Digital Lab launches for hands-on experience with emerging tech

The Digital Catapult North East & Tees Valley (NETV) has opened the Immersive Lab at the Northern Design Centre in Gateshead, which will also allow companies to test out any new hardware on offer.

Non-digital businesses will be able to attend events and demonstrations designed to teach them more about the industry. Access to the lab also extends to academic and research institutions that are interested in industry collaborations.

Naomi Morrow, head of innovation at Sunderland Software City, leads the Digital Catapult NETV. She described the launch as a “significant moment for the North East, firmly cementing the region’s reputation as a leader in immersive technologies”.

“The opening of the lab means that businesses in the North East can now gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies, and receive introductions and knowledge-sharing from other businesses that are involved,” she added.

“We’re already seeing the transformative affect these technologies can have in a wide range of sectors, particularly within manufacturing and engineering. The Immersive Lab will enable businesses to test ideas and explore new opportunities, and we’re looking forward to hearing more success stories going forward.”

The North East lab is one of only four across the UK, in addition to London, Brighton and Northern Ireland.

Councillor John Adams, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for economy, said: “We are leading the way in attracting new and emerging technology companies to the North East.

“Hosting the North East and Tees Valley Immersive Lab in Gateshead shows our commitment to investing in the future of the region.

“Our new PROTO centre will be the first in the country to provide workspace for digital technology companies and specialist research and development testing facilities.”