A number of leading North East tech organisations have come together to launch a new regional innovation hub. Business Live is reporting that the National Innovation Centre for Data, Newcastle University and Sunderland Software City (SSC) have joined forces to lead the Hartree Centre North East Hub, as part of the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation programme.
The initiative aims to empower SMEs in the region by helping them to gain a competitive edge by adopting innovative digital technologies. Sunderland Software City and the Helix-based National Innovation Centre for Data will act as key partners in delivering the programme in Newcastle – one of only three locations alongside Cardiff and Ulster to be selected for the national rollout of the initiative.
Over the next three years, the North East hub will offer fully-funded support to businesses, helping them understand advanced technologies, develop proofs-of-concept, and de-risk investments in data, AI and machine learning.
Hub leaders are encouraging North East organisations looking to advance their tech capacity and credentials to get in touch.
Prof Barry Hodgson, director of strategy at the National Innovation Centre for Data at Newcastle University, and principal investigator for the Hartree Centre North East Hub, said: “The National Innovation Centre for Data is delighted to partner with Sunderland Software City to host the Hartree Centre SME Engagement Hub for the North East.”
“Our team of expert data scientists will collaborate with SMEs throughout the region to transform their organisations through digital technology adoption and innovative use of data. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Hartree Centre and the other hubs based in Cardiff and Ulster to deliver this exciting programme.”
Dr David Dunn, CEO of Sunderland Software City, added: “We are thrilled to be working with the National Innovation Centre for Data to develop and host this regional hub. Our business engagement experts will assist SMEs in key sectors across the North East and Tees Valley, guiding them in the use of data, data analytics, AI, and machine learning. By fostering a community of companies that can leverage data to improve productivity and competitiveness, we aim to drive growth and innovation in the region.”
The hub marks its official launch on July 27 at The Catalyst.