VENTUREFEST 2019 RETURNS TO OXFORD BROOKES WITH ATTRACTIVE NEW PROGRAMME
Following its successful event at Oxford Brookes University last year, Venturefest is returning with an extended and attractive new programme in the hope of welcoming old and new friends to join them on Wednesday 11th September. Tickets are on sale now for £29 for the early birds, rising to £40 in July. Tickets include free entry to all the sessions, exhibition and showcases, plus free bus travel to and from Brookes, free lunch and refreshments and drinks at the closing reception. You can buy your tickets here.
Professor Linda King, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Global Partnerships at Oxford Brookes University says “We are delighted to welcome Venturefest Oxford back to our Headington Campus, to draw together Oxfordshire’s entrepreneurs, investors and innovators, and to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that is so special to our University community and the region.“
This year Venturefest continues its focus on the grand challenges with sessions on Artificial Intelligence and Data, the Ageing Society, Clean Growth and the Future of Mobility. The session on the Future of Mobility is sponsored by MobOx, a Community Interest Company. It has been established by key stakeholders from the transportation industry, including business, government and academic organisations in Oxfordshire. This session offers an insight to some of the solutions for reducing carbon emissions, other pollutants and congestion by looking at new traffic systems, racing cars and automated vehicles.
Alongside that, however, in an exciting innovation, three special sessions will look at the challenges and opportunities for Inward Investment and Outward Growth in the USA, China and India. Speakers will include investors from each location discussing why technology developed in Oxfordshire is attracting interest and investment, local companies who have explored commercial opportunities and business advisors experienced in those markets. These sessions, sponsored by Penningtons Manches and James Cowper Kreston, are taking place in the breakfast, lunch and closing sessions, all offering themed catering. So, if you are looking for a US-style muffin for breakfast, a spring roll for lunch or a samosa for tea, book your tickets early!
The usual Pitching for Success competition is in the programme again and is open to all new and early stage businesses. The closing date for entries is 14th August and more information can be found on the website. The Innovation Showcase, sponsored by TheHill, will focus on innovations in MedTech, and the Technical Showcase will include all the grand challenges and the Pitching for Success businesses. A diverse range of exhibitors complete the line-up for 2019.
Mike Foster, the new Chair of Venturefest says “I look forward to welcoming everyone to our event this year – we have strived to create an open and forward-looking programme that should attract a great deal of interest and, I hope, even more visitors than last year!”
