Showcasing Digital Innovation in Our Borough

As part of the Council's  PEACEPLUS-funded Mini Digi Hubs project, Niall Drew and Louise Parkes from Economic Development facilitated a visit from the new state of the art facility Mobile Digi Lab Signal Centre during the week beginning 16 February running a series of informative events attendee by representatives from local businesses and council staff.  This activity supports our partnership role in the Smart Towns & Villages investment area, led by East Border Region. The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Highlights from the Mobile Digi Lab visit

Project partners from Dundalk Institute of Technology (D.K.I.T.) delivered hands‑on sessions for businesses and council staff. Participants explored the current market‑leading tools in the AI and immersive technologies space.

About the Mini Digi Hubs project

The project is part of a 42‑month cross‑border initiative designed to demonstrate how digital and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies can support local communities, businesses and public services. In Ards and North Down, this includes the proposed transformation Comber Community Centre into an IoT exemplar site featuring new sensors, live data dashboards and a programme of digital engagement. The development will seek to add value to existing users of the centre while attracting new ones.

Why it matters

The programme aims to:

• Build digital confidence across communities while developing a cross-border network of Mini Digi Hubs
• Showcase how IoT can improve building management and operational efficiency while demonstrating its applications and value to local businesses and residents (e.g., live people counting, movement, water leak sensors, usage of various rooms, temperature, electric and oil consumption)
• Support local businesses and residents to adopt emerging technologies with mentoring and workshops within Comber Community Centre

The Mobile Digi Lab visit marks an important early step in raising awareness as the project progresses.