Cardiff University Innovation Network
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email: innovation@cardiff.ac.uk freephone: 0800 801750

 

 

 

About Us


BBC Business News presenter - Declan Curry chairing a recent Innovation Network event

Free business events with top speakers with opportunity for networking

Cardiff University Innovation Network is one of the most established and popular business networking events in Wales.

"A highly regarded network between the university, Welsh companies and business intermediaries. This initiative is frequently held up as a prime example of best practice in this field of activity." - The National Assembly for Wales

Since its creation in 1996 over 7200 people in total have attended the 85 plus events we have run for local businesses and innovators. Around 10 events are held each year with 100-150 people from a variety of business backgrounds attending each event.

The Innovation Network is recognised by many businesses and those in the public sector to be an important source of problem solving and knowledge based resource provision.

It is the "first port of call" for businesses that want assistance from the University.

Representatives from a range of South Wales companies form the Industry Advisory Group which helps the University to ensure the Innovation Network's activities address the needs of the industry.

"Attending Innovation Network events is tremendously helpful to my business and to me personally. I learned much more about taking my ideas to market and protecting intellectual property rights. And I'm still learning." - Gareth Loudon, Light Minds


Confidential One-2-One meetings between delegates at Innovation Marketplace, our unique exhibition and event


What Are The Benefits?
  • Rapid access to people and resources to tackle your problems and assess your opportunities.
  • Increase your network of contacts amongst companies and organisations all keen on growth and development.
  • Information on funding to support collaborative research and consultancy.
  • A regular programme of evening meetings on key topics relevant to businesses
  • Schemes to match participants' technology and research needs and opportunities. Who Can Participate?

    Any company, enterprise or public body, large or small, can get involved.

    Typical Evening Programme

  • 6.00 pm: Registration & Coffee
  • 6.30 pm: Welcome
  • 6.35 pm: Main Speaker(s) / Case Study
  • 7.25 pm: Questions & Close

  • Free Buffet and Opportunity for Networking

    Our next event:
    The next Innovation Network event will be held on the evening of 18th November 2008

    Low Carbon Innovation in the Built Environment
    Market Opportunities in a Sustainable Future for Wales
    "The growing concerns around sustainability and the environment are impacting upon a wide range of sectors and unlocking new opportunities: innovative services have a role to play in the transition to a low carbon, resource efficient economy." (Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, 28/08/08)

    • Join us to hear Professor Phil Jones (Low Carbon Research Institute, Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University) explore the business challenges and opportunities arising from the climate change agenda and learn how one small Cardiff company is innovatively exploiting new market opportunities
    • Stay with us after the presentation for the opportunity to network over a light supper

  • To register for this free event, click here:
    * Register for our free event

    What Does It Cost?

    The only cost is your time in making contact and optional attendance at meetings which, as far as possible, are arranged for evenings.

  • To become a member Contact the Innovation Network

    "Through its blend of formal presentation and informal networking, The Innovation Network provides a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs, researchers and the business community to share in a couple of hours of creative thought and discussion." - Stuart Woodhead, MLT Limited

    Speakers have included:
  • Ajaz Ahmed - founder of Freeserve
  • Declan Curry - BBC Business News presenter
  • Trevor Baylis - Inventor of the windup radio
  • Mary Perkins - Director of Specsavers
  • Mike Southon - The Beermat Entrepreneur
  • George White - Stanford University, Apple Computers and Xerox
  • Anna Carloss - Cunning
  • Head of Welsh Water
  • Advisors to Richard Branson
  • Welsh Inventors


    Trevor Baylis - Inventor of the windup radio with Cardiff University's Vice Chancellor - Dr David Grant

    "I was genuinely surprised by the many ways people were bringing fresh thinking to their businesses. It's an attitude of mind as much as anything else. It certainly fired me up to take positive action." - Mary Sinclair-Porter, Underwriting Operations Manager, Legal & General

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