Wales Festival of Innovation: Looking back, and looking forward

Embracing Welsh innovation and enterprise, the Wales Festival of Innovation which took place during the last two weeks in June was based around one core concept: to reach out to inquisitive minds, from big kids to the scientific leaders of our nation.

This year’s activity increased significantly in North Wales, whilst a record number of cross-sector events hit full capacity.

Over 65 events took place during two weeks throughout the length and breadth of Wales, introductions were established, collaborations were set in motion and history made. Events inspired by thought leaders and delivered by industry, academia, scientists and innovators were a roaring success, with attendance numbers hitting a record high.

The festival reached into the very depths of space, supported the Women in Engineering Day, visited superbugs alongside a culinary delight of crickets with crunchy grubs and explored what our medical and automotive future will look like using virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology. These two ambitious weeks also brought together the finest clinicians, doctors and care supporters for several large-scale medical focused events, and some of the finest minds in Wales were acknowledged during award ceremonies held at world leading universities.  This, the 5th festival, has been a monumental success, and we look forward to next year’s event, due to take place from 15 – 29th June 2019.

Partners, the event holders, reported huge successes, in terms of attendance, genuine collaborative discussions and engagement.

Newport Wafer Fab hosted the successful CSconnected Supplier Seminar as part of the Wales Festival of Innovation;

“The event allowed CSconnected to engage with over 200 representatives from our stakeholder community, building tangible business opportunities and networks. The Wales Festival of Innovation has been a great vehicle to educate the Semiconductor, Investment and Civic community.  Post conference feedback has been excellent … the event has started and progressed so many opportunities… we are delighted with the outcome.  Sam Evans, Director at Newport Wafer Fab ​

"This Wales-wide event was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase emerging local thought-leaders and innovators, help to promote ground breaking research happening on our doorstep and to be involved in connecting communities with academics. We can’t wait to work with the Wales Festival of Innovation to develop new and exciting events in preparation for next year." Gareth McTiffin, Techniquest, Cardiff

Carwyn Edwards who represents the North Wales business community  commented

“Wales Festival of Innovation ​events that North Wales Tech were involved in were a resounding success. Many local companies were showcased at both OpTIC Technology Centre on the St Asaph Business Park and M-SParc at the Menai Science Parc. Both events were very well attended with very good feedback from those that attended. Many individuals and organisations expressed an interest in participating in future events.

The feedback has concluded a huge success with many organisations planning their events for 2019. To review this years events on social media go to #wfoi or @WFoInnovation.