About
Lab of the North is a federated innovation centre uniting leading universities, industry partners, and public sector organisations across the North of England.
We develop, test, and deploy next-generation connectivity solutions — from 5G and 6G to IoT, edge computing, and private networks. Our mission is to accelerate real-world innovation that transforms industries and communities.
What we do
We help businesses, researchers, and public organisations to:
- Prototype and test new technologies
- Access world-class facilities and expertise
- Collaborate on high-impact R&D projects
- Solve real-world challenges through connectivity
Lab of the North operates as a shared platform — leveraging pooled facilities, collaborative projects, and partner expertise.
Our Vision
To be the North’s beacon of 5G & 6G innovation, creating a connected, inclusive, and sustainable future where advanced technologies drive economic growth, bridge digital divides, and inspire global collaboration from the heart of northern England.Why we Exist
The advanced connectivity landscape is evolving rapidly. As 5G matures and 6G approaches, organisations need a trusted, neutral platform to:
- Explore new technologies in real-world settings
- Access shared expertise, facilities, and testbeds
- Build stronger partnerships across sectors
- Contribute to regional and national innovation priorities
Our Approach
We operate as a federated innovation centre, powered by a unique mix of:
- Universities offering world-class research and facilities
- Industry partners bringing real use cases and deployment challenges
- Public sector organisations supporting transformation at regional and civic scale
- Specialised facilities that enable high-value testing and experimentation
Our central resource team provides coordination, oversight, and support — helping ideas move from early-stage R&D to deployment and adoption.
Who we Work With
Lab of the North works with:
- Researchers seeking collaboration and funding
- Startups and SMEs exploring new markets and technologies
- Large enterprises seeking testbeds and expert support
- Local authorities and infrastructure owners exploring digital transformation
- National and international programmes targeting the UK innovation ecosystem
Our Location. Our Advantage
We are proudly rooted in the North of England — a region rich in industrial heritage, academic excellence, and emerging tech leadership.
By working together across city, county, and sector boundaries, we unlock new value and create national impact.
Our Mission
The Lab of the North is a pioneering innovation hub that unites northern universities, industry, and regional stakeholders to advance 5G & 6G technology through cutting-edge research, real-world testing, and collaborative partnerships.
Its mission is to drive technological breakthroughs that empower communities, transform industries, and position the North as a global leader in next-generation connectivity, delivering sustainable economic and societal impact.
Universities
SME
Large Industry
Local Government
Highly Specialised Facilities
Advance Technological Frontiers:
Specialising in 5G/6G systems, the lab tackles the unique challenges of diverse applications, from urban high-density demands to the complexities of rural and remote connectivity.Drive Collaborative Innovation:
The go-to place to access facilities and expertise from leading institutions. A cooperative environment for groundbreaking research and development.Pioneer New Applications:
Our focus includes exploring the potential of 6G in critical sectors such as safety, robotics, autonomous systems, and virtual reality, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.Develop Practical Solutions:
Emphasizing real-world testing in challenging environments, we ensure that innovations are not only cutting-edge but also practical and reliable.Empower Regional Growth:
Based in the North of England, the lab will foster regional technological leadership and entrepreneurship.Services
From transport and manufacturing to energy, health and defence — Lab of the North is helping unlock the next wave of digital transformation.
Use Cases & Projects
Examples of our work, partner collaborations and our development and testing facilities.
News & Events
Find out about the latest news and events from the Lab of the North team and partner organisations.