The Bristol and Bath tech cluster has more meetups per head than any technology cluster in the UK – we believe it’s that connectedness, that support and that level of knowledge-sharing that drives innovation, and makes our region the best place to work in tech. So we’ve decided to highlight the awesome groups keeping us connected.
This week we’re running our questions past GreenTech South-West.
1. What’s your Meet-up?
GreenTech South-West is organized by ADLIB in partnership with the Future Economy Network. The purpose of the meetup is to provide expert insight and thought-provoking discussions on how technology is aiming to help preserve our environment and battle the massive and urgent issue of climate change. We’ll be running regular meet-ups with a range of lightning presentations, round-room debates and panel discussions from some of the South West’s leaders in Green Technology.
Our definition of GreenTech in that context is: Where technology enables a positive improvement in greening our environment. This includes innovative apps, software, systems and tech initiatives that promote sustainability, regeneration and renewability.
2. Who’s it for?
Anyone interested in GreenTech! The talks could get a little techie at times, but our launch event has something for everyone and we’ve got a really great mix of developers, designers, project managers, entrepreneurs and climate action advocates. Here at ADLIB, we’re big supporters of the Future Economy Network and together we’re trying to create a GreenTech scene locally, where we can all work on solutions based around sustainability, de-carbonisation and tackling climate change. It seems to have resonated with people since we created the group this month, especially with Bristol trying to lead the way by becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
3. Is there any criteria to join?
Not at all, just having an open mind (and not coming just to sell your wares to people).
4. What’s the format of your event?
For the launch (Thursday, Feb 27th), we’re going to try and squeeze in 5 amazing speakers (10-15 mins each) with a couple of breaks for pizza, beers/soft-drinks and networking. We’ll mix up the format on the next one, we’ve had an amazing response to our call for speakers and have 2 lined up already.
5. If you could invite anyone to your meet-up who would it be?
Greta Thunberg, Sir David Attenborough, Boyan Slat, Chris Packham and maybe a few wealthy folks who could invest in some of the products that people are building (as long as they’re willing to pay their taxes of course).
6. How many members do you generally have at an event?
We’re expecting 40-50 for the launch and it would be great to see that grow. We have enough space for 100 thanks to our friends at Zone Digital who are kindly hosting.
7. What are some of the typical subjects you discuss?
For the first event we’ve got talks on;
- How to tackle de-carbonisation with AI
- Using GIS mapping to protect and increase Bristol’s tree canopy
- A product that helps you identify unsustainable items before you buy them
- How to build websites with a low carbon footprint.
If you’re involved in building/developing a product with a green goal then we’d love to hear from you to chat about future events.
Grab your free ticket to the launch event on Thurs 27th Feb (6pm) by joining the meetup group here:
https://www.meetup.com/GreenTech-South-West
- You May like: Meet the meetup: S/W LIT
Shona Wright
Shona covers all things editorial at TechSPARK. She publishes news articles, interviews and features about our fantastic tech and digital ecosystem, working with startups and scaleups to spread the word about the cool things they're up to.
She also oversees TechSPARK's social media, sharing the latest updates on everything from investment news to green tech meetups and inspirational stories.
