Digital Jersey’s been given a six-figure cash injection to establish the island as a world-leader in Internet of Things (IoT) innovation.
IoT refers to physical devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items that contain electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and network connectivity which means they can connect and exchange data.
The States of Jersey has promised up to £449,000 to Digital Jersey to set up an IoT Lab which will promote the growth of the local digital sector and create new opportunities for cutting-edge product development.
It’s one of a series of projects that have applied to receive government funding from the Economic and Productivity Growth Drawdown Provision (EPGDP), which is designed to support initiatives that improve economic growth and boost the island’s productivity.
The move is part of a States plan to promote the digital economy and to position Jersey as a testbed jurisdiction, making the most of its fibre telecoms network and connectivity.
Assistant Minister, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said: “The global growth of IoT presents significant opportunities for Jersey but we will need to invest in promoting and fostering the sector if we are to see a strong local IoT presence. By funding Digital Jersey to establish a dedicated IoT Lab, government is showing its commitment to achieving this goal.”
Tony Moretta, CEO of Digital Jersey, said: “We are delighted to be given the go ahead to create a facility that will offer a focal point for businesses to collaborate and share resources, apply research to real-life scenarios, and turn IoT ideas into commercial ventures. The IoT Lab will offer access to world-leading internet speeds, a data platform for analysing large data sets collected from IoT sensors around Jersey, and communal workshop space for building and testing IoT devices.”
