New 5G innovation hubs in Aberdeen and Kilmarnock will see the deployment and adoption of 5G technology in the hopes of supporting economic growth.

Based in ONE Tech Hub, the new location in Aberdeen is a partnership with Opportunity North East. In Ayrshire, HALO Kilmarnock will be the lead partner and the hub will be hosted in The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre at The HALO Digital & Cyber Innovation Park.

The hubs will act as ‘business enablers’, intended to accelerate strategic partnerships with key customers in the regions, 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.

The new hubs hope to promote innovation and investment, focusing on sectors relevant to the Ayrshire and Aberdeen economies, including energy, offshore and ports.

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.”

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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.”

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