Tech giant Meta will open a new £12m research lab in Cambridge focused on spatial audio technology for the company’s wearable AI product offering, in support of the government’s Oxford-Cambridge corridor plans.
The company described the move as an investment in Meta’s “long-term commitment to innovation in the UK”, where it employs more than 5,500 people.
“Meta’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK as a hub for world-leading research and innovation while helping to supercharge the potential in the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor,” said Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
“We want our high-tech industries to continue to lead the world in years to come which is why we’re backing our innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs.”
The facility will research and support audio developments for Meta’s push into wearable AI tech, notably its AR glasses, the technology of which has been incorporated into products from Ray-Ban and Oakley.
“Creating this world class audio lab in Cambridge is a sign of our long-term commitment to the UK and our belief in the top engineering talent it produces,” said Meta’s chief global affairs officer Joel Kaplan.
“We want the brightest minds to make sure our smart glasses have the smartest AI-powered audio so you can focus on what you’re listening to no matter what’s going on around you. I can’t wait to experience the results of the work the lab produces.”
Supporting the area linking Oxford and Cambridge as a technology hub has been a key ambition of this government, with Science Minister Lord Vallance recently describing the region as “central” to the UK’s wider growth plans.
“There is an enormous prize at hand if we can unleash the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor’s growth potential,” Vallance said.
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