Launching the SMART Centre: Shaping Futures at Southampton Solent University

On Thursday 15 January 2026, Stephen Deller (OVIC, Centre Manager) had the pleasure of attending  the launch of the new SMART Centre at Southampton Solent University — a landmark development that will play a central role in shaping the future of skills, education, and industry collaboration across the South Coast.The SMART Centre is now home to the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT) facilities at Southampton Solent University. Its launch marked not only the opening of a new physical space, but also a celebration of ambition, partnership, and shared purpose.

Southampton Solent University leads the South Coast IoT, a powerful collaboration of universities, colleges, and employers working together to create clear and coherent talent pipelines into key STEM industries. These include the Maritime, Engineering, and Digital sectors — industries that are vital to both the regional and national economy.

The overarching goal of the South Coast IoT is clear: to enhance the social and economic prosperity of the region and the communities it serves. This is being achieved by improving access to high-quality education, developing industry-relevant skills, and creating stronger links between learning and employment.

A strong theme throughout the launch was the importance of collaboration. This vision simply cannot be achieved by one organisation alone. The event was an opportunity for the University to thank its partners for their continued support and commitment, and to recognise the impact that collective effort already has across the region.

It was also great to see several companies from OVIC in attendance, reinforcing the strength of the relationship between education and industry and highlighting the shared commitment to developing future talent across the region.

Just as importantly, the launch served as a catalyst — encouraging new partnerships to form and existing relationships to grow stronger. By bringing together education providers and industry leaders, the SMART Centre creates a space where innovation can flourish and where learners are better prepared to thrive in the modern workplace.

The launch of the SMART Centre represents more than a new building; it represents a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives. Together, we can inspire the next generation, strengthen the connection between education and industry, and build a future defined by opportunity, innovation, and lasting regional impact.