A new 5G Immersive Lab has been launched in Newcastle’s Eldon Square.
- The facility aims to drive innovation and aid businesses in adopting new technologies.
- The lab benefits from £700,000 funding as part of a larger investment initiative.
- It provides access to Vodafone’s 5G network and Digital Catapult’s expertise.
- The lab targets collaborations between small and medium-sized enterprises with larger firms.
A significant technological development has unfolded in Newcastle with the opening of a new 5G Immersive Lab at Eldon Square. This initiative is spearheaded by Science, Innovation and Technology Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, who officially inaugurated the facility in the heart of Newcastle city. The lab is strategically located in the Greys Quarter of the shopping centre, occupying the former site of a restaurant and aims to bolster technological advancements and connectivity.
The new facility, funded with £700,000 from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, forms part of a broader £3.5 million Innovation Accelerator programme. This investment is designed to tackle barriers to 5G and futuristic connectivity. The lab offers state-of-the-art resources, including a 5G network provided by Vodafone 5GSA, and insights from the experienced team at Digital Catapult. The focal point of this initiative is to stimulate partnerships between small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their larger counterparts, particularly encouraging the adoption of technological innovations across traditional industries such as retail, agriculture and manufacturing.
On his visit, Sir Chris was notably impressed, remarking: “It’s not easy to blow my socks off, but that’s what this did. It is fantastic to see first-hand digital innovation happening in the heart of Newcastle, which is a testament to the region’s ambition to help home-grown businesses to flourish.” His remarks underscore the potential impact and ambition of the lab to foster a vibrant environment for innovation.
The lab’s offerings include technology workshops, business challenges, and demonstrations, creating a fertile ground for developing proofs of concept. During the launch, notable technology firms from the North East region showcased their innovations. Aircards demonstrated an augmented reality experience, while Luminous XR offered a virtual hazard-perception training session, highlighting the practical applications and commercial products emerging from local innovation.
Jessica Driscoll, Digital Catapult’s director of Immersive Technology, emphasised the transformative potential of immersive technology in reshaping industries across the UK. She highlighted the lab’s role as a hub for experimentation and collaboration: “The 5G Immersive Lab will be a hub that will give businesses hands-on opportunities to experiment, collaborate, and accelerate the practical adoption of technologies to drive growth.”
The launch of the 5G Immersive Lab in Newcastle represents a strategic effort to foster innovation and economic growth in the region.
