Dyson unveils plans for £100m technology research hub in Bristol

Today Dyson has announced its ambitions to open a £100m research and development centre in the heart of Bristol. The move solidifies Dyson’s South West roots whilst recognising Bristol’s leadership in innovation.

The hub will be home to hundreds of software and AI engineers working on a pipeline of products that stetches ten years into the future. Situated opposite Castle Park, Dyson will be at the epicentre of Bristol’s vibrant tech scene.

Dyson tells us the decision reflects Bristol’s position as an international hub for software and digital skills, driving recruitment of the best talent from the UK and around the world. 

“The new Dyson Technology Centre in Bristol will be a vital hub contributing to Dyson’s connected future,” outlines Jake Dyson, Dyson’s Chief Engineer. “We have significant ambitions and will hire increasing numbers of software, AI and connectivity engineers as part of a growing global team.”

The exciting news comes as part of a huge acceleration of its international advanced manufacturing capabilities and global R&D footprint. The three major investments reflect the scale of Dyson goals internationally, drawing on the very best engineering talent the world has to offer.

Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, tells us about their future plans: “Software, connectivity, AI, and proprietary new technology batteries will power the next generation of Dyson technology. Just like our long-term investments in pioneering digital electric motor technology, Dyson’s next generation battery technology will drive a major revolution in the performance and sustainability of Dyson’s machines.”

New hubs will also be opening in Singapore and The Philippines; all three developments contribute to Dyson’s ongoing £2.75bn five-year investment plan. 

For the Bristol hub, Jake explains that the focus will be on sensors, apps and connectivity. He believes that it’s more about simply adding function to a machine: “They transform how we support our owners and assess autonomously how to improve a product’s performance over its lifetime to ensure they are at peak performance, without requiring the time of our customers.”

More information on when the centre will be fully operational is yet to come. 

The decision to select Bristol comes as no surprise to techSPARK. As Ben Shorrock, Managing Director, tells the BBC, “Bristol continues to be a leading place for tech businesses and people.

“Its unique mix of historic industries from the creative, showcased in organisations like Aardman Animations and the BBC, to engineering through businesses like Hewlett-Packard and Airbus, means we’re a melting pot of the skills needed in developing cutting-edge tech.”