Local businesses are being invited to attend the next Worcestershire Innovation Wednesday event on Wednesday 23 March, 2016 to hear about emerging proposals for a Smart Sensors Catapult centre in the County.
Catapult centres are a network of world-leading facilities designed to transform the UK’s capability for innovation in specific areas and help drive future economic growth where the very best of the UK’s businesses, scientists and engineers work side by side on research and development – transforming high potential ideas into new products and services to generate economic growth.
The sensors market, which is estimated at £50Bn globally underpinning a larger sensor-dependent market of roughly £120Bn is a significant component of Worcestershire’s economy and the Smart Sensor Catapult centre is being developed locally in partnership with a number of organisations including Innovate UK, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire County Council, local industry, Universities and QinetiQ.
Representatives from these partners will be discussing how a catapult in Malvern will benefit the Regional, National and Global economy.
The session will run from 5pm – 8:30pm on 23 March at QinetiQ in Malvern and will consist of short presentations, a panel session and networking and businesses are being urged to secure their place.
‘Worcestershire Innovation Wednesdays’, are held bi-monthly to showcase innovation across Worcestershire, present new developments and opportunities and also provide an opportunity for like-minded business people to network. The sessions provide a space for businesses and experts to come together to share ideas and thoughts about innovation and creativity with guest speakers providing specialist insight.
Worcestershire Innovation Wednesdays were initiated by QinetiQ, the experts in defence, aerospace and security, the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Worcestershire County Council.
Keith Mowbray, Strategic Business Development Director of QinetiQ Ltd, said: “Worcestershire Innovation Wednesday has helped many local businesses to boost their innovation. We have seen from the popularity of these events the County’s businesses are finding success through these informative events and I am sure there will be many businesses that are interested in the Smart Sensors Catapult which will give a focus to UK Industry in the development and exploitation of sensor technology. With the fast approaching Internet of Things and development of smart cities, sensor technology will offer significant opportunities for growth.
“I would strongly encourage Worcestershire businesses to continue to involve themselves in these innovation showcases and to register at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment via the link below.”
Gary Woodman, Executive Director of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are pleased to see the large number of local businesses that attend the Worcestershire Innovation Wednesday events as these showcases help to increase the productivity of businesses across the County. The free-to-attend events benefit businesses of all sizes, by providing them with the insight and knowledge of relevant business opportunities with like-minded individuals.”
Places are limited, however tickets are free of charge and businesses are encouraged to register at the earliest opportunity via Eventbrite.
Any questions about Worcestershire Innovation Wednesday can be sent to enquiries@wlep.co.uk and businesses can join the conversation on Twitter using #WorcsInnovationWeds.