First Minister Eluned Morgan has visited a North Wales science park to learn more about its ecosystem of innovation and its aspirations for the future.
Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Managing Director of M-SParc, welcomed the First Minister and shared the science park’s ambitious plans to expand its site. With freeport status and Welsh Government support to develop a second building, M-SParc says it is gearing up for a transformative year.
“This visit underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in driving Wales’s economy forward,” said Pryderi ap Rhisiart.
“We’re excited about the future and the role M-SParc will play in shaping a thriving, sustainable economy.”
The Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, Professor Edmund Burke, said:
“We welcome the opportunity to showcase M-SParc, the university's Science Park, to the First Minister highlighting the achievements of the companies based here and the ground-breaking work of our Nuclear Futures Institute. The visit also provided an opportunity to share our plans for a second building at the Science Park and outline the benefits of our role in the Anglesey Freeport. Both the Freeport and the Science Park are central to our contribution to the regional economy, which is a key priority for the university.”
During her visit, the First Minister met with three innovative businesses based at M-SParc:
- Hydrowing, a tidal turbine developer working to harness sustainable energy from marine environments.
- ai, a company specialising in bespoke AI platform development to drive technological progress.
- Pelly, a sports platform innovator that recently closed a successful funding round in collaboration with M-SParc and the Development Bank of Wales.
The First Minister also met students from Ysgol Esgeifiog, who were participating in STEM and enterprise activities as part of M-SParc’s outreach programme. With three full-time teachers dedicated to connecting industry with the talent of the future, M-SParc says it is committed to fostering a strong pipeline of skilled professionals.
The visit concluded with a meeting at the Nuclear Futures Institute (NFI), where the First Minister engaged with Prof. Simon Middleburgh and his team. The NFI showcased its industry-facing research, which is paving the way for cutting-edge advancements in nuclear technology.
The First Minister said:
“M-SParc embodies the innovative spirit of Wales, driving forward progress in key areas like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced research. The engagement with young talent and the connections between industry and academia are truly inspiring.”
