Digital Catapult set to ‘light up’ deep tech innovation in NI
Published: 05 November, 2024
Applications are open for an initiative designed to accelerate the practical application of deep tech across Northern Ireland’s growing industries. Digital Catapult’s three-month Technology Access Programme will connect local businesses to state-of-the-art photonics and future network technologies to drive efficient manufacturing processes and explore commercial applications of new solutions, as part of the Smart Nano NI consortium.
The UK photonics sector is a £15.2 billion industry, with expectations to grow into a £50 billion industry by 2035, representing significant prospects for innovation and investment across the UK. Digital Catapult’s Smart Nano NI Innovation Programmes aim to harness this opportunity for local SMEs by increasing competitiveness through upskilling in these technologies and is supported by UK Research and Innovation’s Strength in Places Fund.
Aligned with Digital Catapult’s mission to scale UK deep tech companies faster, the programme will expedite production, enable real-time quality control, and improve precision and automation in manufacturing environments, working closely with local technology pioneers. Reducing energy consumption and cutting costs will also be considered, as the cohort works to advance industrial sustainability in manufacturing processes and achieve environmental benefits.
Participants can choose between two tracks, photonics or future networks, including 5G and Narrowband-IoT, which will be tailored to their business’ specific operational needs and challenges. Photonics involves using light to transmit, process, sense and store information, and Northern Ireland has unique strengths in developing and applying photonic technologies, presenting a significant opportunity for businesses in the region.
During the Day of Photonics launch event at Queen’s Film Theatre in Belfast, industry leaders and programme alumni, Aeroblue Software, showcased how they are applying photonics technologies to address operational challenges. Highlights included using sensors and lasers for real-time water quality monitoring, which reduces manual testing and costs, and employing high-precision measurements for better quality control and waste reduction in manufacturing, demonstrating the programme’s sustainable impact.
Brendan Lowry, Senior Innovation Partner at Digital Catapult, commented: “The photonics and future networks Technology Access Programme is a vital initiative that supports our mission to accelerate the practical application of deep tech in the UK. By providing access to cutting-edge technologies and expert guidance, we’re equipping Northern Ireland’s businesses to lead the way in developing innovative solutions that strengthen supply chain resilience and drive industrial sustainability.”
The initiative is the fifth in the series of Smart Nano NI Innovation Programmes. Jason Wiggins, Project Manager for Smart Nano NI added, “Growing skills and knowledge creates the potential to advance prototypes and explore future capabilities in these new technologies. This supports an ecosystem through research and innovation and fosters collaboration and growth across multiple sectors of the local economy.”
Applications close on 2nd December 2024.
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