In an event spanning from 5-6 November, UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) and Innovate UK (formerly the Technology Strategy Board) will bring together the most inventive companies in the UK to share their ideas. This includes innovative companies like Nth Screen and Reach Robotics from the South West.
With speeches from original thinkers such as Richard Reed, access to expert advice on export opportunities and an unparalleled crowd of like-minded people to network with, Innovate UK 2014 should bump up any business in the tech sector and beyond.
The event will be held at Old Billingsgate, London, but don’t be put off if you’re a South Westerner! The advice on funding routes, public and private sector support and overseas market opportunities are just as applicable to you as they are to any business from the capital and beyond.
Experts from UKTI and Innovate UK will take attendees through the event, including a discussion on how business growth can be supported by collaborative R&D, exporting and the adoption of new innovation models. Advice on how to identify the best partners for your business’ growth will also be dispensed – potentially crucial ahead of the networking opportunities during the event.
Day 1
Innovate UK’s chief executive Iain Gray (pictured right) will be kicking things off with a ten minute opening speech, followed by a “must-attend” session uncovering the strategies used by “the most cutting-edge innovators” headed by CEO of Cisco UK and Ireland, Phil Smith.
Next, you could discover how to build effective leadership in a startup with Michael Davis, CEO, UK Commission for Employment and Skills and other speakers. Scientifically minded? Perhaps “Mapping Your Genome” – a talk about the implications of innovation in healthcare from Mark Caulfield, Alistair Kent and 23andme’s Jon Ward might be more suitable. Other choices range from a pitching ‘workout’ session to advice on government support.
In the afternoon, influential entrepreneur Hermann Hauser will deliver his keynote address. Meanwhile, sessions on connecting with businesses in clusters of the UK and EU will be available, as well as a talk from US winners of the GREAT Tech Awards on their expansion into the UK and Europe.
Day 2
Entrepreneur and investor Ruz Chishty will explore and offer advice on the practical elements of expanding globally. In other rooms, information on accessing Horizon 2020‘s €80 million fund for SMEs will be available, as well as advice on attracting crowdfunding and a talk from the Open Data Institute’s Tom Heath on unlocking big data. Richard Reed will also deliver his keynote speech later in the morning.
Following lunch, there will be talks on the “Rise of the Robot”, UK innovation campuses and how you might benefit from the resurgence in UK manufacturing.
The event will close with a “High Tech Meets High Fashion Show” and a closing speech from the chair.
If Innovate UK 2014 looks like an event you don’t want to miss, you should head to the registration page. “Innovate Day One: UK – The Innovation Nation, capturing global attention” will set you back £145, as will “
