UXPLORE - Digital Connectivity Demonstrator

Tender description

Coventry University is leading a game-changing digital connectivity initiative which will benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Coventry and Warwickshire, by providing a range of physical and virtual services through a network of activities across the region. The uxplore project aims to: o Support SMEs across the CWLEP area to harness the benefits of digital connectivity with a focus on future development including new 5G infrastructure. It will facilitate innovation and drive productivity through the development and commercialisation of new products, services, and business models. o Encompass a broad range of connectivity infrastructure, helping companies to maximise business opportunities by enhancing digital know-how for businesses - spanning superfast broadband, 4G, fibre, and the cutting-edge innovation of 5G. o Enable businesses to develop and showcase new products and services across multiple sectors e.g. transport & mobility, healthcare, manufacturing, creative industries, financial services. The support provided by the project (combined with partner inputs from the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, Chamber of Commerce, LEP, local authorities, and commercial organisations) will enable businesses to embark on a digital enhancement journey, and then to progress along the technology continuum to seize the digital commercial opportunities such that are rapidly emerging and continue to evolve. The focus of the activity will be to engage with SMEs through a cohort-based, collaborative learning approach - to increase the demand for (and development of) new digitally enabled products and services. Through a combination of diagnostic assessment (technical, commercial) and a tailored programme of development, exploration and enhancement activity, the uxplore project will help participating SMEs realise the potential for digital technologies to drive their business forward. Activities will include: o Strand 1: Generating Innovation - creation, assessment and evaluation of ideas, adoption and application of digital technologies in SMEs, Dedicated accelerator/co-working space, Support for stages of business start-up, scale-up, and growth, Support for product/ service/ process development, Access to 5G/digital infrastructure, R&D expertise and specialist equipment, Access to finance, funding, and investment (including Proof of Concept funding). o Strand 2: Commercialising Innovation - adoption and demonstration programmes tailored to business needs, stimulating creation of new products, services, business models in Coventry and Warwickshire priority sectors: Intelligent Mobility, Digital & Creative, Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Health and Wellbeing - also aligning with WM5G Testbed priority sectors, Access to expert mentors and entrepreneurs for business diagnostics, analysis, and strategic planning. o Strand 3: Sustaining Innovation and Knowledg...