South West Innovation Expo returns to Exeter

A major event showcasing cutting-edge tech, innovation and entrepreneurship is taking place in Exeter next month. The South West Innovation Expo, spearheaded by the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, is being held at Sandy Park on March 5. The event will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, academics and financiers from across Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Somerset, and Dorset. Centring around the theme of resilience, the one-day event will inspire attendees to use technology, creativity and insight to build business resilience. Rich Adams of Plymouth University said: “With so much innovation coming out of the South West, the expo provides a great opportunity for people to learn, collaborate, connect and adapt. It’s a chance to celebrate, share ideas and explore the future.” Dr Andrew Dean of the University of Exeter added: “Innovation is shaping the future for every type of business. When we look ahead to the economic challenges facing us all, we can see that new technology and innovation offers solutions and a way forward. “At the SW Innovation Expo we are bringing together some of very best innovators and investors to support the sustainable development of our the region. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and exhibitors and are looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the business spectrum who want to learn, understand and adapt.” Key themes for the expo are environmental resilience, energy, water and waste, environmental sustainability, health and life sciences and investing in nature, including the implications and opportunities for innovation. Academics and businesses will present practical case studies and offer advice. Speakers include Professor Richard Brazier from the University of Exeter; Sally Walters of Stantec; Will Blake of Soil Sensor Tech; Dr Holly Niner, representing the University of Plymouth; Matt Walpole from Cornwall Wildlife Trust; and Carolyn Cadman of South West Water. There will also be a university Pitchfest, run in collaboration with SETsquared, The Cube and the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. It will be a free opportunity for student spin-out companies to pitch their businesses to an audience of influencers and funders, with delegates having the opportunity to invest a portion of their ticket monies towards their favourite pitch. The SW Innovation Expo is supported and sponsored by British Business Bank; Michelmores and MAINStream; Exeter Science Park; Plymouth Science Park; Epic; One Voice Media & PR; The Cube; and SETSquared Exeter.