An edited version of this blog was first published in the Brighton independent on September 17th
The FuseBox is Wired Sussex’s innovation hub for creative technologists. It is 10 years now since we first started developing the idea (although it took a few more years before we raised the funding and opened the space).
We created it because we were meeting people with great ideas but no way of developing them, testing them and turning them into something tangible. Ideas, and the process of making them real, is what provides the excitement and momentum behind any digital cluster, Brighton included. At their early stage, those with ideas need access to resources and equipment, advice and connections, and the support of a like-minded community.
That’s what the FuseBox provides – it’s a subsidised, collaborative R&D space for those with great ideas. We’ve now supported hundreds of innovators over the years and continue to do so.
The range of individuals and businesses who have used the FuseBox is what makes it special. They include artists who want to discover how immersive technology can support their practice, tech start-ups with bold ideas, and existing businesses who want to continue to develop and engage with new opportunities.
Currently, we host a technologist who is exploring the creative application of particle levitation technology, a start-up that are developing sensor tech for professional cyclists, and some of Legal & General’s innovation activity. We are also working with Brighton Dome on a virtual music festival.
Often innovators come for the access to the equipment at the FuseBox, but stay because of the access to collaborators. Exciting GPS start-up Naurt is a good case in point. The two founders, Jack and Nick met at the FuseBox.
Jack spells out the value of the FuseBox:
The FuseBox is a very special place. You have so many people here that are creative in different ways. It gives you that ecosystem to explore and the ability to fall back on other people’s skill sets there.
So, if you have ideas and think the FuseBox might be the right place for you or your business to develop them in, then I would be really excited to meet you.