BUSINESSES, politicians, academics and a host of industry experts met at an event last week to find out how becoming a 5G Innovation Region could transform Ayrshire.

Last year, the region received £3.8million from the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) team to become one of 10 5G Innovation Regions across the UK.

The event at Ayrshire College in Kilmarnock featured presentations and panel discussions from a range of 5G Innovation Region partners and guests including the DSIT, Scottish Government Digital Connectivity Team, and Strategic Technology Partner, Vodafone.

The 5G Innovation Region project is a collaboration between partners -  the three Ayrshire Councils, The Scotland 5G Centre, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, University of the West of Scotland and Ayrshire College – and builds on Ayrshire Growth Deal funding to enhance technology and improve connectivity across the region.

The event helped shine a spotlight on some of the projects and work carried out since the funding was provided.

Attendees were given insights into Ayrshire's strategic Innovation Hubs approach, which fosters collaboration between industry, academia, and government to drive digital transformation.

These three strategic hubs enable local businesses and students to access cutting-edge 5G technology, encouraging experimentation and practical applications across sectors like manufacturing, aerospace, tourism, and education.

Vodafone were recently named a technology partner and they have set up a Mobile Private Network (MPN) at the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) in Irvine, which is helping to provide low cost, energy-efficient digital connectivity to help systems and devices connect with each other.

Working with the University of the West of Scotland, Vodafone have also provided a MPN to support the businesses at the Aerospace Innovation Hub at Prestwick International Aerospace Park.

The conference heard the work being done to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless connectivity to enhance the service they provide.

Tourism is a key sector in Ayrshire and as a 5G Innovation Region, funding will be used to support events and the visitor experience.

Angela Cox, CEO of partners Ayrshire College, also spoke about the work the college are doing to provide immersive learning to connect their students and upskill them making them ready for the digital explosion across the region.

Councillor Martin Dowey, chair of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership and leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “This was the first major showcase we have hosted since the funding was secured.

"It was great to see the work being carried out across the region and meet with all those involved in this digital revolution.

“A huge thanks to everyone who attended.  We’re excited to build on what we’ve achieved in such a short period of time. Digital innovation is central to Ayrshire’s future, and by working closely with our partners, we’re positioning the region as a leader in digital connectivity.

“We have been working collaboratively with partners for a number of years and digital innovation is very much at the heart of what we do.

 “This initiative will bring startups, industry, and academia together with sustainability and Net Zero at its core.”