A £100,000 grant fund to help businesses deploy advanced wireless technologies

May 30, 2024 – Direct link Related topics: Climate change / environment / Corporate / Economic growth / Partner organizations

River Severn Partnership News

The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) has given businesses and voluntary groups in the Severn catchment area the opportunity to apply for funding from the £100,000 Wireless Innovation Grant Fund.

Funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and managed by Shropshire Council, the scheme is part of a wider £3.75 million project to encourage businesses and organizations to adopt technologies enabled by advanced wireless connectivity.

Businesses and organizations in the coverage area, which includes Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Powys, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, Warwickshire and Worcestershire, can receive grants of up to £5,000 each to help purchase and install wireless technology.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for culture and digital, said:

“Rural connectivity serves as an enabler of development, providing vital resources and development opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities.

“RSPAWIR has a particular focus on the key sectors of water, agriculture and the public sector, but improved understanding and application of advanced wireless technologies opens critical access to healthcare, financial services, e-commerce and education – improving quality of life and economic prospects for the region.”

RSPAWIR is currently supporting innovative ‘use case’ projects with Hartpury University and Cranfield University that will demonstrate how advanced wireless technology can be used to improve environmental and business outcomes in the agricultural sector, as well as for society.

The universities will work with farmers and landowners in the River Severn partnership area to show how advanced wireless technologies can be adapted to monitor crops, maintain safety and regulate energy use, and will also include a flagship project with landowners near Telford, aimed at monitoring and regulating water flow to meet agricultural needs in local rivers and tributaries.

To apply for funding from the Wireless Innovation Grant Fund, eligible applicants must have been operating in the key sectors of water, agriculture or the public sector for over a year. Grants cover up to 75% of the total cost of commercial projects and 90% for voluntary social enterprise groups.

More than £36 million is being invested across UK regions including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to drive economic growth and innovation in key local sectors by unlocking the opportunities created by advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies.

To apply, complete the application form and send it to [email protected]

Further information

The RSPAWIR program has received £3.75 million from the Department for Science Innovation and Technology and is focused on delivering on the Government’s wireless infrastructure strategy published in April 2023. RSP will highlight its key sectors and communities to fully realize the transformative impact of using wireless networks to generate value and growth at the local level.

More than £36 million is being invested across UK regions including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to drive economic growth and innovation in key local sectors by unlocking the opportunities created by advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies.

Innovation Regions will invest in advanced wireless ‘use cases’ in key economic sectors and in the benefits this ‘smart technology’ can bring, including transforming public services and growing the economy, increasing the productivity of farms, factories and jobs, and creating better wages works. The project aims to generate further inward investment in ‘wireless networks’ and smart technologies in the region and for key sectors to seize the opportunities.