Aston University digital research institute to be renamed in honour of Sir Peter Rigby

Aston University has renamed its flagship digital research institute in honour of Sir Peter Rigby, one of the UK’s most respected and successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.

The new title, The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute was officially announced by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University at the Institute’s official business launch on Friday 27 September.

The Institute focuses on three high-impact challenge areas for digital transformation, namely AI & data analytics, digital health technologies, as well as gamification and games technologies.

Sir Peter is the founder of SCC, the largest privately owned information technology group in Europe. It is the core business focus of the Rigby Group which ranks highly in the UK’s top privately owned businesses and its non-core interests extend beyond technology, transformation and technology investments into real estate, airports and hotels.

In March 2023 Aston University and SCC signed a memorandum of understanding forming a strategic partnership to drive digital innovation and digital inclusion. The Institute is the focal point for this partnership and is set up to drive the application and deployment of digital technologies and digital skills. This year Sir Peter furthered his support by making a generous donation to enable the expansion of the research Institute.

The Institute will contribute to the economic regeneration of the region and will be based at 10 Woodcock Street in the heart of the Birmingham Innovation Quarter (B-IQ). The building was recently acquired by Aston University and will also be the new home to Aston Business School, Aston Law School, Aston Vision Sciences and the new state-of-the-art Aston Integrated Healthcare Hub.

Sir Peter, who is also chairman of the Institute, said: “I am deeply honoured to have Aston University’s Digital Futures Institute named after me; this is a proud moment for my family and myself. Accelerating digital inclusion and innovation have been at the heart of my journey in business over the past 50 years, and it is incredibly rewarding to see these values reflected in the Institute. I look forward to seeing the Institute contribute to the development of cutting-edge digital solutions, fostering technological advancement, economic regeneration, and social inclusion within the region and beyond.”

Professor Aleks Subic added: “We are proud to honour Sir Peter Rigby by naming the Institute after him. A visionary leader in business and a pioneer in technological innovation, Sir Peter’s commitment to advancing digital skills and contributing to regional development aligns perfectly with Aston University’s 2030 Strategy. His dedication reflects our vision of being an inclusive, entrepreneurial, and transformational university. The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute represents a key pillar of our strategy, focused on delivering lasting, positive impact for our students, businesses, and the communities we serve.”

The Institute was founded in February 2023 and was previously called Aston Digital Futures Institute. It is led by director Professor Abdul Sadka who has grown a team of internationally leading researchers. He said: “It is a historic development for the University and the region. The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute will become a national powerhouse in digital research and innovation, driving the economic revitalisation of the West Midlands and playing an instrumental role in bridging the skill gap created by AI-powered digital transformations.”