Student Innovation and Research Centre

Located at the heart of our University Centre in Paignton and integrated into the broader Torbay high‑tech cluster, the SIRC is a dynamic hub where students, staff, and industry unite to drive innovation, research, and real‑world impact.

Our Purpose

• Cultivate innovation skills: We empower students to gain critical research, problem‑solving, and entrepreneurial abilities, preparing them to thrive in evolving industries and societal contexts.
• Fuel industry collaboration: Acting as a bridge between academia and business, SIRC facilitates employer‑led projects and placements, co‑developing modern curricula and delivering solutions for regional and national challenges.
• Expand our research portfolio: By supporting grant applications, funding opportunities, and other initiatives, SIRC contributes to both academic excellence and professional practice.

What Makes Us Unique

• Collaborative triad: The SIRC is built around a collaborative model — aligning students, staff and businesses on meaningful innovation-focused projects.
• Flexible, multi-disciplinary space: Designed for use across curriculum areas—not only STEM but also arts, business, health, and environmental sciences.
• Industry-grade facilities: Equipped with specialist tools, such as photonics, micro-electronics and the GNSS signal simulator, thanks to partnerships like Spirent.
• Embedded in a high-tech cluster: Situated amidst Torbay’s technology ecosystem, offering students direct access to the latest innovations and employers.

Recent Highlights

• Spirent GNSS Fundamentals Module: As part of the Spirent Academia Programme, the SIRC integrates satellite-based PNT training into its engineering and computer science courses, providing students hands-on access to Spirent SimGNSS software and signal simulators.
• Regulator praise and Degree-awarding powers: In May 2025, the Office for Students praised SIRC for enabling ‘cutting-edge skills, research collaborations, and employer-led projects’, supporting University Centre South Devon’s indefinite Foundation Degree Awarding Powers.

Our Vision

• Student-centred innovation: Place students at the core of activity — empowering them to lead research, develop prototypes, and explore entrepreneurial pathways.
• Employer-driven co-creation: Expand partnerships that shape projects, craft curricula, offer placements, and drive local economic resilience.
• Research with impact: Produce actionable knowledge via studies and interdisciplinary inquiry.
• Accessible innovation space: Maintain flexible, cross-subject access to facilities that welcome creatives, scientists, technologists, and health and business specialists.

Partner With Us

Whether you represent a business seeking collaborative innovation, a student looking for applied learning, or a funder targeting research-for-impact, SIRC offers:

• Bespoke industry-university projects
• Internships and placements
• Joint grant and research initiatives
• Access to advanced specialist equipment and workshops

For enquiries, contact: [email protected]

Success Stories & Student Testimonials

At the Student Innovation & Research Centre (SIRC), students don’t just learn—they lead. Through hands-on innovation and real-world projects, they are gaining valuable skills, building confidence, and making a tangible impact across industries.

Real Impact, Real Students

“Working with the SIRC on a project using Spirent’s GNSS simulator gave me real-world experience in satellite navigation technology. I never imagined I’d be contributing to industry-level work before graduating—it has opened doors I didn’t know existed.”

Emily, BSc Computing Technologies

“Through the SIRC, I partnered with a local tech firm on a sensor prototype. It was my first real industry challenge, and now I’m employed full-time with them thanks to the experience and connections I gained.”

Tom, FdSc Engineering (Electronics & Robotic Control)

“The research training I received through the SIRC helped me run my own small-scale study. That experience shaped my confidence to apply for a Master’s degree and seek further research opportunities.”

Georgia, BA (Hons) Education, Development & Society

Business Collaboration in Action

“Partnering with University Centre South Devon’s SIRC gave us access to bright minds, research capabilities, and agile innovation. Our co-designed student project led directly to a new software feature now used by our clients across the UK.” – James Fuller, CTO

TechCo SW Ltd

“The student-led evaluation of our digital health pilot exceeded our expectations. Their insights were not only academically sound but also incredibly practical. We will definitely be working with SIRC again.” – Dr. Mia Callan, Project Lead

Bay Health Collaborative