A new hub designed to spark innovation and push the boundaries of technology used by UK Armed Forces has been officially opened in Dorset.
Building on successful global models of innovation and other work across UK Defence, the Defence BattleLab will bring together military personnel, academic institutions and private sector companies to trial and experiment cutting-edge technology.
By utilising the same space, the facility will foster collaboration and creativity to push new technological boundaries – an approach that has proved successful with many global innovation hubs.
Facilities at the Defence BattleLab include:
- Access to the UK’s only multi-domain ranges at Lulworth, comprising 15,000ft of cleared airspace, available sea area and a live fire capable range
- A live trial and showcase workshop for digital and physical technology
- Three 5G testbeds which will allow for testing in a secure, closed network
- Over 100 rentable desks for companies and half a floor for Defence staff across a large open plan office
While there is no one single focus for the organisations involved, the BattleLab seeks to encourage free thinking and novel approaches for challenges across the land, sea and air military domains.
The Defence BattleLab is a joint project between the Defence Innovation Unit, single Services, Dstl, DASA, Dorset Council and Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.
It will help bridge the gap between the MOD and the UK’s world class innovative companies, especially in the small to medium sector.
Since soft launching last summer, the Defence BattleLab has hosted numerous Hackathons, defence technology showcases and workshops across emerging technologies for all areas of defence.
The facility seeks to take advantage of Dorset’s location, with Portsmouth, Plymouth, Bovington, Blandford, Warminster and Salisbury Plain all in easy reach.
Defence Procurement Minister, Jeremy Quin said: “As the pace of technological change continues to spiral, Defence must be forward leaning and innovative in its approach.
“Collaboration and innovation will be the catalysts to maintaining advantage over our adversaries.
“The BattleLab will bring together the best talent and expertise in industry and push technology boundaries to equip our Armed Forces with the latest state of the art kit.
“This will be supported by our new Land Industrial Strategy, which will increase transparency with industry to help drive joint working.”
image © MOD Crown Copyright
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Post written by: Matt Brown
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