The cutting-edge innovation hub has launched in Belfast, positioning the UK at the forefront of the global race to leverage digital twin technology.
The newly opened UK Digital Twin Center promises a way to transform data into dynamic virtual models that reflect real-world operations by enabling design, testing and optimization, from supply chains to complex engineering systems.
Supported by Innovate UK and Belfast Region City transactions, the centre is a bold step towards unlocking key economic values over the next decade and accelerating industrial innovation and sustainability across the country.
Councillor Mickey Murray, mayor of Belfast, explained:
“Through Belfast Region City’s trading and the UK-wide reach of digital catapults, we are linking small businesses to a strong network, unlocking access to new markets, combining collaboration opportunities, cutting-edge technology.”
What is Digital Twin Technology?
Digital twin technology involves creating real-time, data-driven virtual models of physical assets, systems, or processes.
These dynamic simulations allow businesses to test, predict and optimize performance without physical trial and error, reducing costs and improving overall operational efficiency.
As adoptions increase, the Digital Twin is projected to donate £62 million in total value added (GVA) to the UK economy over the next decade.
We will support innovation through cross-sector collaboration
At the time of the centre’s launch, major partners Artemis Technologies, Spirit Aerosystems and Thales UK featured early stage applications developed within the centre’s advanced facilities.
These include 360-degree immersive spaces and a high-speed technology lab designed to solve complex operational challenges across maritime, aerospace and defense.
By uniting industry leaders with high-tech innovators, Digital Twin Centres emphasizes the value of cross-sector collaboration.
The project aims to support efforts to strengthen supply chains, strengthen product designs and decarbonization. This is about building a scalable solution that will impact the UK economy as a whole.
Accelerating recruitment and accessibility
The UK’s Digital Twin Centre mission is beyond innovation. The aim is to make digital twin technology accessible and deployed.
Through dedicated programs, small and medium-sized businesses and businesses gain expert guidance, test environments and practical tools for experimenting, verifying and implementing digital twins.
Six core technology areas form the backbone of the center’s capabilities, including center capabilities, intelligence, data services, immersive and user experience, cyber-physical systems, integration, and security. These provide components of interoperable cross-industrial applications.
Accelerator program now open
Currently, expressions of interest are accepted in the Center’s first six months of accelerator program.
The initiative is open to UK tech SMEs and industry partners, providing funding, mentorship and technical support to quickly track the adoption of enablement technologies such as IoT, simulation tools and data integration.
Susan Bowen, CEO of Digital Catapult, added:
“These cutting-edge tools solve complex business challenges in aerospace, maritime and defense.
“This is evidence of how we are leveraging the strengths of local innovation clusters across the UK. Belfast brings together our wealth of business and research expertise in digital technology and advanced manufacturing.
“Next, this will have a positive impact on economic growth in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”
When the UK’s digital twin centre opens its doors, it serves as a pivotal step in making digital twin technology a core driver of industrial advancement.
By bringing together cutting-edge tools, expert support and real-world collaboration, the centre is set to accelerate the UK industry with innovation, productivity and grounds for the future for the next decade.
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