Networks, Nodes & Knowledge:

from enlightened individuals to smart cities

Wednesday 17 October 2012 from 5:30-9 pm at Hotel du Vin Birmingham, UK

This inclusive event gives participants the opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the computer and communications industries, to build new connections between researchers, investors and business experts, and to debate the way forward in this crucial sector for the UK economy.

Speakers

Mike Short, Vice President, Telefonica Europe (branded as O2), President of The Institution of Engineering and Technology from 2011-2012, and chair of the Steering Board for the TSB-supported ICT KTN since 2007, with a focus on European public policy that relates to innovation, bringing research and business together, as well as advanced mobile services and data applications including Mobile Learning, Smart Metering, Transport Telematics and Connected Healthcare. 

Lean Doody, Associate at Arup, concentrates on the application of information and communications technology in urban developments. She leads work in Smart Cities, looking at how information technology and data impact how people use cities, with an emphasis on supporting new urban developments and sustainable cities including Birmingham.

Rick Robinson, Executive Architect at IBM's Software Group, is developing new solutions to exploit Cloud computing, the "Internet of Things" and Analytics; he will present "Disruptive Platforms for Smarter Cities". As an Honorary Fellow of the University of Warwick, Rick's interests include collaborative online supply chains and the application of analytics technology to complex healthcare datasets.

Vicky Sargent co-founded Boilerhouse in 1992, and works with public sector organisations including government departments, local authorities, the education sector, and trade and professional bodies by providing online and digital communications expertise. Boilerhouse also runs www.theinformationdaily.com (formerly eGov Monitor) an independent news analysis site, which informs thousands of UK and international policy and decision makers.

Raj Mack is Head of Digital Birmingham, which is a city-wide partnership made up of over 40 organisations from the private, public and third sectors, working together to exploit the economic and social benefits of digital technologies, and seeks to use technologies to deliver inclusive and local solutions to encourage and develop skills that will enable businesses and citizens to exploit the economic, environmental and social benefits of digital innovation.

Chaired by Councillor James McKay, Member of Parliament for a Green, Safe and Smart City

Business Plan Talks

• Anthony Bradburn and Marc Seager on bubble
• Steve Priestnall on AppBall, a healthcare gaming device
• Andrew Senior, Senior Properties GB
• Dominic Cushnan, Mixed Reality Studio
• Don Dhaliwal and Ian Weatherhogg, Refractiv

Context & Questions

ICT is expected to be a $3 Trillion industry by 2013 according to research company IDATE, but how ready are we for this Digital World?

What are the sources of innovation and future growth within the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector?

How can ICT deliver sustainable, economic cities?

How can information on personal use of waste, water, energy and transport best be delivered and acted on by consumers?

What scope for growth will there be when there are more phones than people?

What innovation challenges will emerge to assure 'Internet for all' and the 'Internet of things'?

How do we get the benefits of global research and development and economies of scale?

Is our quest for speed within the ICT sector hiding a need for better design and systems engineering?

Is demand being held back by a lack of local content and applications?

Panel discussion

Join in the debate with leading research and business experts following a set of engaging short talks, discuss new developments and present your view.

Present your plan

Obtain feedback on your business idea and explore new partnerships.  Scientists, engineers, start-ups and SMEs are invited to present their plans for a free private 45 minute consultation during the afternoon with a panel of legal, business, financial and investment advisors. 

Pro-bono support is available from firms including FD Solutions, Marks & Clerk and Wragge & Co.

Places are limited. Contact michael@sciencecapital.co.uk for details or to submit your 2 page summary.

Schedule

We will gather at 5:30pm for a canape and drinks reception. Talks begin at 6pm sharp, and are followed by a lively panel discussion. Dinner will be served from 8-9pm. 

Location

Directions to the Hotel du Vin at 25 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2NR, which is near to New Street (0.6 mi) and Snow Hill (0.1 mi) Stations.

Sponsorships are available and offer a variety of benefits including exhibitor space, inclusion in the business plan session, and complimentary passes.

For more information contact Michael Overduin at

email: michael@sciencecapital.co.uk

phone: 07810 444 960 or see

www.sciencecapital.co.uk