Backed with EU funding, Sensor City is a collaboration between Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool and aims to create a world class hub for sensor technology. Tony McDonough reports

More firms have signed up for space at Liverpool’s £15m Sensor City which aims to become a world class hub for the development of sensor technology.

Healthcare, mental health and wellbeing outfit, Chanua Health, and personal grooming company, Lozio, have taken 344 sq ft and 140 sq ft respectively.

They join other recent tenants, including FMI, Aqua Running and UPLEC Industries in the city centre facility which is a key part of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter project.

Backed with EU funding, Sensor City is a collaboration between Liverpool John Moores University and the University of Liverpool.

Sensors are integral to what has been called the “internet of things” or the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. They are increasingly being used in industrial processes to record, store send real-time information via the web.

Part of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, Sensor City is expected to lead to the creation of 1,000 jobs in the region over the next decade, nurturing 300 start-up tech businesses.

Approximately 2,000 sq ft is still available on the second floor of the building, with just over 2,800 sq ft free on the first floor. There are also hot desking facilities available on the ground floor. 

Dr Joanne Phoenix, business development manager at Sensor City, said: “The building’s exceptional facilities are proving to be a huge draw for innovators and entrepreneurs.

“It is fantastic to be able to accommodate companies that are really pushing the boundaries of sensor technology.

“These are exciting companies for Sensor City and we look forward to watching them progress their projects with our support and facilities.”

The Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy backed Sensor City with a £5m investment in 2014.

In 2016, the England European Regional Development Fund, awarded £5m in capital investment as match funding to support the development of the hi-tech sensor hub.

The University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University are each committing £1.5m to the project and £2m of co-investment from corporate sponsors is to be secured over the next five years.