Digital agency Ixis has been appointed to provide web development and ongoing support services to the Energy Innovation Centre (EIC), a not for profit organisation connecting the UK’s energy distribution networks and the Energy Systems Catapult with SME innovators.
The North West-based agency will be responsible for all aspects of ongoing development, site maintenance and consultancy as the Cheshire-based EIC looks to develop its online platform. The EIC Hub (www.EICHub.com) is built using the open source Drupal framework.
The EIC launched nine years ago with the mission of driving forward collaborative innovation projects between energy distribution networks and third party innovators that will help transform the UK’s energy system.
The EIC’s new digital platform is central to this mission. The EIC Hub is the new place for the innovation community to meet and network online. Members of the Hub can showcase their bright ideas, collaborate with other innovators, raise their profile and keep up to date with industry news and views. The Hub, which was launched earlier this year, will be maintained by Ixis, who will also be responsible for implementing all aspects of future development work.
Gavin Shone, Head of Digital at EIC, said: “After almost a decade of success in helping to connect energy distribution networks with SME innovators and start-up organisations, we felt a digital platform represented a sustainable way of continuing to drive forward our collaborative innovation model. The EIC Hub is integral to our future ambitions and we are confident that Ixis, with their reputation as Drupal specialists, are the right agency to work with on this project. It is great to know we have their support in taking care of the site’s maintenance, functionality and security.”
Mike Carter, Director and co-founder of Ixis said: “The Energy Innovation Centre is becoming a really important force when it comes to driving technological innovation in the utility and energy sector. Having already completed the diagnostic phase of our work, we very much look forward to working with the EIC in the future.”
The contract adds to a string of member portal projects recently undertaken by Ixis including the Association of Corporate Treasurers, Blue Prism, Institute & Faculty of Actuaries and The National Skills Academy for Nuclear.
