With only two months to go until Venturefest Oxford 2019, preparations are in full swing. Now is the perfect time to both buy your tickets and sign up for workshops and networking sessions.
For the last 20 years, the main reason people come to Venturefest is to network – meeting like-minded people who are interested in entrepreneurship, cutting edge ideas and out of the box thinking and who have the skills, money or services to support them. This year, Venturefest is offering a new networking opportunity run by the STEM Advisers Hub. This is a network of business advisers specialising in one or more of the STEM sectors and has been set up to provide access to information, expertise and support. Venturefest is offering the opportunity to book a consultation with local specialists who understand your business and get some free advice. Go to the website to book a slot with one or more expert now!
Another exciting innovation is the Oxford Brookes University showcase. What better opportunity to highlight all the astounding work going on at Oxford Brookes on the day the university is hosting Venturefest Oxford? You can find out more about the thriving spirit of entrepreneurship at the university with the Entrepreneurship Village showcasing some of the lively start-ups fostered through the Brookes Enterprise Support programme. Alternatively take a spin on the Formula Student simulator – will yours be the fastest lap? Let Artie, the humanoid robot, welcome you to Venturefest and meet Artie’s friends, both human and robotic, to discover the latest developments in the Oxford Brookes labs.
The programme for the day can be found in full on the website including a full list of the knowledgeable and stimulating speakers on hand. Mark Preston, Team Principal of DS Techeetah Formula E Team is one of the speakers on the panel in both the Future of Mobility session and opportunity and challenges of working with China session. Mark is well-known for his enthusiasm to showcase SMART cities technology and electrification in mobility, and this passion led to both the establishment of StreetDrone and the FIA Formula E World Driver’s Championship.
Another speaker of note is Deborah Spencer, Deputy Head of Industrial Research Partnerships at the University of Oxford and is responsible for building relationships with industry that leverage its academic strengths. Deborah is chairing the session on AI and Data, particularly relevant given the recent large donation to the University by Stephen A Schwarzman.
Entry is now open for the long-running Pitching for Success competition. All young businesses are eligible to enter. This year for the first time, Pitching for Success is being sponsored by Freeths, one of Oxford’s top law firms. Their innovative approach allows them to offer creative solutions, with a focus on understanding specific needs and delivering tangible results. All the companies pitching and, on the panels, will be available during the day for networking as well.
Venturefest 2019 is shaping up to be a stimulating and exciting event so put it in your calendar now and make sure you buy a ticket.
