- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Order a Prospectus
- Faculties & Departments
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
30 Apr 2010 14:07:57
More than 150 people attended Innovation Day 2010 which attracted a wide range of businesses from all over Bedfordshire and Luton representing health, digital industries and green technologies.
The day encouraged local businesses to look at innovation in a whole new way through a variety of keynote speeches, interactive workshops, professional advice and networking.
Innovation Day was a partnership event between the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub, Luton Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council, the Federation of Small Businesses, Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber of Commerce, Business Link and Basepoint which manages the Innovation and Business Centre.
Professor Alan Barrell, Visiting Professor of Enterprise at the University, opened the day with a keynote speech on Turning Research and Ideas into Business. Delegates then took part in a series of interactive workshops, with business leaders and professors presenting the latest thinking on growing businesses, developing products using the latest technology, promoting a healthy office environment, and even how to create human muscle in the lab.
Participants then had the opportunity to view various exhibitions and network over lunch.
The University Director of Innovation Dr Wesley Randle, said: “It was a great opportunity to find out how other businesses are innovating, and to see what the University has to offer local businesses in terms of training, research, and support.”
ITV.com’s Product Innovation Lead Jon Block gave his views on Where Novelty Meets Need which was followed by a panel debate about how businesses can become more innovative, with interactive voting from the audience. High performance specialist Steve Head closed the event with a lively session called Building on Success, which focussed on helping businesses ‘get more from less’.
Winners of the Knowledge Hub’s annual business concept competition, iFactor, were also presented with their prizes. The iFactor 2010 trophy was presented by Guy Jacobs of Bloofers to Roman Latypov of Smart Wares for its range of educational toys and products aimed at enabling blind or visually impaired people achieve equality and access. Roman received £1000 plus up to £1000 of free consultancy from the University to help turn his idea into a reality.
The Knowledge Hub is the University’s gateway to research and business development services. As well as innovation and enterprise support for companies and entrepreneurs, it offers professional and bespoke training, consultancy from internationally- recognised experts, networking events and state-of-the-art facilities.
Latest news» 2010» April» Businesses inspired by Innovation Day
