Festival showcases county's innovation

The Lancashire Innovation Festival has concluded following a week of events which highlighted the red rose county's achievements to date and painted a bright future in the years to come.

The programme of events consisted of talks, seminars, discussions and networking opportunities focusing on five key themes, while visiting five key locations in Lancashire. They were: digital (at Fraser House in Lancaster), health (at Edge Hill University), social innovation (at Blackburn Youth Zone), manufacturing (at AMRC in Samlesbury) and low carbon (Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Energy HQ).

On the first day, a report was published which detailed how the digital and tech sector employs more than 30,000 in the county and contributes more than £1bn to the local economy.

Events also covered pure mathematics, Biomolecular Science, Quantum tech, drones, aerospace, wearable technology and plenty more. Delegates networked around collaboration in digital, cyber, manufacturing and low carbon technology.

Topics ranged from Jelly Babies, the word dinosaur, a rich history of textile manufacture and the beginnings of the suffragette movement.

The programme was developed in partnership with Lancashire LEP Innovation Board to showcase the best of the county’s innovative thinking and demonstrate how local skills and expertise can be applied to businesses to push them into new areas and inspire growth.

Dan Knowles, organiser of the festival, said: "It was a fantastic week that really showcased a diverse array of innovation talent right across the whole geography of the county. From grassroots CICs through to world leading research institutions and global corporations, the event showcased everything."

An in-depth review of the festival will feature in the November/December edition of Lancashire Business View.