This week, Mind Digi Hub was delighted to bring the Mini Digi Lab to Bangor for two fantastic days of digital innovation in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council. Hosted at the Signal Centre and Bangor City Hall, the event welcomed more than 30 participants across four interactive workshops designed to demonstrate how emerging technologies can make a real difference to businesses, communities and everyday life.
Our first day at the Signal Centre focused on helping people unlock new digital skills for work and business.
The morning workshop introduced participants to the world of podcasting, showing just how accessible it has become to create professional-quality audio content. From planning episodes and recording techniques to AI-assisted editing, attendees discovered how podcasts can be used to share stories, promote organisations and engage new audiences.
In the afternoon, our Digital Technology for Business showcase gave local businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to experience the latest AI-powered tools, immersive virtual reality, AI laptops, smart glasses and high-speed connectivity.
Thursday’s public workshops at Bangor City Hall demonstrated that artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech experts—it can be practical, engaging and fun.
Our AI for Antiques session proved especially popular, with visitors learning how AI can help identify and research treasured family heirlooms. The timing couldn’t have been better, with the BBC Antiques Roadshow visiting Bangor this Sunday, giving local residents even more inspiration to uncover the stories behind their antiques.
Later in the day, participants explored how AI can identify plants and trees from photographs while learning about local biodiversity. One of the highlights came when council staff experimented with AI-generated landscape concepts based on photographs they had taken around Bangor Castle. Seeing AI instantly transform familiar outdoor spaces into imaginative landscape designs sparked plenty of discussion about how these technologies could support future planning, community engagement and environmental projects.
Throughout the event, many visitors experienced virtual reality for the very first time. Watching participants step into immersive digital environments reminded us why hands-on experiences remain one of the best ways to build confidence with new technology.
Among those taking part was the Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor James Cochrane, who embraced the opportunity to try virtual reality and see first-hand how immersive technologies are becoming valuable tools for education, tourism, business and community engagement.
We were also delighted to welcome Paralympic Medallist Gemma, who shared her enthusiasm for technology and community inclusion. Gemma also DJs at the Additional Needs Disco, a remarkable community initiative that has been bringing people together in Bangor for 35 years. Her visit perfectly reflected the inclusive spirit of the event and highlighted how technology can create opportunities for everyone.
The Mini Digi Lab continues to demonstrate that digital innovation is most powerful when people can experience it for themselves. Whether creating podcasts, exploring virtual reality, researching antiques with AI or identifying local plants, every workshop encouraged curiosity, conversation and practical learning.
A huge thank you to Niall and Louise, Ards and North Down Borough Council, the NDDO Enterprise Agency, everyone who attended, and all those who helped make the event such a success. Seeing over 30 people engage so enthusiastically with emerging technologies reinforces the importance of bringing digital skills directly into our communities.
We look forward to returning to Bangor and continuing to inspire even more people to discover what’s possible with digital technology.
