Cornwall’s innovation event of the year is back. The Innovation For Business Conference welcomed key note speakers, cutting-edge researchers and innovative business leaders to join together to highlight the importance of making the change for tomorrow.
Taking place at The Alverton, 28 June, around 100 Cornish businesses gathered to hear from a series of influential people to discuss all things innovation. The event delivered by Acceleration Through Innovation 2, a University of Plymouth led ERDF programme showcased the breadth of knowledge and connections available to the Cornish business community.
Following an introduction from both Adrian Dawson, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Plymouth and Layla Burrows, South West Regional Manager at Innovate UK, the conference kicked off with renowned keynote speaker Melissa Sterry. Melissa opened the proceedings with an inspirational talk on bio-futurism, the connection and reconnection of nature in the design of everyday human life. From growing furniture to bioluminescent chandeliers to reducing waste through compostable clothing Melissa captured the audience’s imagination and opened their eyes and minds to futures possible both in Cornwall and beyond.
Lead Mentor at the British Design Fund Adam Sutcliffe then delivered an energetic and relatable workshop on Design Thinking; the process of generating, filtering and improving ideas before making them a reality. With a focus on removing ego and prejudice from the design process Adam enlightened The Great Hall on how to create and design more consistently and successfully.
Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall and John Chapple of Paragon Communications were among the thirteen stellar speakers lined up on the day. Businesses left feeling energised, inspired and engaged to make realistic and necessary changes for tomorrow.
With 83% of delegates stating the event exceeded expectations, Innovation For Business bounced back with a bang following a three year hiatus after the inaugural conference at Scorrier House in 2019.
For more information on how to engage with the Acceleration Through Innovation 2 programme or to find out when the next innovation events will be taking place, visit: www.aticornwallinnovation.co.uk.