The MK:5G Accelerator project has announced a call for start-ups and SMEs wishing to develop new use cases and innovations with 5G technology.

The new testbed in the Milton Keynes area has been launched in partnership with the Milton Keynes Council led MK:5G project which is funded by its collaborating partners and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) via its Local Growth Fund programme.

Innovative ideas

Focused around four key innovation challenges, the accelerator programme is a call for business with innovative ideas to exploit the benefits of 5G technology.

Central to the project is the 5G testbed accelerator programme, which will be delivered by the Connected Places Catapult based on its existing Intelligent Mobility Accelerator model.

“It’s great to see a new accelerator programme focusing on this new and fast-growing industry in the UK. If you have an interesting idea for one of our challenges, we really encourage start-ups and SMEs to apply and show us their innovative ideas,” said Alex Weedon, director of SME development and academic engagement at connected places, Catapult.

The innovation challenges for this accelerator programme include:

• Mobility data – leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to increase sustainability, efficiency and resilience of the transport system and reduce costs, improve traveller satisfaction and improve air quality
• Health and wellbeing – increase the quality of care or the number of individuals that can be monitored, supported, diagnosed, or treated outside of medical facilities
• Low carbon energy – accelerate mass uptake of low-carbon energy solutions by the wider population; helping to reach ambitious carbon reduction targets
• Energy data – capture more detailed data relating to energy usage to prioritise innovative energy saving measures to implement in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, such that energy reduction is optimised.

“This provides a unique opportunity to lead innovation in three challenge areas we believe are fundamental to the delivery of truly smart city of the future,” added Peter Marland, leader of Milton Keynes Council.

“Working with the SME and start-up community will tap into the talent and creativity we have in the area, supporting economic growth at a time when it is perhaps required more than ever.”

Applications are open until 7 September 2020, after which 10 applicants will be selected to take part in the programme.

“This provides a unique opportunity to lead innovation in three challenge areas we believe are fundamental to the delivery of truly smart city of the future”

The MK:5G project proposes the creation of a 5G development environment and testbed for Milton Keynes (MK) covering key urban areas and rural communities, paving the way for substantial benefits across the wider SEMLEP region and the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

Connected Places Catapult will provide a programme of support and development opportunities for SMEs and start-ups, allowing them to develop new business propositions based upon the 5G infrastructure deployed under this project.

For more information on the programme and to register your interest, visit: cp.catapult.org.uk/opportunities/mk5g-accelerator-programme/

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