Lancaster University is stepping up its investment in world-class digital, data and cyber security innovation, strengthening its position as a key driver of regional and national growth.

At the heart of this ambition is the University’s flagship Data Cyber Quarter (DCQ), a physical space which re-imagines the south side of the Lancaster campus, bringing together industry stakeholders, researchers and emerging talent to shape the future of the UK’s digital and cyber economy.

The latest milestone is the launch of LENS, a purpose-built co-working and collaboration space for digital, data and cyber security innovators. The new facility marks another significant step in the expansion of Lancaster’s partnership offer and investment in the region.

LENS has been created to connect industry and researchers in a contemporary, flexible environment. It offers meeting rooms, shared facilities and open collaboration areas, while giving organisations access to the University’s wider research expertise, knowledge exchange and enterprise support activities, specialist infrastructure and student talent.

The facility was officially opened by Andrew Elliot, Deputy Director for Cyber Security at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Following the launch, Minister for Cyber Security, Baroness Lloyd, said: "Cyber criminals are increasingly using AI in their attacks - but the UK's defenders can stay ahead through innovation. Our brilliant universities are spearheading these efforts, combining world-class research, close partnerships with Government and industry, and with a strong record of spinning out successful businesses.

"Lancaster exemplifies this work, and LENS is exactly the kind of space that brings that capability together. It's a great example of how, by connecting research, talent and industry, we can turn cutting-edge cyber security innovation into impact that boosts Britain's resilience."

The new space is part of a growing network of co-working facilities across the Lancaster campus, including the established Health Innovation Campus and Lancaster Environment Centre. Together, they are helping businesses connect, collaborate and grow alongside world-leading academic expertise and cutting-edge facilities.

LENS also sits within a wider programme of investment in advanced digital infrastructure. This includes eight specialist teaching laboratories and the state-of-the-art Data Immersion Suite, which supports real-time data visualisation and the exploration of complex challenges. A new cutting-edge power plant control room simulator at the University further strengthens Lancaster’s offer for collaborative research, innovation and skills development in the nuclear and renewable energy space.

Professor Sarah Kemp, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement at Lancaster University, added: “We’re excited to see the formal opening of LENS. Already home to a growing number of partners and collaborators, and coupled with our successful innovation ecosystem programmes such as CyberCom and CyberFocus - delivering at scale for the region, LENS is a space where great people and great organisations are doing extraordinary things together.”

The University’s investment in co-working spaces and specialist innovation facilities is designed to bring external partners, academia and Lancaster’s student population together. The aim is to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, cutting-edge and applied research, enterprise and innovation by offering access to research, specialist skills, education and training.

By expanding its workspaces, research facilities and business engagement opportunities, Lancaster University is supporting organisations across Lancashire and the wider North West at every stage of growth. That includes start-ups, scaling SMEs and established industry partners, including government bodies and public sector organisations. Through this, the University is helping drive the growth of high-value sectors such as digital, health and sustainability, in line with the government’s 10-year Industrial Strategy.

To find out more about co-working and innovation opportunities at Lancaster University, visit the Lancaster University co-working spaces webpage.