Vodafone has opened a Digital Innovation Hub in MediaCityUK to give the start-up community a head start in 5G.
Located at The Landing, Salford, the Hub will support entrepreneurs with access to network experts, technologies including IoT and high-speed fibre, and a space to work together.
As part of its multi-billion network investment, Vodafone is rolling out 5G to 19 towns and cities across the UK this year and plans to establish similar technology hubs in other locations.
At the opening event, entitled ‘Go Beyond’, attendees heard from experts including the City Major of Salford; Shafi Ahmed, chief medical officer and co-founder of Medical Realities; Mischa Dohler, Professor in Wireless Communications at King’s College London; Tracey McGarrigan, CEO of Ansible; and Scott Petty, CTO at Vodafone UK.
They also discussed how 5G will ‘open the door’ to new business opportunities and what the launch of the Digital Innovation Hub will bring to the area.
Delivering her keynote speech, Anne Sheehan, business director at Vodafone UK, said: “The Digital Innovation Hub is an example of how we are empowering today’s start-ups and small businesses with the expertise and technologies to help turn their blueprints into reality.
“Our 5G services can help UK start-ups become global leaders in their fields.”
Paul Dennett, City Major of Salford, added: “We are delighted that Vodafone has selected the city for its first Digital Innovation Hub.
“Such investment and commitment from the private sector supports our ambition to make Salford one of the world’s most attractive cities for digital enterprises.
“It will also boost the local economy and help attract new jobs and opportunities for the people of Salford, Great Manchester and beyond.
“This commitment also further strengthens Salford’s Innovation Triangle connecting MediaCityUK with the University of Salford and Salford Royal Foundation Trust, our outstanding and leading hospital in the City.”