Innovation Lab relaunches at Allia Future Business Centre Peterborough
State-of-the-art lab for developing and testing innovative products that address environmental and social challenges
Allia Future Business Centre today announces the relaunch of the Innovation Lab at its centre in Peterborough. The fully-equipped lab 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.
Anglian Water are partnering with Allia on the Innovation Lab, with the aim of enabling open innovation and a broader collaboration amongst local businesses in the region. The Lab will support initiatives and projects that aim 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 Innovation Lab launched originally in 2017 and helped more than 60 entrepreneurs and ventures before it had to close 18 months ago, as the European funding that enabled Allia to run it came to an end. Allia is delighted that Anglian Water are on board as a partner this time.
From 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 – the Innovation Lab has a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment for the development and testing of products and systems. 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.
Membership is encouraged for established companies who engage in corporate innovation with dedicated teams, as it is ideal for innovation teams to work up proofs of concept and prototypes. Also welcomed are entrepreneurs and start-ups with their own novel or disruptive technology. Allia Future Business Centre is fully Covid-safe and the Lab will be operated within the government guidelines for social distancing, health and safety.
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 & 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.”
All membership enquiries should go to innovationlab@allia.org.uk or call 01733 666690, and check out further information at www.futurebusinesscentre.co.uk/innovationlab
Notes:
Allia Future Business Centres offers flexible workspace and a vibrant community for small businesses who are creating change, as well as running free business support programmes and innovative projects. It is dedicated to supporting businesses to thrive, grow and create jobs, so that they can make a positive impact on their community, as well as addressing social and environmental global challenges. It has four centres in Cambridge, East London and Peterborough.
www.futurebusinesscentre.co.uk | hello@futurebusinesscentre.co.uk | @ftrbusiness
Anglian Water supplies drinking water to 4.3 million customers across the East of England and collects and treats used water from over 6 million people. We operate within the largest geographical region of England and Wales.
Water is our business. It’s our job to handle it with care and balance the needs of our customers with those of the environment around us. Our ethos is ‘Love Every Drop’, because it’s what we do. Every drop of water is precious, and we believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to look after it. We’re constantly discovering new ways to keep ahead of a changing world, by planning for the future, and exploring new ideas to meet our customers’ individual needs today and tomorrow.
www.anglianwater.co.uk | @anglianwater
More information about Innovation Lab: David Broach, Director of Allia Future Business Centres, david.broach@allia.org.uk 01223 781 320
PR enquiries: Laura Nicholls, Head of Marketing & Communications, Allia Future Business Centres, laura.nicholls@allia.org.uk 01223 781 322
