EXCITING plans to trial the latest cutting-edge technology in Malvern have been revealed.
As part of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership’s scheme to use the county in the national test programme for the brand-new 5G network, businesses at the Malvern Hills Science Park will be among the first to try out the latest advancement in mobile phone technology.
The 5G network is set to revolutionise how companies operate and is going to be launched nationally in 2020.
Details of the project will be outlined during an event next Friday at Malvern Theatres as part of the town’s Festival of Innovation.
The event has been organised by Innovate Malvern CIC and has been supported by the district council along with numerous sponsors.
Gary Woodman, chief executive of Worcestershire LEP, said: “The arrival of 5G will open up so many possibilities, from a doctor performing robotic surgery, to establishing responsive machinery that can predict its own maintenance requirements.
“It will form the backbone of the industries and technologies of the future and I’m delighted Worcestershire is going to be at the forefront of that technology.”
Malvern’s MP Harriett Baldwin welcomed the news, adding the 5G trials would open a new chapter in the town’s history.
“Malvern has been at the heart of technological innovation for eight decades.
“I look forward to seeing the tests evolve and deliver some real benefits for local people and local businesses,” she said.
Other Festival of Innovation highlights include The Next Generation Schools day next Tuesday at the Three Counties Showground, which aims to inspire the 800 students taking part to become young entrepreneurs and inventors.
Morgan Motor Company is hosting The Automotive Advances Morning next Wednesday and will be showcasing plans for driverless vehicles and environmentally friendly cars.
Meanwhile, the UK’s leading cyber security firms will visit Malvern Theatres next Thursday to unveil their research, products and services in a series of talks and exhibits.
The festival ends next Saturday.
Dr Adrian Burden, founder and curator of the Malvern Festival of Innovation, added: “Once again we’re looking forward to welcoming world-class speakers to Malvern to hear their take on the latest developments in a variety of industry sectors.
“On the Friday business session alone we have Emma Jones MBE from Enterprise Nation, Rashik Parmer MBE from IBM, Polly Barnfield OBE from Maybe and Neill Ricketts from Versarien sharing their thoughts and business experience.”
The full festival programme is available to view at www.festival-innovation.com.
