Partner event: South West Innovation Expo

The South West Innovation Expo takes place on 5 March 2024 at Sandy Park, Exeter and is the flagship technology event from Exeter and Plymouth Universities, bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, businesses, academics, and financiers from across the region.

Centring around the theme of RESILIENCE, the one-day event will inspire attendees to use technology, creativity, and insight to build business resilience. Featuring a variety of businesses and leading experts, the SW Innovation Expo will showcase the innovation excellence from across the region. Attendee as Investor – every attendee can award a percentage of their entrance fee to a finalist from University Pitchfest. Tickets are on sale now for £15.99 ex VAT. Showcase the South West as a place to invest, and the central part of the Universities play in driving the region’s innovation.

Attend to be part of the South West flagship event for Innovation, be inspired by the region’s thriving tech industry and entrepreneurs, hear from top experts in their field, important connections for future business and champion cutting edge innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship from the South West.

We can also offer a discount rate for techUK members who would like to attend. Please get in touch with [email protected] to receive the discount code.

Full Speaker Line Up:

• Opening address
  • Stuart Brocklerhurst
  • Ahmed Goga
  • Richard Marsh and Stuart Alford
• Environmental resilience, water, and waste
  • Speakers include:
    • Professor Richard Brazier – CREWW Director University of Exeter
    • Professor David Butler - Co-Director of Centre for Water Systems - University of Exeter
    • Dr Ellen Wiles - Lecturer of Creative Writing - University of Exeter
    • Carolyn Cadman – Director of Natural Resource – South West Water
    • Sally Walters – Operations Director - Stantec
• Biodiversity Net Gain and Credits – Implication for business and nature
• Environmental Sustainability
  • Speakers include:
    • Dr Lee Durndell, Lecturer in Chemistry, University of Plymouth
    • Will Blake, Soil Sensor Technology
• Digital innovation within health and social care in the region
  • Speakers include:
    • Dr John Downey - Lecturer in Digital Health – University of Plymouth
    • Rob Faro – Director South West and National Health, Tclarke
    • Decland Hadley - Business Development Healthcare, Cisco UK&I – CISCO
    • Judy Edworthy - Emerita Professor of Applied Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Plymouth
    • Caroline Lacy - Maternity Matron and founder of ERA Systems - ERA Systems and Somerset Foundation Trust
• Digital Tech Enhancing Health & Wellbeing
  • Speakers include:
    • Host: Richard Adams, Business Engagement Manager, University of Plymouth
    • Sam Vine, Co-Director of Research & Impact, iSAVE
    • Richard Taylor, Managing Director, Mouse Design Ltd
    • Gareth Allen, Managing Director, Sound View Media Ltd, Immersive AR

Key features

• Innovation Showcase and Expo Zone sponsored by Exeter Science Park, Plymouth Science Park and Epic
• University Pitchfest Sponsored by British Business Bank – All new for 2024, the feature will showcase the innovation coming out of the student spin out companies
  • Three categories
    • Pre-Start-up: A business is defined as a business that is yet to be trading or registered.
    • Start-up: A business is defined as a business that has been trading for less than two years.
    • Established:  A business is defined as a business that has been trading for over two years.
  • Final shortlist will be presenting their pitch at the Expo final in front of the attendees and a panel of experts who will provide advice for the future.
  • Audience will choose the overall winners.

Be a sponsor

Businesses and organisations wishing to promote themselves to the South West’s thriving tech industry and entrepreneurs can sponsor SW Innovation Expo. Sponsor opportunities still available include:, Keynote Speaker and Spotlight themes.

For more information contact [email protected]

Be an exhibitor

The Innovation Showcase is one of the centerpieces of the day with an interactive feast of cutting-edge tech and innovation. It’s a chance to see tech in action, have a go and meet the innovators themselves. The expo zone will see exhibitors showcase their organisations’ services and products to delegates.

For more information contact [email protected]