Numerous businesses and organizations throughout West Yorkshire are gearing up to host exciting events celebrating innovation across the region this week.
The West Yorkshire Innovation Festival, initiated by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, is making a return for its third consecutive year.
Building on the successes of previous years, this year’s events will spotlight innovation in various industries across the region, including sustainable fashion, women in manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.
Running from November 13 to 17, the week-long festival will encompass talks, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities.
At the Supercharging West Yorkshire’s Global Healthtech Sector event on Thursday, November 16, medical technology businesses will be informed about £12.5 million in new funding for the sector.
The recently announced multi-million-pound West Yorkshire launchpad investment will be allocated to businesses demonstrating a positive impact on patient care through innovative medical, diagnostic, or digital health solutions.
The festival aims to bring together businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals of all ages and backgrounds to foster ideas and collaboration, create new opportunities, and cultivate a culture of innovation to energize businesses.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said; “I’m delighted our Innovation Festival is back for another year. West Yorkshire has long been a hotbed of innovation – from the Industrial Revolution, right up to the modern day.
“It’s vital we empower each other and celebrate innovation in our region – no matter how big or small.
“Innovation is for everyone – and together, we’ll build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire for all.”
Mandy Ridyard, the Mayor’s Business Advisor, said; “This is such an important celebration – it shows that innovation is for everyone and that all you need is a good idea.
“It’s a chance to connect, learn and crucially, help foster the innovation which will boost our economy.
“There’s an amazing line up of events taking place this year and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
The West Yorkshire Innovation Festival is organized by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and receives support from partners across the region, including the West Yorkshire Innovation Network.
Key members of the network include the University of Leeds, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Network, Innovate UK EDGE, and the Catapult network. These organizations collaborate to provide innovation support to businesses in the region.
For those interested, the complete festival program can be accessed at https://www.wyinnovationfestival.com/.
