With transatlantic connectivity at its doorstep, renewable energy through off-coast wind farms and a local fibre network already in place, Blackpool is poised to become a new hub of digital innovation.
At the heart of this transformation is Silicon Sands, an ambitious multi-agency programme that’s establishing a place where technology, sustainability and economic growth converge.
Silicon Sands is estimated to generate up to 14,000 new jobs and deliver up to £14bn of GVA (Gross Value Added) for the town, which has one of the highest levels of deprivation in the UK.
The Silicon Sands Catalyst Pilot initiative is part of that wider programme and has been run by the Cooperative Network Infrastructure Ltd. The project was part of the UKTCG’s Regional Tech Booster (RTB) programme, which has been funded by the UK Government and supported by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Over the last six months, the Silicon Sands Ecosystem Catalyst Pilot project has led a bottom-up, ecosystem-led approach focused on creating conversations, connections and opportunities between businesses, innovators, infrastructure providers and regional stakeholders.
The pilot successfully expanded engagement beyond the existing digital and technology community, bringing together advanced manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, creative, e-sports and innovation-led organisations into the conversation around future technologies, AI and sustainable digital growth.
Shaun Fensom, Secretary at Cooperative Network Infrastructure, said: “The Silicon Sands Catalyst Pilot has demonstrated that Blackpool already possesses many of the assets needed to support a thriving digital economy. What has been particularly encouraging is the willingness of organisations from very different sectors to come together around a shared vision for innovation, sustainability and growth. The conversations and connections established through this programme have created a strong foundation on which the wider Silicon Sands initiative can now build.”
One of the strongest themes which emerged from the programme was growing recognition that Blackpool already has many of the ingredients required to support a future-focused digital economy. Through a series of workshops, roundtables, the FutureTech Live conference and direct engagement activity, businesses began identifying opportunities linked to AI adoption, digital infrastructure, connectivity, sustainability and high-performance computing.
This initiative has developed good cross-sector engagement across AI and software; cyber security; digital infrastructure; education; manufacturing; creative industries; esports, as well as public sector and ecosystem partners.
The series of sessions created opportunities to explore practical applications of emerging technologies while also opening wider discussions around responsible innovation, sustainability, energy demand, sovereignty and community impact. This positioned Silicon Sands not only as a technology initiative, but as part of a broader conversation around how digital infrastructure and innovation can support long-term economic transformation within the region.
There has been excellent engagement and attendance throughout the programme, which includes:
- Four major ecosystem events delivered between January and March 2026 – a Roundtable, Beyond the Hype: AI at Work, Ready to Raise Funding Event and the Silicon Sands: Future Tech LIVE Conference
- 135+ total event registrations recorded
- 86+ attendees across the programme events
- 20+ direct one-to-one business engagement meetings
- Outreach and invitations to an additional 25+ ecosystem stakeholders and businesses
In summary, the pilot has started to build momentum around a self-sustaining ecosystem model, creating stronger relationships between businesses, public-sector organisations, education providers and regional partners. They have also begun talks on how collaboration and a shared vision could develop a ‘green digital Blackpool’.
The programme established a foundation that will now continue developing beyond the pilot phase and will now contribute toward the wider Silicon Sands vision for Blackpool.
