Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, has announced an innovation lab will be launched in Newcastle to boost digital skills, productivity and innovation across the North of Tyne region. Set to be located in Eldon Square, the lab will provide local companies and residents with access to the latest 5G innovation and immersive technologies. This includes 5G Standalone, and future networks, which Vodafone will provide and maintain for the lab as one of the project’s delivery partners.
The 5G Immersive Lab will offer state-of-the-art digital technology equipment and a versatile workspace, comprised of co-working areas, meeting rooms and event spaces. Through hands-on technology workshops and expert-led demonstrations, it aims to help local businesses overcome barriers to adopting advanced technologies. The lab will also provide high-speed connectivity to the Advanced Media Production studio at PROTO in Gateshead, creating a robust testing ground for solutions in a real-world environment, and accelerating the development and deployment of their products or services.
The facility, funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, will be launched in two stages. The co-working space is expected to be ready by spring 2024, with the 5G Immersive Lab set to follow by the end of summer.
Digital Catapult is committed to supporting the North East’s technology sector and, alongside Digital Catapult North East Tees Valley, will play a key role in connecting some of the North of Tyne’s most established businesses with the region’s most promising startups.
Dynamo North East, a membership organisation for the technology industry, will help to identify small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the North of Tyne region that might benefit from the project. Finally, the maintenance of the new innovation lab and coworking space will be managed by Floe, a company providing coworking spaces across the North of England.
