Technology is shaping everyday life in Yorkshire, making things simpler and more efficient. From satellite data to local digital projects, new ideas are creating opportunities across different sectors. Businesses, banks, and residents are finding easier ways to work, connect, and access services. As more industries turn to digital tools, Yorkshire continues to grow in farming, finance, and online services.
Space Technology Improves Agriculture and Finance
Satellite data changes the way agriculture and finance work in Yorkshire. Farmers use Earth Observation data (EO) to monitor crops and predict yields with more accuracy. Agtelligence, a company focused on sustainable farming, uses high-resolution satellite data to monitor biodiversity. By mapping woodlands and natural habitats on farms, it helps farmers get a clearer picture of ecological health.
AI helps assess biodiversity more quickly, reducing the need for costly manual surveys. The information gathered can support sustainability programs, making it easier for farms to show they meet environmental standards.
Financial institutions also rely on satellite data to improve risk assessments. Banks use EO data to measure the environmental impact of their investments. This includes tracking greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Yorkshire’s financial sector uses these tools to support green investment strategies and meet new environmental standards.
Digital Advancements in Everyday Services
Technology is changing how Yorkshire residents use everyday services. Digital inclusion projects help businesses and individuals make the most of online opportunities. Leeds City Region expands digital skills training, making it easier for people to adapt to a more connected world.
Community digital hubs improve online access, offering support for job seekers and entrepreneurs. With more workplaces and services shifting online, digital access is becoming essential across the region.
More people in Yorkshire now use digital platforms for both work and daily activities. Streaming services and online gaming are growing in popularity, helped by the wider availability of high-speed internet.
Among the different types of online gaming, casino platforms are becoming a common choice. Many residents who once preferred traditional gaming or entertainment now explore these platforms as an alternative. The shift reflects a general move toward digital options, with more people choosing online access over in-person experiences.
Smart Robots for Local Deliveries
Autonomous robots are now a familiar sight in Wakefield. A partnership between Starship Technologies, Co-op, and Wakefield Council is bringing grocery deliveries directly to residents’ doorsteps. These battery-powered robots use sensors and AI to navigate footpaths safely. They travel at walking speed and avoid obstacles with precision.
The service is helping people who may struggle with in-person shopping. Customers place orders through a mobile app and receive deliveries in minutes. The technology also benefits the environment by reducing short car journeys to stores. By lowering traffic and emissions, these robots contribute to cleaner air in urban areas.
Strengthening Digital Skills in the Workforce
Leeds City Region is investing in digital skills development. The Local Digital Skills Partnership (LDSP) is working with businesses to align training with future job market needs. As automation and AI reshape industries, workers require new skills to remain competitive.
A digital voucher scheme is supporting small businesses in adopting cybersecurity and remote working tools. This initiative is helping companies improve resilience in an increasingly digital economy. By addressing digital literacy gaps, Yorkshire is ensuring that businesses and individuals can fully participate in technological advancements.
Expanding Access to Funding and Innovation Opportunities
Space Hub Yorkshire is helping local businesses secure funding for technology-driven projects. By connecting companies with investment opportunities, it supports the development of new ideas and helps businesses grow. As of October 2024, grant applications worth over £482,000 have been facilitated, contributing to the creation of new digital solutions.
Beyond funding, this support encourages long-term collaborations between businesses, researchers, and public sector organizations. Networking events and industry partnerships give companies the chance to refine their ideas and bring them to market.
These efforts are strengthening Yorkshire’s position in the tech industry and contributing to economic growth. As digital innovation continues to expand in the region, more businesses are gaining access to the tools and connections they need to succeed.
