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Huawei wants to make Cambridge UK's IoT innovation hub

Chinese networking vendor buys Cambridge-based Neul to help realise IoT vision

23 Sep 2014

Huawei has snapped up Cambridge-based Internet of Things (IoT) specialist Neul for $25 million.

The company makes technology that allows small, low power devices to be connected to cloud servers, as well as management tools for said items and access points for them to wireless networks.

Its technology has already been put to use in IoT network trials in Milton Keynes, and has also been included in Ofcom's 2013 "white space" wireless technology project. Its aim was to repurpose gaps in frequency bands used to broadcast TV services for use by wireless devices.

According to a report on Business Weekly over the weekend, the deal also looks set to pave the way for the Chinese networking vendor to establish an IoT innovation hub in Cambridge.

A source speaking to the publication said: "Huawei has very big plans for the Internet of Things and for Cambridge and Neul will be the centre of that strategy.

"It's very good news for Cambridge and the UK that such a big player is coming to join the IoT ecosystem. It is expected that Neul will be hiring quite aggressively to turn Huawei's vision to reality."

Speaking to Business Weekly, a Huawei spokesperson added: "Huawei is delighted to have acquired Neul and its groundbreaking innovations in the Internet of Things.

"Huawei has no doubt that the IoT market offers huge scope to expand and to deliver important new services and solutions to our customers," they added.