Innovation Hub and Lab
An innovation hub and lab offering space and support to enterprising businesses and individualsTHE CHALLENGE
Peterborough’s economy is reliant on a vibrant hub of SMEs, working across different industries and sectors. Many brilliant innovations and ideas generated within these entrepreneurial companies and inspired individuals could be harnessed and developed to help solve city challenges but, without the right help and support, many of these ideas become frustrated.
THE SOLUTION
An innovation hub and lab offering space and support to enterprising businesses and individuals who are looking to make a positive impact on people or the planet has been created in Peterborough. A vibrant and inspiring environment with access to a network of expertise and support to kick-start new ideas and innovations.
The Hub incorporates meeting and office space as well as support for enterprising businesses who are looking to make a positive impact on people or the environment. It acts as a bespoke R&D facility and is already attracting considerable interest from multinationals and academic institutions.
THE RESULTS
The Innovation Lab opened in December 2016 at the Allia Future Business Centre, and has been acclaimed as one of the UK’s newest and most advanced “maker spaces”. It contains state-of-the-art design and rapid prototyping equipment, such as 3D printers, Computer Aided Design software, electronics design, hi-tech making equipment, and a digital media lab. Also available is space and tools for the construction of larger projects and access to full-time technicians and business advisers.
It has been made possible through Allia’s Serious Impact initiative supported by European Regional Development Fund, Opportunity Peterborough and Peterborough City Council under the Peterborough DNA future cities programme.