Transforming UK industry with cutting-edge digital technology 

The very latest in supercomputers, data analytics and artificial intelligence at the Hartree Centre is helping industry, business and public services embrace and integrate digital technology – driving productivity, innovation and economic growth. 

High-performance computing, big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can give industry, business and public services a competitive edge. The Hartree Centre was established to enable UK and international organisations – from large corporates to small start-ups – to explore and adopt these cutting-edge technologies. 

“At a time when technology is the principal driver in transforming every business and operating model, it is critical the UK has the infrastructure and expertise of the Hartree Centre,” says Professor Kate Royse, Director, Hartree Centre. “Our vision is for UK industry and public services to fully embrace and integrate the latest digital and AI technologies into their business to outperform their global competitors, grow the economy and keep the UK at the forefront of industrial innovation.”  

Part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the centre offers access to some of the most advanced digital technologies in the UK, usually only available to academic researchers. Strategic partnerships with major industry leaders and international businesses, such as IBM and Siemens, are key to its success. In its first four years of operation, the centre delivered £27.5 million of net commercial benefit for its users and over 100 projects with commercial and public sector organisations. 

From cyber security to energy efficiency, drug development to soil health, the centre engages with important sectors across the economy. “We have worked on projects to improve packing line operations using the power of data, machine learning to tackle counterfeiting in the whisky industry, and designing safer, non-invasive monitoring for elderly home care,” says Professor Royse.

“By working with us, businesses and research partners can gain a competitive advantage that enables them to produce better outcomes, products and services, more quickly and cheaply than through conventional research and development.” 

Image: Example of computer cabinet in STFC's Hartree Centre. Credit: STFC / Hartree Centre

Link to full brochure