The University of Surreys 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC) and Digital Greenwich, part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, have announced a partnership to deliver the technology that will underpin future smart cities.

The partnership will leverage 5GIC’s research and innovation work, providing the technological foundations on which Digital Greenwich can build test beds and trials leading to commercial smart city solutions.

In addition, Digital Greenwich will host a 5G Smart City Incubator space for innovators and entrepreneurs to work on new technology that will link transport, mobility, logistics, energy, healthcare and education.

The 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC) at the University of Surrey is the largest European research centre dedicated to the development of the next generation of mobile and wireless communications.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich and Digital Greenwich are working on a world-leading smart city strategy, setting out how the Council proposes to implement smarter approaches to coping with future challenges related to transport, health, energy and the built environment. It will create new opportunities for businesses and local communities, securing business regeneration and growth.

Matt Hancock, Minister of State for Digital and Culture, welcomed the news, saying: “We want to make Britain the most digitally advanced of all nations. We are already a world leader in the development of 5G technology, so Im delighted by the new partnership between the University of Surrey and Digital Greenwich. Collaborations like this will help make our cities better places in which to live, to work, and to play.”