New digital space and computer training suite launches at 3M BIC in Huddersfield

A new self-serve digital space and a computer training suite has been launched at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre (3M BIC) in Huddersfield.

The 3M BIC is part of the Huddersfield Innovation and Incubation Project (HIIP).

The HIIP has been funded through a £2.9m grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal – a £1bn package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

The Byte is the self-service digital space which provides 3D printing facilities, including an Ultimaker 3, Makerbot and FormLab2 for small prototype production, as well as equipment for game production, with VIVE and Oculus Rift Virtual Reality (VR) equipment available and the ability to produce videos with the 4K Videography camera.

Businesses can also ‘view’ what their customers see using the TOBII eye tracking equipment attached to a laptop/PC that can observe where their customers look.

The Byte also houses high definition computing facilities that will allow SMEs to design products using business licensed software, enabling them to pitch their ideas to external companies to help launch their product.

A ‘messy/wet’ area allowing the design of physical entities for further study or development before taking to full scale production is also available in the adjacent Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Centre (DOYYEC) within the 3M BIC.

The fully equipped Innovation Training Suite is now also available, providing up to 20 trainees with individual laptops linked to an 84“ Microsoft Surface Hub system alongside traditional AV equipment for fully interactive training sessions.

Training sessions can be recorded for future analysis. Electronic copies of all notes can also be made as the session progresses and documents can be stored in one place to be able to report back on sessions.

Michael Wilson, centre manager and HIIP director at the 3M BIC, said: “It’s been a very busy last few weeks, with the building works taking place and equipment being delivered and installed.

“Having the Innovation Training Suite and The Byte up and running means that we can now offer computer training facilities as well as creative technology for prototyping and gaming, which will benefit many businesses across the Leeds City Region.”

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