Posted on August 20, 2020
Grant funding will help realise a new network of high-speed mobile data connectivity for marine innovation off the coast of Plymouth.
Plymouth’s Marine Business Technology Centre (MBTC) has been awarded GB£1.8m of grant funding to build a communication system as part of the MBTC’s Smart Sound Plymouth testing and proving ground, known as Smart Sound Connect. This will be the UK’s first 5G testbed for marine innovation, providing high speed communications on the water and connecting the existing network of sensors, which includes scientific data buoy networks and autonomous vessels.
Rob Watson, MBTC director, said: “Securing the funding for this network is a very significant step for the Marine Business Technology Centre and our partners. This will be the first 5G testbed focussed purely on smart marine technologies and, with the support of our research partners, we are now able to offer an enhanced end-to-end innovation service that rivals the best in the world.”
The funding has been supplied by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s (HotSW LEP) Growth Deal Digital Extension 2020 programme.
Based in Plymouth’s Oceansgate marine Enterprise Zone, the MBTC was set up to offer support to businesses in the region working within the marine and maritime sector, facilitating innovation in the industry.
Use of Smart Sound Connect will be free to eligible businesses and could enable the development of new technology for smart ports and shipping, clean propulsion, green ports and environmental management.
Source: Shawbrook Bank
