A major innovation programme is accelerating growth in advanced materials and sustainability across Greater Manchester, supporting dozens of businesses and strengthening Rochdale’s position at the heart of Atom Valley.
The Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS), convened and coordinated by the Rochdale Development Agency (RDA), has already exceeded key targets – engaging more than 90 companies and delivering over 20 collaborative projects focused on tackling critical national challenges such as recycling, circular supply chains and sustainable materials.
CEAMS was created in direct response to the needs of businesses. Through ongoing engagement with local businesses, the RDA identified a clear challenge: many innovative companies were being locked out of traditional funding and research opportunities due to factors beyond their control, such as company size or eligibility criteria. This left promising ideas without a pathway to development.
In response, RDA brought together a strategic partnership of leading organisations – Centre for Process Innovation (CPI), the Henry Royce Institute, the National Composites Centre (NCC), the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and the University of Manchester – aligning their expertise to create a more inclusive and accessible innovation ecosystem. The aim was to remove barriers, open up routes into research and development, and ensure that businesses with strong potential could access the tools and support needed to grow.
This coordinated approach has enabled companies to access specialist knowledge, facilities and collaborative opportunities, unlocking innovation at a scale, speed and ease that would not have been possible in isolation and without the support of CEAMS.
The impact of this approach can already be seen in the outcomes delivered through CEAMS. For example, Chromition, a company developing Luminspheres™ technology for healthcare diagnostics, had previously struggled to secure funding to progress its work. Through CEAMS, the business was able to access the specialist equipment and expertise required to advance its technology, which has the potential to transform cancer detection by enabling earlier, less invasive and more cost-effective diagnosis. In the future, this approach could be integrated into routine blood testing, significantly improving early cancer detection rates.
Similarly, DEKILN was able to access state-of-the-art research and development facilities and expertise through CEAMS to develop its sustainable tile coating. Previously constrained by limited access to funding and resources due to the size of the business, CEAMS provided a vital route forward – enabling innovation that may otherwise have stalled.
As the organisation responsible for driving inward investment, economic growth and regeneration across the borough, RDA has played a central role in shaping and delivering CEAMS. The programme reflects a natural progression of its commitment to building a future-focused economy in Rochdale – one rooted in collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth.
Crucially, CEAMS is built on the strength of its partners, whose complementary expertise underpins its success. Each organisation brings a vital contribution, from cutting-edge research to industry application and commercialisation, creating a joined-up system capable of delivering meaningful and lasting impact for the businesses it supports.
As CEAMS transitions into its next phase through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF), it is set to play a key role in supporting the development of the Strategic Materials and Manufacturing Centre (SMMC) and Kingsway Innovation Campus. Together, these developments form a core part of the wider Atom Valley vision.
The next phase will focus on strengthening supply chains, attracting further investment and building a globally competitive innovation cluster centred on advanced materials and manufacturing, firmly positioning Rochdale as a destination for high-value industry.
The programme has already generated strong industry interest, including repeat collaborations and follow-on investment, while showcasing Greater Manchester’s capabilities on both a national and international stage.
The continued development of Atom Valley is central to plans to create high-quality jobs, attract investment and position Rochdale as a leading location for advanced manufacturing and sustainable innovation.
As CEAMS and Atom Valley continue to grow, their impact is already clear. Together, they are unlocking innovation, enabling collaboration and laying the foundations for high-quality jobs and long-term economic prosperity across Rochdale and beyond.
