New executive director appointed to Liverpool’s ‘Sensor City’

Alison Mitchell has been appointed executive director of Sensor City in a landmark move for the collaborative venture between Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool, one of four flagship University Enterprise Zones in the country, which will drive sensor technology and development across the UK.

An alumna of both university partners of Sensor City, Alison will help to establish Sensor City as a national asset for emerging technologies, placing Liverpool and the UK at the forefront of world innovation in the sector.

Alison brings a wealth of high level industry experience to benefit this new role. She joins Sensor City from BT Business where she was chief information officer and helped to transform the telecom giant’s products, services and technical delivery. 

Commenting on her vision for Sensor City, Alison said: “I am truly excited to be leading Sensor City. Sensor technology is driving the next generation of product and innovations that can transform lives and the economy.  The technology that will be developed at Sensor City will support a modern industrial strategy and boost productivity across a range of sectors from health to transport.

“With the global sensor market currently worth $490 billion and growing at over 10% each year, Sensor City presents an incredible opportunity for the UK and for Liverpool.  I am looking forward to unlocking the wealth of expertise that exists between Liverpool’s two leading universities in collaborating with the region’s highly capable  SME community to put Liverpool at the forefront of sensor technology development and innovation.”

As executive director, Alison will support the establishment of hi-tech sensor businesses and start-ups, enabling graduate entrepreneurs from across the region to access leading experts and world-class research from the field of sensor technologies.

Professor Nigel Weatherill, vice chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University and chair of the board, Sensor City, said: “I am delighted Alison is leading Sensor City.  Alison brings the ideal industry and technological acumen to the initiative which can leverage the academic expertise that exists between Liverpool John Moores University and the University Of Liverpool, for the benefit of our graduate and business community.

“It is this kind of pioneering partnership that will enhance Liverpool’s collective competiveness as the leading British city that can address modern industrial challenges through sensor technology.”

Professor Janet Beer, vice chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said: “Alison brings with her considerable industry knowledge, experience and insight which will ensure that Sensor City achieves its vision to put Liverpool at the forefront of sensor technology development and drive forward innovation, create jobs and boost growth for the City Region.”