The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has launched a £40 million fund to spark local digital revolutions and unlock 5G benefits across the UK.
From 1st August 2023, local and regional authorities can apply for a share of the multi-million-pound 5G Innovation Regions Fund, designed to accelerate innovation in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, transport, agriculture and public services, helping to create better connected places across the UK.
Local areas across the UK will be helped to boost their digital connectivity and develop advanced wireless technologies, with funding from a new £40 million fund that could power everything from innovative healthcare solutions to futuristic farming and smart systems to improve transport and cut congestion.
Applications of the technology could include (please note that these are examples and not an exclusive list):
o Connecting sensors that analyse and help to improve air quality by better managing traffic.
o Deploying 5G-enabled drones that can scan fields and crops, and
o Collecting data on weather and environmental conditions.
Research shows widespread adoption of 5G could result in productivity benefits of £159 billion by 2035.
Further information about the 5G Innovation Regions Fund’s application guidance for the fund can be found here.
