Jersey’s first technology space and research centre dedicated to the latest digital innovations has opened.
The Digital Jersey Xchange, known as DJX, will help position the Island as a testbed for entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses to research, develop, test and launch their digital products and services.
A key focus of the role of DJX will be to exploit the opportunities afforded by the growth of internet-enabled devices, known as the Internet of Things (IoT).
A range of government and business leaders were at the launch event to demonstrate how Jersey’s cutting edge infrastructure, with support from Digital Jersey, and means they’re able to develop ideas in a well-regulated and supportive environment.
The Economic Development Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, delivered the opening address at the launch to reaffirm the government’s commitment to the digital sector and DJX.
There were demonstrations on the use of virtual reality in Health, an example of the work being done by students looking to develop their own digital skills, JT’s Graeme Millar spoke about JT’s plans for IoT and the Chief Technology Officer of IBM UK & Ireland, Andy Stanford-Clark, gave a presentation on the use of IoT on islands.
Digital Jersey CEO Tony Moretta said: “The launch of the Digital Jersey Xchange marks the next phase in our work to position Jersey as a digital pioneer. Word is spreading globally about our attractiveness as a testbed for innovation. Having a physical space where that groundbreaking work can flourish only enhances our reputation and helps us speed up that work.”
Through Digital Jersey’s partnership with University College London, the island will host student IoT researchers, contribute to the global academic dialogue on the Internet of Things and have access to the best minds working in the UK on IoT technology and solutions. Professor Izzat Darwazeh, Chair of Communications Engineering at UCL, spoke at the launch event and addressed some of the current challenges in IoT, how researchers at UCL are planning to meet them, and how Jersey can help.
You can find out more about the St Brelade-based Digital Jersey Xchange at www.digital.je/hubs/digital-jersey-xchange/
