Smart Nano NI, a local technology consortium in Northern Ireland focused on advancing smart manufacturing, has unveiled the largest 5G testbed in the region in Derry-Londonderry. Led by Digital Catapult, the consortium aims to stimulate economic growth and investment opportunities in Northern Ireland through this initiative. The testbed, delivered in partnership with CGI, features a cutting-edge 5G and 4G private network, making it an ideal environment for upskilling the next generation of innovators and experts.
The initiative includes a smart education site at the Industry 4.0 Centre in the Northwest Regional College’s Springtown Campus, offering students and industry access to the 5G private network for exploring new use cases. Additionally, a manufacturing site at Seagate’s manufacturing facility allows businesses to test the technology in a live manufacturing setting.
As part of the launch, Digital Catapult has opened an open call for the Smart Nano Accelerator Programme, inviting Northern Ireland-based start-ups and SMEs to submit ideas for innovative technology solutions to manufacturing challenges. Participants in the programme will have the chance to compete for a £75,000 grant from Techstart Ventures to further develop their business idea.
The 5G testbed and associated programs aim to drive growth, innovation, and technology adoption across various sectors in Northern Ireland.