New transformational 5G hub to open in ONE Tech Hub | ONE

ONE Tech Hub will be the home of a new 5G innovation hub as part of the Scotland 5G Centre (S5GC) S5GConnect Programme.

The hub will act as a business enabler intended to accelerate strategic partnerships with key customers in the region, 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.

Along with a new hub in Kilmarnock the launch will mark the fourth and fifth S5GConnect hubs, following the announcement of hubs in Forth Valley, Dundee and Scotland’s first rural hub in Dumfries. 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.

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.

Jennifer Craw, Chief Executive, Opportunity North East said: “Locating the S5GConnect Hub within ONE Tech Hub provides businesses and tech developers with the opportunity to demonstrate, develop and apply 5G connectivity in new applications and ensure the region’s key sectors continue to be at the forefront of digital and technology developments and further strengthens ONE Tech Hub as the forum for the digital ecosystem.”

Economy 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.

“This transformational technology could provide Scotland with competitive advantage and, most importantly, improve quality of life for citizens and businesses across the country as we rebuild a sustainable economy with good jobs at its heart.”

Paul Coffey, Chief Executive of the Scotland 5G Centre added: “Announcing two further S5GConnect Hubs is a significant step forward in this innovative new programme. Our expanding hub network will unlock growth and innovation, augmented through 5G network capabilities, and re-imagine customer processes and outcomes through data, AI/AR and machine learning. Acting as a catalyst to place Scotland at the forefront of digital connectivity, each hub will build on regional engagement, job creation and skills development by supporting key sectors and businesses.”