Moon rock helps attract IDE Systems to Space Park Leicester
Members of the IDE Systems team at Space Park Leicester.
A chance encounter with a piece of Moon rock helped convince engineering specialist IDE Systems to make Space Park Leicester its new base.
Looking to secure collaborations across engineering, technology and security IDE Systems has become the latest company to join the Space Park Leicester community as the growing SME looks to forge new relationships with businesses, academics and emerging talent.
The company specialises in systems engineering, systems safety and assurance, with wider capabilities spanning data science, cyber security, artificial intelligence and machine learning, electrical, control and instrumentation (EC&I) and systems thinking.
Its experience in highly regulated and safety-critical industries will add further expertise to the growing community of businesses and researchers based at The University of Leicester’s £100 million space research, innovation and teaching hub.
While the potential for collaboration was at the heart of the decision to join, there was also a more unusual source of inspiration.
During a visit to Space Park Leicester, IDE Systems Managing Director Ian Hobson had the opportunity to handle a piece of Moon rock.
Claire Deans, Chief Operating Officer at IDE Systems, said: “There was certainly an element of inspiration involved. Ian, our MD, was particularly bowled over by the opportunity to touch a piece of Moon rock during his visit and, in many ways, it was an easy sell from that point onwards!
“But beyond the Moon rock, what really attracted us was the potential for collaboration and partnership, the connection with academia and innovation, and the opportunity to become part of a thriving engineering and technology community here in the East Midlands.
“We’re looking forward to building meaningful relationships with fellow residents, the wider engineering community and academic partners. We’re particularly interested in opportunities where we can bring complementary capabilities together to tackle complex challenges, collaborate on projects and pursue larger engineering programmes.”
As an agile SME supported by an extensive network of specialist associates, IDE Systems hopes to play an active role in connecting industry, academia and engineering expertise across the Space Park Leicester ecosystem.
The company is also exploring the development of engineering training as part of its service offering and wants to work with students and early-career professionals, creating opportunities to help develop the next generation of engineering talent.
Vinay Patel, Head of Commercial and Innovation at Space Park Leicester, said: “We’re delighted to welcome IDE Systems to Space Park Leicester. Their expertise across systems engineering, safety and assurance, data science, cyber security and AI brings another valuable dimension to our community.
“One of the real strengths of Space Park Leicester is bringing together businesses, researchers and talented people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work alongside one another. IDE Systems has arrived with a real appetite to collaborate, and we look forward to seeing the partnerships and opportunities that develop as a result.”