Digital Catapult launches Advanced Connectivity Technology Access Programme to accelerate real-world innovation

Digital Catapult has launched the Smart Nano Advanced Connectivity Technology Access Programme, with ten innovative companies now underway on an 11-week journey to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced connectivity technology solutions.  

As demand for resilient, intelligent and secure connectivity continues to grow across industries, programmes like this play a vital role in helping organisations move from innovation to implementation. Through access to world-class facilities, specialist expertise and real-world testing environments, Digital Catapult is helping businesses de-risk innovation, validate emerging technologies and unlock new commercial opportunities. 

Delivered in partnership with Smart Nano NI, the programme provides businesses with access to cutting-edge private 5G infrastructure, technical expertise and dedicated support to test, validate and scale their solutions in real-world environments. 

The participating organisations will work closely with Digital Catapult’s technologists and innovation experts to define use cases, deploy solutions on the Smart Nano testbed and generate the technical evidence needed to support commercial adoption. 

The programme reflects Digital Catapult’s mission to accelerate the practical application of deep tech, enabling businesses to de-risk innovation and bring transformative technologies to market faster. By providing access to advanced facilities and hands-on support, Digital Catapult is helping to strengthen the UK’s innovation ecosystem and drive the adoption of next-generation connectivity. 

At the core of the programme is access to one of the UK’s most advanced industrial private 5G testbeds, located at North West Regional College in Derry/Londonderry. The testbed enables companies to experiment with technologies including 5G standalone networks, Cellular IoT and edge computing in a secure, production-like environment. 

Through structured phases of experimentation, testing and validation, participants will develop and refine their solutions, culminating in a showcase event where outcomes and insights will be shared with industry stakeholders. 

The programme brings together a diverse cohort of companies applying advanced connectivity to challenges across manufacturing, energy, transport, immersive media and environmental monitoring: 

• Scanmatix – developing real-time inventory management solutions to improve efficiency and accuracy in manufacturing and retail operations  

• StellarCube – delivering resilient, multi-network connectivity solutions across air, land, sea and space environments  

• Senergy Innovations – advancing smart solar thermal systems with high-resolution data and digital twin capabilities for low-carbon heating  

• Weev – optimising EV charging infrastructure through real-time data, predictive maintenance and AI-driven network operations  

• ClubMixed – creating immersive XR live music experiences powered by low-latency 5G connectivity  

• iPurvey – enabling AI-driven early warning systems for operational disruption using real-time connected data  

• Polaris Intelligent Technologies – applying private 5G and edge intelligence to enhance wildlife protection and remote monitoring systems  

• PontePatros – improving housing performance through real-time environmental monitoring and connectivity-enabled insights  

• Rotary Bearings Industrial Ltd – exploring advanced connectivity applications to enhance industrial performance and reliability  

• MENTHA Ltd – developing innovative solutions leveraging advanced connectivity technologies  

The Smart Nano Advanced Connectivity Technology Access Programme is delivered as part of Smart Nano NI, a consortium-led initiative focused on advancing smart manufacturing and prototyping technologies. Led by Seagate Technology and supported by industry and academic partners, the programme contributes to strengthening Northern Ireland’s position as a hub for advanced technology innovation.