Calling all Sandwell manufacturing firms. West Midlands 5G Limited (WM5G) is looking for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) businesses of all sizes across the West Midlands to work with to test ways that 5G-powered Industry 4.0 technologies can drive productivity and strengthen the region’s manufacturing engine.

In 2018 West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) won a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) competition to accelerate the roll out and adoption of 5G in the West Midlands. WM5G was created to prove the benefits of 5G with a key focus on the manufacturing sector.

Its aim was to create the UK’s first regional test bed by removing barriers and assembling industry expertise to trial the adoption of 5G. Over the next three years WM5G will work with experts from telecoms, digital innovation, academia and government to support manufacturers testing Internet of Things (IoT), Digitalisation or Industry 4.0 technologies.

WM5G is looking for businesses across the West Midlands to take part in the innovative programme as trialists. Participation in the 5G trial offers:

• a live 5G environment in which to test solutions to business challenges
• access to expertise in data-security, infrastructure, solution provision, and trial management
• the opportunity of match-funding
• fair return on investments and IPR to all participants.

The programme is looking for businesses of all sizes that operate all or part of their business in the West Midlands Combined Authority Area, and that have identified potential opportunities for IoT, Digitalisation or Industry 4.0 technologies within their manufacturing or engineering environments.

Trialists must be willing to commit resources such as time, people and location as part of any trial opportunity. To find out more and register your interest please visit the Innovation Alliance website.

An Expression of Interest can be downloaded here –WM5G Trialist EoI final