The Future Networks Lab, launched in January 2019, is one of the first facilities in Europe created to support the adoption of leading edge network technologies to deliver value to UK industry in partnership with some of the most inspiring industry players.

The competition focuses on two challenges under the overall theme of data validation and security in internet of things (IoT) networks, presented by Arrow Electronics and Siemens. 

Siemens: Safeguarding data integrity from IoT networks in critical infrastructure

Siemens aims to extend industrial IoT security within critical national infrastructure, where data insights and secure transmission is required to ensure a nation’s vital functions such as energy, transportation, public health and communication. In this challenge, Siemens wants to identify solutions capable of fingerprinting the overall end-to-end data journey. Guaranteeing data provenance, the solution should be capable of tracking access control, auditing data as well as providing an inspection of protocols used and assessing data integrity.

Arrow Electronics: Developing secure connected sensors for smarter factories

Many factories across the UK suffer from inefficiencies and reduced productivity due to limited methods for anticipating machine maintenance requirements. For this challenge, Arrow Electronics is intent on supporting factories to become smarter, by retrofitting facilities with secure IoT enabled sensors connected to an open platform that will offer a wider view of activities and potential failures in the manufacturing process.

This is a unique opportunity for innovative startups to work with some of the biggest names in manufacturing. 

The challenge programme enables successful applicants to:

• Pitch solutions to industry leaders and players in the digital and manufacturing sector with the potential for UK pilots
• Raise profile by gaining valuable presence and exposure at the industry recognised Smart IoT London 2020 taking place at London ExCeL.
• Address specific solutions for industry players and apply products to real world challenges
• Refine understanding of industrial requirements and how solutions can be applied directly to these
• Connect with the startup community alongside, technology and industry experts and extend knowledge of industrial security and IoT solutions

Digital Catapult are looking for innovative startups or scaleups with cutting edge technologies, that specialise in:

• IoT devices or solutions including monitoring and asset tracking
• Cyber security
• Distributed ledger technologies (DLT)
• Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI)

Applications will be assessed on understanding of and response to the open call and challenge, the feasibility of the solution proposed, the expertise in the areas being addressed and finally the expertise in the appropriate technology areas.

Digital Catapult’s Future Networks Lab has been created to support the adoption of IoT, LPWAN and 5G  technologies.

UK businesses can lead the world in the development of new applications and services to run on advanced digital networks. But they need access to experimental testbeds and trial networks to try out new and risky ideas in safe and measurable environments.

Digital Catapult has, with its partners, created a facility that unlocks value for industry by enabling collaboration, experimentation and demonstration of the potential of these new and exciting technologies at scale. 

Located in London, the Future Networks Lab is one of the first facilities in Europe specifically designed with a focus on IoT, 5G and LPWAN technologies. 

Digital Catapult has partnered with BT, Siemens, PTC, Texas Instruments, IBM, SemTech and Servicenow to launch the UK’s newest dedicated facility for leading edge network technologies: the Future Networks Lab. Alongside some of this industry’s leading players, we are helping companies of all sizes access the latest networks technologies, development opportunities and advice for practical adoption, all to help de-risk innovation and show how these technologies can be rolled out in practice, not just in theory.

The applications are now closed but you can check out the Challenge taking place at Smart IoT at the ExCeL on 11 and 12th March.