Sensor City is a £15m collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University and enables businesses to explore and develop sensor technologies. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool’s world-leading sensor research and business incubation facility Sensor City is to open its doors to the public in May as part of the city’s LightNight culture festival.

LightNight is an annual event, taking place this year on Friday, May 18, which features events and arts installations across the city centre.

Sensor City is a £15m collaboration between the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University and enables businesses to explore and develop sensor technologies.

From 5pm to 11pm on LightNight the Russell Street facility, in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, will host a programme of special events to give people an opportunity to see what goes on behind the building’s gold façade.

Visitors will be able to experience its in-house capabilities first-hand, such as virtual reality (VR) and 3D printing equipment, lab facilities, high quality office suites, and rooftop event space.

LightNight attendees will get the chance to hear directly from tenants that have developed exciting concepts into prototypes by collaborating with Sensor City. Visitors will also be able to see the latest technological innovations that its engineering team, university partners and SME community are developing.

Sensor City will bring to life technological transformation – the theme of this year’s LightNight event – throughout the evening in the form of visual, interactive and hands-on displays involving digital apps, drones, and 3D printed models.

Guests from across the city will also have the opportunity to participate in sensor-based games, watch live dance and theatrical performances, and enjoy a drink on the buildings panoramic roof terrace.

Joanne Phoenix, business development director at Sensor City said: “In order to support more businesses across the Liverpool city region and beyond, we need to raise awareness about the technology, facilities, and business support we offer, and a much-loved festival like LightNight is the perfect opportunity to do this.”