MIT keys unlock BT innovation

A new state-of-the-art facility is set to strengthen BT’s links to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston.

Keys to the new lab were handed over by MIT’s Andy Lippman to BT Innovate & Design chief research professional Steve Whittaker.

“BT’s long association with the media lab has led MIT to name one of the new labs ‘BT lab for a connected world’,” explained Jeff Patmore, head of BT’s university programme.

“The lab will serve as the hub connecting BT to MIT and will be a base for a number of research initiatives we are involved in.”

It is one of seven facilities within MIT’s media lab complex and replaces an earlier BT-sponsored facility.

New space

The 8,500 square foot lab is due to be dedicated in March and - as well as supporting BT research - will also host four MIT teams looking at viral communications, information ecology, design ecology and tangible media.

BT’s strategic relationship with MIT is one of the key pillars of the company’s open innovation strategy, says Jeff, ensuring BT people have access to leading-edge technical and business thinking.

“The existing lab hosted hundreds of BT people and clients during its lifetime - from individual researchers meeting with their collaborators, to line-of-business workshops, to client events with 30 or 40 executives,” said Jeff.

“This new space will allow us to build on the success of the first lab. Combined with our relationships with world-leading academics and students, the lab will enhance the insight that MIT provides to BT research and innovation.”