We've become a partner organisation supporting the national Things Connected initiative, set up by Digital Catapult. Working with Bournemouth University, Bournemouth Borough Council, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Barclays Eagle Labs, Wireless Network Development and Net Sensors, this initiative will shape the development of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to meet some of the UK’s biggest challenges.  

IoT is a network of physical devices, appliances, components fitted with electronics, software and sensors that through being connected via the internet or other networks enables these objects to exchange data.

Over the next few months we'll be putting forward specific business challenges to small and medium business enterprises, entrepreneurs and developers across the country asking for them to come forward with new innovative products and solutions to solve these problems. The challenges are focused on using IoT to increase the efficiency of compliance checks and to avoid critical failures in our homes.

Justin Crittall, Head of Innovation said: “Our latest research shows that social housing plays an important role in aiding wellbeing, so we need to understand how technology can reduce our operating costs to enable us to invest more into building more homes, creating brighter futures for our customers and bridge the housing shortage gap.

“As a leader in the housing sector, we’re pleased to be working in partnership to develop solutions, that will help shape future delivery of not only other housing associations and local authorities, but also schools, hotels, hospitals and businesses that own and manage properties.”

If you're interested in developing new solutions, join us at the free Things Connected workshop at Bournemouth Eagle Labs on Wednesday 28 February. It’s your chance to learn about the Internet of Things and how you can get involved.

There'll be more events coming up across the country, so keep and eye out for more dates here www.thingsconnected.net/events.

For more information about Digital Catapult go to www.digitalcatapultcentre.org.uk/about