A "first-of-its-kind" initiative has been launched in Manchester aimed at combining "the three pillars of skills, innovation and start up" all under one roof.
MediaCityUK's tech hub The Landing has rebranded as HOST - the Home of Skills and Technology - and now hopes to "revolutionise" the technology and technology skills sector across the North and virtually throughout the UK.
HOST will include five floors of innovation support for individuals, freelancers, start-ups and SMEs through to established businesses.
With labs, R&D and prototyping environments, affordable workspace, specialist advice, technology training and social spaces to connect and collaborate, it hopes to become an inclusive community of innovators in data science, AI, gaming, and immersive technologies.
IN4.0 Group took over management of the Salford hub in October, and since then has made several high-profile appointments and collaborations.
Mo Isap, CEO of IN4.0 Group, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Salford City Council as we enter this landmark moment from when The Landing was first established in 2013.
“HOST, Salford’s Home of Skills & Technology, is not just a name-change, it is a representation of the hub’s mission to establish an ecosystem that supports skills, growth and innovation in the region.
“Diversity, accessibility and inclusion are at the core of everything we do, and it is imperative we continue to build on these values as we enter this new chapter with HOST. We are an enabler, not just of productivity, but of prosperity for all – we may be about technology, but the benefits we bring are all about people.”
HOST has already established significant partnerships with Amazon Web Services, Barclays Eagle Labs, Greater Manchester AI Foundry, AI Tech North and Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
Dr Maria Stukoff, director of the University of Salford’s Maker Space and former BBC Academy and Sony PlayStation ‘imagineer,’ recently joined the hub, with several more high-profile announcements "on the horizon".
Salford City's Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has pushed an extra emphasis on digital technology and skills more than ever before. Our aim in Salford is to be the UK’s leader in digital enterprise.
“HOST scaling its ambition and driving this important work forward is another piece in the jigsaw to enable us to do that.
"It is fostering and nurturing talent which is creating growth, opportunities and jobs that local people can benefit from. It is a very exciting time for this city.”
