Innovation Week 2021 aims to inspire

This year's Leicestershire Innovation Week has one goal in mind: to inspire businesses of every size and sector to embrace innovation.

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Chairman of Morningside Pharmaceuticals and Chair of the Leicester Innovation Board explains: "Innovation is about thinking differently, developing ideas and identifying new opportunities, which often fulfil a gap in the market and in individual businesses.

"The Leicester Innovation Board was established this year to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors, as well as academia. Its aim is to create a long term Innovation Strategy for Leicestershire, which builds collaborations, growth and opportunities, and safeguards the future prosperity and productivity of our businesses, workforce and communities.

"Innovation takes many forms, but often it's as simple as making day to day changes within an organisation to improve efficiency, productivity and performance. Building an 'ideas culture' within an organisation is also key, so every person has a role to play.

"Innovation alongside continuous improvement is something that every business, no matter how small, needs to embrace as a core part of its operations, in order to be competitive and continue to grow."

The programme for Innovation Week 2021 – which runs from 21 – 26 June – includes a high-profile launch event at Space Park Leicester, organised by the University of Leicester and the LLEP. Dr Kotecha will be joined by Space Park's Prof Martin Barstow, astronaut Susie Imber, and Innovate UK's Dean Cook. The event will showcase the opportunities created by this innovative project, for businesses across Leicester.

Other highlights of the week include a focus on innovations in the way we travel, featuring HORIBA MIRA's Head of Horizon Scanning, Anthony Baxendale. This event explores the connections between hydrogen vehicles, cyber security, the issues around electric cars and how these emerging questions affect the skills agenda.

Solvers Studio will be leading one of their Service Jam sessions over 25-26 June to explore 'redesigning the High Street' and welcome input from retailers, residents, community leaders, councils and anyone interested in the future of this valuable space. This is the only 'in person' event as all other events will be held online.

Other events focus on business start-ups, the role of women leaders in innovation, small business and innovation, the creative sector, food and drink, fashion and textiles and diagnostics in the health sector.

Jon Egley, Manager of the Business Gateway, added: "It's really important to say that innovation is not just for larger, well-resourced companies. It is just as relevant to the sole trader or micro business. Innovation has to be part of your business DNA from now on, if you're going to survive and thrive in the future. There will be a lot of practical advice to take away from Innovation Week, guaranteed."

Leicestershire Innovation Showcase – Shaping our Future is a high-profile event showcasing the amazing innovative companies in Leicestershire; with keynote speeches from Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Dr Luke Evans MP and Professor Fiona Murray CBE, from the MIT Sloan School of Business.

It will take place virtually on June 23rd, from 2pm to 3pm, and attendees will also hear first-hand from leading business leaders about their innovation journeys, as well as a Q&A from an expert panel.

If you would like to register for the event visit https://bit.ly/3cq4Kej

Leicestershire Innovation Week runs from 21-26 June 2021. All events are free of charge but must be booked in advance. All events are virtual apart from Solvers Studio. More information and the booking page can be found at: www.bizgateway.org.uk/innovation.