Hi-tech Innovation Lab with eco-focus opens in Peterborough

The niche facility has been created in the Allia Future Business Centre at the Peterborough United football stadium in London Road.

It replaces an earlier £300,000 Innovation Lab focused on developing the jobs creating enterprises of the future but which closed 18 months ago after its European funding ended.

The new fully-equipped lab has opened as a result of a partnership between Allia and Anglian Water.

An Allia spokesman said: “It will support initiatives and projects that seek to build skills and create employment opportunities, plus networking within a growing hub of emerging technology-for-good and innovation, all for the benefit of the planet.

“The facility is available for innovation teams, start-ups and entrepreneurs to use for the creation and testing of products and solutions that tackle local and global challenges around the environment, sustainability and social issues.”

It features 3D printers, to mills and drills, Raspberry Pi and virtual reality plus high-end digital media kit, including still and video cameras, lens, lighting and much more.

A full-time Lab technician is available to provide hands-on advice and support for members in utilising the lab facilities to ensure they gain maximum value from using the space.

David Broach, Director of Allia Future Business Centres, said: “We are delighted to relaunch the Innovation Lab at the Allia Future Business Centre in collaboration with Anglian Water.

“The Lab aims to be the go-to place in Peterborough and the wider region for entrepreneurs, small businesses and larger organisations to innovate, collaborate and develop solutions to address the local, regional and global challenges of today.

“The Lab and the centre are Covid-safe, and we look forward to welcoming members soon.”

Jason Tucker, director of strategic delivery and commercial assurance at Anglian Water, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Allia to provide the Innovation Lab to companies; a collaborative workspace aimed at enhancing and developing innovative ideas.

“The partnership aims to provide a space to stimulate creative approaches to solving business challenges, as well as support to carry solutions through to their practical build.

“The work environment over the last six months has changed immeasurably and it is important that people have the space both in person and virtually to be able to develop ideas; the Innovation Lab provides a safe and controlled environment to allow this to happen.”

Membership is open for established companies that engage in corporate innovation with dedicated teams.

Entrepreneurs and start-ups with their own novel or disruptive technology are also welcome.

To inquire about membership, email [email protected] or call 01733 666690, or visit wwww.futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/innovationlab