‘Library’ aims to keep companies well connected

A “LIBRARY” of internet-connected kit will open at the start of next month to help smaller Scottish developers capitalise on the rise of devices linked by wireless technology.

The Connected Device Development Centre (CDDC) is aimed at SMEs developing products for the so-called “internet of things” (IoT). It will be launched at the Technology Summit & Conference hosted by industry body Censis on 1 October at the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh.

The IoT market is expected to double between now and 2018, when revenues are forecast to reach nearly £3 trillion. Projections put the number of internet-connected devices at 28 billion by 2020, more than three times today’s levels.

Located in the Censis offices in Glasgow, the CDDC will let firms test prototypes and create new products. Kevin Power, who leads IoT development at Censis, said it will also employ two full-time hardware and software engineers to cut the time from concept to prototype to “a fraction” of what is normally required.

Power said: “In many cases, the pace of change in technology means prototypes can be obsolete before they are even presented to potential investors.”

Services at the CDDC will include presentations from technology providers who will educate SMEs about their products and services, and explain how new innovations can be integrated into their systems. A demonstration area will provide smaller developers with a professional, high-end venue to present their products to investors.

Ian Reid, chief executive of Censis, said a lack of suitable demonstration space has been identified as a particular challenge. Providing such a facility is expected to further boost  activity in Scotland’s sector  for sensors and imaging systems, which employs about 16,000 people and contributes £2.5 billion to the country’s economy.

“We’ve had inquiries coming in from SMEs for months, which has gone a long way to informing how we put the CDDC together,” Reid said.

“We’ve also had great engagement and support from large technology vendors.”