Established in 2019, the Centre for Industry 4.0 and Blockchain Research (CI4BR) has emerged as a leading hub for innovation, driving advancements in the integration of emerging technologies like generative AI, computer vision, blockchain, and digital twin to facilitate the Industry 4.0 and Healthcare 4.0 transformations.   

Industry 4.0 Transformation Theme: Through fundings like Innovate UK’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), Wales Government’s Smart Partnership funds, the CI4BR has undertaken several academia-industry partnership projects with SMEs from different sectors to address the operational automation, efficiency enhancement, cost savings and technological adaptation challenges. The centre has also collaborated with global industry leaders, including Airbus and Google DeepMind, as well as government organisations like Companies House, to deliver impactful solutions. 

Healthcare 4.0 Transformation Theme: CI4BR has undertaken several high-impact projects in collaboration with the National Health Service (NHS) and social care providers like Age Connects, focusing on non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, dementia, and depression. The centre has developed groundbreaking tools to address socioeconomic challenges, including solutions to improve medication adherence, virtual peer-to-peer support networks for dementia care, and remote monitoring systems for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). 

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Theme: CI4BR is the first of its kind research centre in Wales, equipped with a full-stack node and crypto wallet settings to undertake distributed ledger-based tools and app development. The centre also researches on Crypto Forensic, Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), and Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO).  

Computer Vision Theme: The centre has extensive expertise with image, particularly medical image (MRI, CT) analysis using state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms.  

Apprenticeship and Entrepreneurial Education: The centre pioneered the establishment of Data Science Apprenticeship Degree Programme in Wales and also established a FinTech-focused venture studio-based summer internship programme.   

With over £3m grant income, CI4BR’s pioneering work has garnered significant recognition, including the Wales Tech Award for Best Blockchain Application and the prestigious Longitude Prize on Dementia. Research from the centre has also been shortlisted for the Innovate UK KTP Award and the Alzheimer’s Society’s Involvement Award, underscoring its commitment to driving innovation and creating tangible societal impact.  

Industrial Collaborators: Airbus, Google DeepMind, Satori Lab, Window Cleaning Warehouse, Market Mate, Coin Cover, Business Butler 

Governmental Collaborators: Office of National Statistics (ONS), Companies House 

Health/Social Care Collaborators: Cwn Taf University Health Board, Age Connects, Balsamee