A number of North East tech organisations have launched a new innovation hub which will enable SMEs to gain a competitive edge through the adoption of digital technologies.
The National Innovation Centre for Data (NICD), Newcastle University and Sunderland Software City (SSC) will lead the Hartree Centre North East Hub, as part of the Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation (HNCDI) programme.
Newcastle is one of only three locations, along with Cardiff and Ulster, to be selected for the national rollout of the initiative which will offer fully funded support to businesses.
Barry Hodgson, director of strategy at the National Innovation Centre for Data, 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, chief executive 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.”
