Overview
The Innovation Studio operates as a lab for creative technologies, a nucleus for start-ups and enterprises, and an industry engagement hub.
You are using an outdated browser. Most of this website should still work, but after upgrading your browser it will look and perform better.
Industry-engagement and our strong maker culture puts collaboration at the heart of everything we do.
Pongoose
Developing the Pongoose climber 1000+. Supported by European Regional Development Funding (ERDF).
Pongoose is a Dorset climbing brand and specialist supplier of climbing equipment. Its core product, the Pongoose Climber, a clipstick for climbers, is the creation of founders Robin and Katie Rendall.
In June 2018 Pongoose was awarded an AUB-ERDF Innovation Voucher to support the research and development of a new product; a capital and time intensive process for any business, especially one so young. In 2019, the Pongoose Climber 1000+ was launched, a ‘big brother’ to the slightly shorter Pongoose Climber 700. The new product is helping the business and its customers to reach new heights, by offering a complete product range to suit amateur and professional climbers.
The UK climbing scene is a fast-growth industry for sports enthusiasts and specialist suppliers alike and Pongoose’s unique brand and skilled processes are now seeing them stocked internationally.
Find out more about Pongoose here.
European Regional Development Funds
This project is supported through match-funding by the England European Regional Development Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. This fund was established by the European Union to help local areas stimulate their economic development. This investment will help to support innovation, businesses, skills and employment to improve local growth and create jobs. For more information visit www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
Explore the Innovation Studio
Events, lectures and workshops
A series of workshops and lectures for industry professionals to develop innovation and creative capabilities.
Projects
Take a look at some of our recent collaborative projects with external partners and businesses
Supporting Dorset Business
AUB and ERDF are making a significant investment in supporting Dorset businesses
Collaborate with us
There are many ways to work with us – we can give you access to our equipment and expertise
Associate Programme
Our Associate Programme offers membership of our Innovation Studio to regional businesses seeking research and development support.
Residency Programme
Our Residency Programme offers membership of our Innovation Studio individuals, start-ups and SMEs developing new products or services.
Industry-standard resources
The Innovation Studio features state-of-the-art equipment and digital resources, and the latest manufacturing technology.