A cutting-edge innovation hub has launched in Belfast, positioning the UK at the forefront of the global race to harness digital twin technology.
The newly opened UK Digital Twin Centre promises to transform how industries design, test, and optimise everything from supply chains to complex engineering systems by turning data into dynamic virtual models that mirror real-world operations.
Backed by Innovate UK and the Belfast Region City Deal, the Centre is a bold step toward unlocking major economic value over the next decade while accelerating industrial innovation and sustainability nationwide.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, explained: “The UK Digital Twin Centre marks a major step for Belfast, driving innovation in high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing.
“Through the Belfast Region City Deal and Digital Catapult’s UK-wide reach, we’re connecting our SMEs to a powerful network, unlocking access to new markets, collaboration opportunities, and cutting-edge technologies.”
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 optimise performance without physical trial-and-error, reducing costs and improving efficiency across operations.
As adoption grows, digital twins are forecast to contribute £62m in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy over the next decade.
Boosting innovation through cross-sector collaboration
At the Centre’s launch, leading partners Artemis Technologies, Spirit AeroSystems, and Thales UK showcased early-stage applications developed within the Centre’s advanced facilities.
These include a 360-degree immersive space and high-spec technology lab designed to solve complex operational challenges across maritime, aerospace, and defence.
By uniting industry leaders with tech innovators, the Digital Twin Centre highlights the value of cross-sector collaboration.
Projects aim to strengthen supply chains, enhance product design, and support decarbonisation efforts – building scalable solutions with impact across the UK economy.
Accelerating adoption and accessibility
The UK Digital Twin Centre’s mission goes beyond innovation – it aims to make digital twin technology accessible and deployable at scale.
Through dedicated programmes, SMEs and enterprises alike will gain expert guidance, test environments, and practical tools to experiment, validate, and implement digital twins.
Six core technology areas form the backbone of the Centre’s capabilities: intelligence, data services, immersive and user experience, cyber-physical systems, integration, and security. These provide the building blocks for interoperable, cross-industry applications.
Accelerator Programme now open
Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the Centre’s inaugural six-month Accelerator Programme.
Open to UK tech SMEs and industry partners, the initiative will offer funding, mentorship, and technical support to fast-track the adoption of enabling technologies such as IoT, simulation tools, and data integration.
Susan Bowen, CEO of Digital Catapult, added: “Seeing real-world use cases coming to life at the UK Digital Twin Centre is a powerful demonstration of how digital twins can deliver tangible advances for UK industry.
“These cutting-edge tools will solve complex business challenges in aerospace, maritime, and defence.
“It’s a testament to how we are leveraging the strengths of local innovation clusters across the UK, with Belfast bringing together its wealth of business and research expertise in digital technologies and advanced manufacturing.
“In turn, this will have a positive impact on economic growth in Northern Ireland and across the UK.”
As the UK Digital Twin Centre opens its doors, it marks a pivotal step in making digital twin technology a core driver of industrial progress.
By bringing together cutting-edge tools, expert support, and real-world collaboration, the Centre is set to accelerate innovation, boost productivity, and future-proof UK industry for the decade ahead.
