Living Lab
The Living Lab at STFC’s Campus Technology Hub offers businesses a unique opportunity to test, develop, and showcase innovative technologies in a real-world environment. Equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure including 5G, LoRaWAN, IoT platforms alongside 3D printing and VR/AR technologies. The facility enables small and medium-sized enterprises to accelerate product development, validate solutions, and access expert technical support. Whether you’re working on smart city applications, digital health tools, or advanced manufacturing systems, the Living Lab provides a flexible and low-risk space to experiment and refine your ideas.
SMEs benefit from direct access to STFC’s research expertise, collaborative networks, and innovation funding pathways, helping to bridge the gap between concept and commercialisation. The Living Lab fosters co-creation with industry, academia, and public sector partners, making it an ideal launchpad for scalable, impactful technologies. With tailored support and a collaborative ethos, the Campus Technology Hub empowers SMEs to drive digital transformation and unlock new market opportunities.
Benefits
Accelerated Innovation and Product Validation
SMEs can rapidly prototype and test new technologies in a real-world, low-risk environment. The Living Lab provides access to advanced infrastructure—such as 5G, LoRaWAN, IoT, AR/VR and 3D printing technologies —allowing businesses to validate solutions under realistic conditions and iterate quickly based on performance and feedback.
Access to Expertise and Collaborative Networks
SMEs benefit from direct engagement with STFC’s research community, technical specialists, and innovation partners. This opens doors to collaborative R&D, knowledge exchange, and tailored support that can help overcome technical challenges and refine market-ready solutions.
Visibility and Funding Opportunities
Participation in the Living Lab enhances SME visibility among potential customers, investors, and public sector stakeholders. It also provides pathways to innovation funding, pilot deployments, and commercial partnerships – helping SMEs scale their technologies and enter new markets more effectively.
