Unlocking possibilities: Cisco’s relocation to Cardiff Innovations is creating new opportunities

Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Their purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals.

Cisco UK & Ireland are at the heart of an inclusive future, working with a wide range of public and private sector partners, including the country’s leading security experts, from the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre, to GCHQ and the Internet Watch Foundation.

Cisco moved into the Cardiff Innovations business incubator space in sbarc|spark in early 2024, with the aim to have a place where they could bring customers, partners and employees together in the best environment.

Here, Adam Sims, Strategic Account Manager, reflects on Cisco’s first year at Cardiff Innovations and highlights from being located at sbarc|spark.

“We are really enjoying our new home at Cardiff Innovations. As well as being conveniently located, the facilities at sbarc|spark are fantastic and have enabled us to showcase and demonstrate Cisco technology in action.”

“Cisco is passionate about encouraging girls and women to consider science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) education and careers – it’s part of our wider purpose of powering an inclusive future for all. We run programmes across the UK.”

“In May 2024 we ran a fun and interactive recent ‘CISCO Girls in IT’ event with year 7-8 female students, in collaboration with The University of South Wales and Cardiff University. During the workshop, students learned all about Cisco and the different roles and opportunities linked to a career in technology. It was a really successful event with resounding positive feedback.”

“The students also participated in a variety of activities, including a Dragons Den showcase of a team app design and problem-solving games. These activities were designed to help develop a range of skills, including collaborative design, computational thinking, communication, and critical thinking.”

“We work very closely with Cardiff University academics and are pleased to have been able support students via initiatives like mentoring final-year students who are specialising in technology.”

“ Another fun initiative we have is Connected Santa – our employee-led holiday programme. Every year, we visit hospitals in Wales and children (and parents!) can chat with Santa in his grotto, without them having to leave their hospitals by the magic of Cisco TelePresence. The event is run entirely by Cisco volunteers, who dress up as elves and bring Christmas spirit and presents to every child they can.  In 2024 we ran the programme with the hospitals under the Swansea Bay University Health Board, bringing a little Christmas magic to countless children staying on wards during the festive season.”

“Our first year at sbarc|spark has enabled us to make new connections and unlock new possibilities –  we’re excited to see what 2025 brings!”

Further information

Find out more about Cisco

Discover the opportunities available in Cardiff Innovations labs, offices, and co working spaces.