‌The CHERISH-DE (Challenging Human Environment and Research Impact for a Sustainable and Health Digital Economy) programme will focus on three main areas:

• Health and social care
• Resource constrained communities
• Cyber safety and security.

‌The project will combine research expertise from a range of disciplines, including social science, computer science, economics, medicine, law, arts and humanities.

The project partnership includes the BBC, DVLA, Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board (ABMU), Microsoft and IBM and a variety of SMEs.

Included as one of the initiative’s research programmes will be a partnership with BBC Research and Development which looks at social engagement with the digital economy which aims to develop technology that makes BBC content accessible to all audiences over their lifetime through new, secure interfaces matched to their capabilities.

Professor Matt Jones, head of the College of Science is who is leading the CHERISH-DE project,  was at the launch and during an inspirational speech he set out his view that human need should always be the starting point for digital innovation projects. He said at the launch: "I am delighted to see the commitment, passion and enthusiasm from our industry, government, third-sector partners and Swansea researchers. This is a morning full of hope – hope that together this fantastically rich and diverse set of stakeholder can change the world over the next five years. Working together to ensure that, in a world of big data and big technology, the precious 'smallness' of everyday human life dominates future technology innovation".

Kelvin Jones, Managing Director of Accelero Digital said at the launch: “Being involved with the Cherish-DE project provides a small company like Accelero Digital with access to world class researchers, whilst at the same time providing students with an opportunity to work with an experienced team of software professionals to help them understand how their ideas can be realised in a commercial setting. The many different stakeholders here today can take a positive message from the event.”