North West based digital training provider IN4.0 Group has announced it will take the helm of digital technology hub The Landing at MediaCityUK.
The Landing, at the heart of Salford’s innovation district, gives tech and digital startups and SMEs a place to work alongside large media and technology organisations, its website states.
IN4.0, led by entrepreneurs Mo Isap - also co-chair of the Greater Manchester Local Enterprise Partnership - and Andy Beaden, said it plans to build on this by scaling an “inclusive ecosystem” with the aim to drive prosperity across the North.
IN4.0 said it will be creating a Connected Cities Innovation Lab in partnership with Salford’s chief digital officer Jon Corner, with a focus on commercialising research and development, creating new applications for technology and making adoption more accessible and affordable for businesses.
The group plans to expand business growth services provided by IN4.0 with The Landing across the North through a ‘hub and club’ membership model, with the goal to create an increasingly inclusive and diverse ecosystem, it said.
IN4.0 said its priority will be to support and boost the number of female founders and entrepreneurs from minority backgrounds.
It plans to deliver tailored programmes and mentorship to help “break the barriers to entry” and “accelerate their startups to scale”.
The group said its “blueprint” for The Landing includes a pan-northern super angel seed investment fund and IN4.0 Talent City at MediaCityUK, which will build on relationships with universities including the University of Salford and University of Central Lancashire, while attracting private sector technology training providers to create an industry-facing talent development campus.
Mo Isap said the coronavirus pandemic has “highlighted many inequalities which we will be addressing head on”.
“One of our primary objectives is to create the most diverse and inclusive innovation community.
“By doing this deliberately ensures that social value is on a par with economic value so that all citizens young and old in the region will have the opportunity to succeed and break new ground in our districts.
“This is an ambition we share unequivocally with Salford city council.”
He continued: “MediaCityUK is a leading destination for the digital, tech and creative media industries - we will further augment this reputation to attract the best businesses and talent globally.
“It is our intention to be a major catalyst towards achieving Greater Manchester’s innovation ambitions and thus ensuring the UK leads in the fourth industrial revolution.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett added: “Salford is a leading digital city and our ambitions continue as we provide an environment where nurtured local tech talent can flourish while creating jobs and growth in the local economy.
“We are very proud to be recognised nationally for our digital revolution.
“IN4.0 taking charge of The Landing is a positive step forward for this city.
“They will bring in their expertise and talent to help grow small and medium sized businesses with all the support they need under one roof at MediaCityUK.”
