11/12/2024

Latest Updates and Opportunities from the Connected Innovation Team

As we wrap up another busy year, the Connected Innovation ecosystem has continued to expand, delivering new programs, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation both locally and nationally in 2024. Here’s a summary of our recent activities and upcoming opportunities:

  • AgriFood and FoodTech Launchpad: The third and final round closed on November 6th, marking the completion of funding rounds through Innovate UK. This round saw an increase in applications, with numerous Innovation Hubs, businesses, and partners leading bids and forming consortiums.
  • AgriTech E’s REAP Conference: Held on November 6th, we sponsored the Technology Exhibition, showcasing regional and national leaders in technology adoption in AgriFood and AgriTech.
  • Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Innovation Awards: We sponsored and presented the Sustainability Innovation award at the Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils Innovation Awards. Congratulations to the winners Aquagrain – who have developed a unique, organic-based, biodegradable soil improver that allows crops to be grown in sandy, free-draining soils
  • Taking your Tech to the USA: Hosted at Adastral Park on 11th November, we supported and spoke at the event organised by the Virginia Beach Economic Development team at Adastral Park. The event provided a platform to learn about the opportunities, available support, and benefits for our regional tech businesses to develop their business in the USA, as highlighted by Chorus Intelligence.
  • DevelopHER Awards: We sponsored the DevelopHER Awards and were delighted to be able to present the Emerging Talent Award. Congratulations to Morrigan Pickford for winning the award and to all the inspiring winners and nominees representing Women in Tech across the East of England.
  • Slush Delegation: This year, we supported six companies from our region, alongside Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited and Game Anglia, to join the wider Games London delegation. This provided opportunities to meet with investors, the gaming community, and build industry connections. Learn more about the companies in the delegation here
  • Ecobite Summit: Finally, we sponsored and supported the Ecobite Summit: Innovating Sustainability in Food and Drink event at The Mix Stowmarket. Organized by our cluster partners NAAME and Tastebuds Collective, the summit brought together industry leaders and academics to discuss sustainable practices in the food and drink sector.

Upcoming Opportunities:

  • ‘The Future’ Programme: We will continue to deliver events, workspace, and start-up support, with further activities planned through the winter into 2025.
  • HackED Hackathon: Scheduled for February at Norwich University of the Arts, this event, organized by Tech Educators and sponsored by Connected Innovation, will bring together the education community, employers, leading entrepreneurs, and mentors to create something unique.

We hope you enjoy the festive break, and we look forward to seeing and working with you in 2025!

Stay Updated

For all the latest events, news, and funding opportunities, visit our website: