Leading logistics firm Manfreight has been awarded £100,000 in funding to leverage cutting-edge 5G and digital technologies, aiming to transform operational efficiency and accelerate business growth.

This funding is part of the Belfast 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) competition, which supports high-impact projects exploring the transformative potential of 5G connectivity. Administered by Belfast City Council’s City Innovation Office in collaboration with five regional councils, the programme is designed to boost economic, social, and environmental development through next-generation wireless technologies.

Driving Regional Growth through 5G Innovation

The 5GIR initiative is a cornerstone of the UK Government’s broader UK 5G Innovation Regions programme, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. By fostering partnerships between local authorities, businesses, academia, and the public sector, the programme is catalysing early adoption of 5G across the Belfast region to power the digital economy.

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic, Policy and Resources Committee, emphasised the programme’s long-term vision:

“The Belfast 5GIR programme is about ensuring that local businesses and organisations are well placed to benefit from advanced wireless connectivity.

We know that 5G connectivity will underpin innovation across many sectors including advanced manufacturing, transport and logistics, creative industries, and public services.”

Transforming Logistics with Intelligent Connectivity

With support from the 5GIR fund, Manfreight is deploying a suite of advanced technologies—including 5G connectivity, connected cameras, machine learning, scanning systems, and Push-to-Talk solutions—at its chilled distribution hub at Belfast Harbour.

These innovations will optimise the coordination and storage of lorries, trailers, and goods within the warehouse, marking a significant step towards creating an intelligent logistics yard and smart warehousing environment. This evolution will not only set new industry benchmarks but also enhance service delivery for Manfreight’s clients across Northern Ireland, particularly within the agri-food sector.

Powering a Smarter, More Connected Future

Professor Liam Maguire, Chair of the Belfast Region City Deal Digital Advisory Board and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research at Ulster University, highlighted the broader implications:

“This is a great opportunity for businesses to leap ahead and deliver innovative use cases that can deliver a return on investment by combining the benefits of 5G with technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence, and immersive applications.”