INFOLAB21

InfoLab21 is an internationally acclaimed ICT research, development and business centre based at Lancaster University that brings together two academic powerhouses - computing and communication systems.

100% of the Computing Department's research was considered 'international quality' in 2008 research assessment exercise (RAE) building on our 5/5 (excellent) rating from 2001.

The Department of Communications Systems is internationally recognised for its contribution to many fields of communications including broadcasting, multimedia technologies and telephone, wireless and satellite communications.

InfoLab21 accommodates more than 250 leading researchers and experts whose highly specialised research includes:

• Mobile and ubiquitous computing
• Signal Processing Systems (SPS) Research)
• Networked & Distributed Systems
• Informatics
• Cooperative & Interactive Systems
• Software Engineering
• Space Plasma Environment and Radio Science

A third element of the development, the Knowledge Business Centre provides incubation support facilities and ICT support services linked to the University's ICT research activities. High-tech SMEs and start-ups are represented here.The centre's mission is to harness technology transfer, industry training, exploitation and innovation to help create high value-added start-ups and spin-off companies emerging from the work of its departments and associated businesses.

InfoLab21 also houses ICT Focus, the ICT training department which offers a range of advanced technical training courses in applications development and in systems and network administration, from Microsoft and Cisco certified courses, through to vocationally-orientated University accredited courses or bespoke courses for industry.

InfoLab21 Strategic Innovation Support Programme (ISIS)
ISIS provides Northwest SMEs (Small & Medium Enterprises) with free "transformational ICT" i.e. ICT advice and implementation that changes the way a business operates, which means making changes to the organisation and business processes, resulting in a major improvement that could not happen without the use of ICT. ISIS is the first project of its kind in the UK and is delivered under the "Transformational ICT" product, part of the Government’s Solutions for Business portfolio. Support is part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and delivered by InfoLab21's pioneering Graduate and Student Academies.

Business across the Northwest can also benefit from other services provided by InfoLab21, eg

InfoLab21 Associate Company Scheme which has over 500 members. Company can join online for free membership, which includes the e-marketing benefits of a profile on the InfoLab21 website.

InfoLab21 Events
InfoLab21 hosts and promotes a wide range of free events, demonstrations, workshops and seminars for businesses providing networking opportunities, updates on the latest developments in technology and routes to funding new technology products and processes.

InfoLab21 ICT JobShop
A unique specialist website, created to help regional companies source ICT skills, which includes profiles of students and graduates looking for part-time and full-time ICT work currently online at www.infolab21.lancs.ac.uk/ictjobshop.

Lancashire & Cumbria ICT Clusters
6 regional groups of local ICT businesses created and supported by InfoLab21 who meet together regularly and engage in a free and open exchange of knowledge, information and business opportunities.

For more information about InfoLab21 and the latest range of services for businesses see www.infolab21.lancs.ac.uk/business or contact KBC Business Development Officers Nick King/Colin McLaughlin 01524 510447/3 n.king@lancaster.ac.uk c.i.mclaughlin@lancaster.ac.uk.