How is the South West driving the immersive tech revolution?
How can the tech sector better support the talent pipeline in the region?
Those are the issues we’ll be tackling at our March Tech Gathering tomorrow, 10-11.30am.
In our first session, we’ll speak to three tech leaders who are behind some of the most exciting projects and innovations in the region: Anders Hakfelt, SVP Product and Marketing at Ultraleap, Brian Waterfield, Head of Immersive Technology at the University of Falmouth, and Lindsey Hall, CEO of the Real Ideas Organisation.
Bristol-based Ultraleap are world leaders in haptics and hand-tracking solutions. Their technology is used by global brands including Lego, Škoda, and Ocean Outdoor.
The Real Ideas Organisation are leading the Market Hall project in Plymouth, a creative and digital space which brings the first 360 degree immersive dome to Europe.
Brian Waterfield has worked in immersive technology for over 15 years. In 2016 he co-founded ImmerseUK, a UK-wide network of immersive tech professionals, and now heads up immersive tech production at Falmouth University.
Session 2 will look at how the sector can better support STEMM in the South West. Joining us will be Rhona Phelps, STEM Manager at Graphic Science, Simon Wainwright, Enterprise Co-ordinator at the HotSW Skills Launchpad, and Lindsay Lucas, Managing Director at Software Solved.
Our recent annual survey of the sector revealed that one of the biggest barriers to growth in the sector is a lack of awareness around opportunities that exist. We’ll be discussing how tech companies can help to demystify the sector, support young people into tech roles and better engage with educational institutions to bolster the talent pipeline.
Simon, Rhona and Lindsay are all part of the Tech South West STEMM Group, a monthly forum to engage with the issue of supporting tech talent in the region and connect young people with roles that make a difference.
The Tech Gathering will close with some free-for-all networking, so delegates can meet new people and connect with others working across the sector.
Join us for free on Thursday 10-11.30am for the March Tech Gathering – click here to sign up.