Ayrshire is set to play host to a brand new 5G centre.
The Scotland 5G Centre (S5GC) continues expanding its S5GConnect programme by announcing that two 5G innovation hubs will be located in Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
These new 5G innovation hubs will continue to support economic growth through the deployment and adoption of 5G technology, supported by a £4m investment from the Scottish Government.
HALO Kilmarnock will be the lead partner and the hub will be hosted in The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre at The HALO Digital & Cyber Innovation Park.
The hubs will act as ‘business enablers’ intended to accelerate strategic partnerships with key customers in the regions, to leverage new applications and services, enabled through 5G connectivity.
Specialist staff will support companies to develop, prototype and test real-world applications and use cases over a 5G innovation platform, gain one-to-one consultancy and professional support to develop and scale businesses at no initial cost to the user.
Since launching the first three hubs, The Scotland 5G Centre has engaged with over 400 businesses on the transformational benefits of 5G technology.
The new hubs will promote innovation and investment, focussing on sectors relevant to the Ayrshire and Aberdeen economies, including energy, offshore and ports.
Finance secretary Kate Forbes said: “These new 5G Innovation Hubs will help boost the economy and encourage entrepreneurship in Aberdeen and Kilmarnock.
“The S5GConnect Hub programme is playing an important role in unlocking the power of 5G technologies, helping small and medium‑sized enterprises with the skills they need to understand how 5G can benefit their business."
Marie Macklin CBE, founder and executive chair of the HALO, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome a Scotland 5G Centre Connect Hub to The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre.
“The HALO is setting the standard for low carbon energy sites across the UK offering a state-of-the-art environment for entrepreneurs specialising in green growth by building a sustainable community powered by renewable energy.
“Hosting a Scotland 5G Centre Connect Hub here at the HALO will further enhance our community approach to providing digital and cyber jobs with skills development, economic growth and access to employment opportunities.”
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