South West Innovation Expo returns to ExeterUniversities of Exeter and Plymouth deliver fourth tech expo for the region

Businesses across the South West are invited to discover cutting-edge ideas, innovation, and the latest entrepreneurial activity as the South West Innovation Expo returns to Exeter on 5th March 2024 at Sandy Park.

Spearheaded by the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, this flagship event promises a day full of inspiration, collaboration, and the celebration of innovation across Devon, Cornwall, The Isles of Scilly, Somerset, and Dorset; 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.

Rich Adams, Plymouth University, says, “With so much innovation coming out of the South West, the expo provides a great opportunity for people to learn, collaborate, connect and adapt. It’s a chance to celebrate, share ideas and explore the future.”

Dr Andrew Dean, University of Exeter says, “Innovation is shaping the future for every type of business. When we look ahead to the economic challenges facing us all, we can see that new technology and innovation offers solutions and a way forward. At the SW Innovation Expo we are bringing together some of very best innovators and investors to support the sustainable  development  of our the region. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and exhibitors and are looking forward to welcoming delegates from across the business spectrum who want to learn, understand and adapt.”

Key themes for the expo are environmental resilience, energy, water and waste, environmental sustainability, health and life sciences and investing in nature, including the implications and opportunities for innovation.

Insightful academics and inspirational businesses will present practical case studies, offering invaluable inspiration and advice including Professor Richard Brazier from the University of Exeter, Sally Walters of Stantec, Will Blake of Soil Sensor Tech, Dr. Holly Niner representing the University of Plymouth, Matt Walpole from Cornwall Wildlife Trust, and Carolyn Cadman of South West Water.

Delegates will also be able to discover the emerging talent and innovation coming out of student spin out companies in the region with University Pitchfest; a free opportunity for student spin out companies to pitch their businesses to an audience of influencers and funders.

In collaboration with Set Squared, The Cube, and the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Pitchfest will showcase some of the most exciting innovation from the next generation. Pitchfest will become an integral part of every attendee’s experience with delegates having the opportunity to invest a portion of their ticket monies towards their favourite pitch.

A collaboration between University of Exeter, and University of Plymouth, SW Innovation Expo is supported, sponsored and partnered by British Business Bank, Michelmores / MAINStream , Exeter Science Park, Plymouth Science Park, Epic, One Voice Media & PR Ltd, The Cube and SETSquared Exeter.