Connectivity and innovation
We are a place that innovation calls home, pioneering the latest technologies.
Innovation hubs
Our innovation hubs can help your business discover new technologies. For the full list see our Innovation hubs page.
UMBRELLA
One of the world’s largest programmable testbeds, connecting five innovation hubs.
It provides a digital platform for the testing of products and services in areas such as robotics and wireless communication, in a real-world environment.
UMBRELLA’s easily accessible toolset enables users to develop a broad range of use cases in the future of mobility, zero-carbon technologies, healthcare, robotics and private 5G.
For more information visit the UMBRELLA website or email Umbrella@southglos.gov.uk.
The UMBRELLA competition
A chance to win a share of £70,000 in grants.
This is a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the digital technology sector to access funding, build connections and accelerate their growth.
From smart data tools and AI solutions to digital platforms and immersive technologies, the competition welcomes bold, future-focused innovations that have the potential to make an impact in our region and beyond.
To enter you must be:
- a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME)
- based in or delivering work in South Gloucestershire or the wider West of England region
- operating in the digital technology sector
You will need to complete a short online application outlining:
- your business and what you do
- your product, service or solution
- how funding would help you grow or make an impact
- the difference your innovation will make
Applications open 2 June 2025, visit www.umbrellaiot.com
Read about past competition winners.
IAAPS – Advancing propulsion
The IAAPS team, based at the Bristol & Bath Science Park and University of Bath, take real world problems from industry and apply the best academic minds with access to state-of-the-art facilities to solve those challenges.
The team has been supporting propulsion research for over 40 years, combining academic and industrial expertise in all propulsion types to develop smarter and cleaner engines, powertrains and driver technologies.
At the forefront of research innovations in the propulsion sector, IAAPS facilitates joint partnerships and collaboration projects that can support the transport sector’s drive towards net zero emissions. Find out more on IAAPS website.
Superfast broadband
Superfast broadband is available in South Gloucestershire. With speeds of up to 330Mbps it makes it easy to run your business.
We recently secured funding to bring ultrafast and Next Generation Access broadband to approximately 4,300 homes and businesses.
To find out more visit our Connecting South Gloucestershire website.