innovation showcase : business innovation case studies : Regional Innovation Strategy

Thames valley Innovation Conference
Promoting, inspiring and connecting Innovators
11 November 2008, GreenPark, Reading

iFestival Thames Valley 2008
Inspiring Innovation
11 – 28 November 2008

A recent study conducted by the Thames Valley Economic Partnership (TVEP) has found that the Thames Valley is home to 10 of the world’s top 25 innovative companies including Microsoft, Dell Computers, Research in Motion, and Hewlett Packard.

Three of these companies are taking part in the third Thames Valley Innovation Conference, organised by the Thames Valley Economic Partnership (TVEP). The Thames Valley Innovation Conference will take place on the Tuesday 11 November 2008 with an aim to connect, inspire and promote innovators.

The free one day event can announce an impressive line up of speakers including: Sir John Chisholm, Chairman of Qinetiq, one of the UK’s leading technology companies. Charmaine Eggberry, VP Europe for Research in Motion, the Canadian owned makers of the iphone busting Blackberry and other speakers from Cisco Systems, Thames Water, Microsoft, Vodafone and Whatif!?

For 2008, the conference will include an Innovation showcase giving 25 of the Thames Valley’s hottest young innovative companies a chance to promote and pitch their businesses and solutions to prospective customers, partners and investors.

New for 2008, an Innovation Clinic will give innovators the chance to meet with exerts who can give them help on business planning, funding, ideas generation and strategic partnering.

The Thames Valley innovation conference attracted over 500 delegates last year and aims to attract an even wider audience this year, by heading up the iFestival Thames Valley, a three week programme of events held by event partners across the region from 11 – 28 November

The inaugural iFestival aims to help current innovators by connecting them with those who can help develop their ideas and plans, as well as inspire the next generation of innovators, including undergraduates and school pupils.

Andy Carr, iFestival project manager explained “Innovation is crucial if the Thames Valley is to continue to be one of Europe’s most successful and innovative business regions,”

“We have been really pleased with the positive response from companies and organisations wanting to be involved in various ways. We will be releasing details of speakers, venues and activities over the next few months as dates are confirmed.”

iFestival contact
Andy Carr, Innovate Thames Valley Manager, TVEP on 0118 945 0048

Innovation Conference contact
Peter Norris, consultant, TVEP on 0118 945 0222

Media contact
Anna Derham, Marketing Executive, TVEP on 0118 945 0040