The Blair Project
Background: In brief:
Based in Manchester, The Blair Project is an e-motorsport STEM provider which exists to develop the pipeline of diverse workforce of the future to drive the electric revolution, tackle climate change and generate a nation of tinkerers and innovators able to accelerate the commercialisation of university R&D through our self-build electric go kart STEM Challenge, ProtoEV. Youth and adult teams retrofit and convert used petrol go karts into fully electric e-karts, test and race them to see which is the fastest and most energy efficient. Diversity and inclusion in motorsport and engineering is our core purpose.
Where are you based?
Manchester Technology Centre
What do you do?
The Blair Project makes innovation and STEM learning fun – for young people, adults and workers through the real world activity of building, testing and racing electric go karts.
We’re on a mission to diversify the UK STEM Workforce and tackle climate change through sustainable motorsport. Our vision is to become the world’s leading green tech, education and skills training provider.
Our high powered career readiness programme is targeted at young people aged 13-19, but is also suitable for adults 18+ seeking to repivot or learn about new technologies. Not only does ProtoEV unleash the exhilaration of sport, but allows learners to interact, engage and learn about the mechanical engineering process, battery and manufacturing technologies.
Participants gain hands on experience of electric motors, powertrain systems, computer aided design, 3D printing, digital twinning, systems integration, hydrogen fuel cells, telemetry, battery and sensor technologies. In addition to technical skills, participants develop soft skills such as problem solving, team working, project management and engineering habits of mind.
What can you offer to NAA members?
In 2021, The Blair Project secured £4 million of government funding for a industrialisation and skills training centre called the Manchester Innovation Activities Hub (MIAH) specialising in rapid upskilling, reskilling and retraining in electrification technologies and providing access to industrial grade equipment and workshop spaces to innovative SMEs wishing to prototype new products and services, connect & collaborate on R&D projects with universities and or join new electrification supply chains in the North West.
Opening in April 2022, MIAH will support companies to fast track the development of cost-effective, high-performance, durable, safe, low-weight and electrification technologies – and access the pool of skilled talent companies need to fuel their growth. MIAH will also help companies to access the world class research strengths of Greater Manchester universities in advanced materials, fuel cells technologies, robotics and AI to name a few.
We are able to offer a low cost ‘plug and play’ platform to de-risk the development and pre-commercial readiness of cheaper more efficient battery and propulsion technologies to TR7 level using electric e-karts.
We can also help NAA members recruit apprentices, attract a more diverse & inclusive workforce, and upskill and reskill their employees.
How would you like to work with members?
We look forward to working with NAA members, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, training providers and individuals from our unique facility at the Manchester Innovation Activities Hub.
Access our services to discover how to repivot your business to take advantage of the fast growth electrification market and new markets, learn about new propulsion or manufacturing technologies, or connect with other innovative companies or organisations working at the cutting edge.
We would like NAA members to use our electric go karts as a low-cost R&D proving ground to develop and/or integrate new powertrain, battery, fuel cells or manufacturing technologies to demonstrate proof of concept.
We offer a personalised service, tailored to your needs. Please email in the first instance at info@theblairproject.org and one of our advisors will contact you.
What is your unique offer?
Delivery of short skills training course, developed by the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, for the rapid upskilling, reskilling and retraining of workforce in electrification skills such as batteries, advanced manufacturing and predictive maintenance.
Contact Details
Dr Marilyn Comrie OBE
www.theblairproject.org
