Digital Catapult partners with DCMS to drive innovative new use cases of 5G in UK industry sectors

Digital Catapult, the UK’s leading innovation centre for advanced digital technologies and the Catapult responsible for driving innovation for 5G across the UK, has partnered with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) to support the design and development of a number of projects focused in specific industry sectors , as part of the 5G Testbeds & Trials Programme. These projects will focus on developing challenge focused use cases, demonstrating the opportunities and stimulating demand for 5G in UK industry. This work will initially be based on the Manufacturing and Logistics sectors.

These 5G Sector Testbeds and Trials projects will aim to develop, demonstrate and showcase novel solutions for digitalisation into these specific industry sectors, de-risking investment for early adoption of 5G. The projects will fuel innovation and provide a test environment for the next generation of digital connectivity required to deliver on the UK Government’s ambition to become a world leader in 5G. DCMS 5G Sector Testbeds and Trials Programme is a key enabler for the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.

Digital Catapult has built its technical, research and innovation expertise in 5G and established a nationally recognised technically-underpinned 5G programme over the last five years. During 2018 and 2019, Digital Catapult published its 5G Nation report, launched the 5G testbed in Brighton (5G Brighton) and its 5G London testbed, and has working strategic relationships with leading 5G organisations in the UK and internationally. DCMS recognises Digital Catapult’s coordination role for 5G across the Catapult Network. This role, combined with its independent convener position and strong relationships with the advanced digital technology innovation landscape, will help to foster collaboration across the entire 5G ecosystem and maximise the impact of the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme.

Jeremy Silver, CEO, Digital Catapult, said: “5G has the potential to transform UK business. It’s not simply about how it works, it’s about what the technology enables and the growth opportunities that this type of disruptive technology can spark across the economy. Sector focused uses of 5G will help to underpin the fourth industrial revolution, with 5G success in the UK likely to be measured on not only how fast its rollout will be, but most importantly on its uptake by new industries. By working with the Manufacturing and Logistics sectors in the UK, alongside innovative small companies, Digital Catapult’s exciting new partnership with the DCMS 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme will help to take 5G from theory to commercial reality”

Margot James, Minister for Digital and Creative Industries, said: “Through our modern Industrial Strategy this Government is making sure that we’ve got the right infrastructure in place to be a world leader in new 5G technology. The manufacturing and logistics sectors are exciting areas where 5G has the potential to transform the way that we do business, and this project with the Digital Catapult will help shape the future use of 5G for years to come.”

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