear decommissioning market.
Over a 12-month period, the project will engage local businesses, host workshops, and collect evidence on barriers and opportunities for R&AI innovation adoption across the sector. It will advise on how Oxfordshire can develop a R&AI cluster for nuclear decommissioning business. The cluster, as a part of the regional ecosystem, will accelerate research-to-business translation and help create sustainable business opportunities.
