Glasgow Chamber chief counts benefits of Connected Device Centre

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has praised a new facility for helping business better innovate as he visited CENSIS, the Scottish Innovation Centre for Sensor and Imaging Systems.

In a bid to increase support for Scottish SMEs looking to capitalise on technological advances such as the Internet of Things (IoT), CENSIS launched The Connected Devices Development Centre (CDDC) last month, allowing companies to develop and test prototypes to accelerate the progress of their products.

In Glasgow and the West, around 52 sensor and imaging systems companies already operate, contributing £1 billion to the Scottish economy.

To highlight how this new facility could benefit more businesses in Glasgow, Patrick visited the CENSIS offices to see the CDDC in action.

Meeting CENSIS chief executive Ian Reid, the two discussed the opportunities available for Scottish businesses willing to innovate and how this facility can help them.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, said: “Innovation is what will make Glasgow’s businesses increasingly competitive on the world stage, and the work that CENSIS is doing to enhance and encourage it around Glasgow is fantastic. The launch of the Centre has generated a lot of interest from SMEs who need the trusted support and guidance offered by CENSIS to progress. It is a wonderful opportunity that has come at a perfect time, and I highly recommend that businesses take advantage of the facility.”

The investment in the CDDC means that SMEs will be able to develop and manufacture more hi-tech devices within Scotland, in turn creating more jobs and economic value. It will also offer the opportunity for SMEs to demonstrate their products to potential investors, as well as providing frequent seminars from high-profile technology companies.

Ian Reid, chief executive of CENSIS said: “To be able to showcase the Centre to Stuart who plays a crucial role in developing the future of the city has been important to CENSIS. It has allowed us to bring to life the many benefits that the CDDC will bring to small- and medium-sized companies, not just in Glasgow but across Scotland.

“The Centre could be the stepping stone smaller companies need to get them through the development stages. Without its support, some of these companies’ products might not be able to grow and progress to market, impacting on the future of innovation in Scotland.”