University’s digital innovation showcased at Wales Tech Week

Cardiff University-based digital innovators recently attended Wales Tech Week, showcasing the power of digital transformation and cutting-edge technology in Wales.

Several leading university research bodies, including the Digital Transformation Innovation Institute, the Hartree Centre Cardiff Hub, Media Cymru, and the Cyber Innovation Hub, as well as sbarc|spark-based tenants Empirysys, Yacooba, and Venture Graduates were delighted to attend Wales Tech Week at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.

The event, which took place from 16– 18 October, featured 75 exhibitors, 300 speakers across more than 70 different expert panel sessions and workshops, and welcomed over 5000 attendees. It brought together academic experts, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, professionals, and innovators to celebrate and discuss the latest trends in technology, digital transformation, and innovation.

Highlights from the event included an opening address from Welsh Government’s Minister for Economy, Vaughan Gething MS, a keynote speech from Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK, and the inaugural Talent4Tech event, designed to attract the next generation of tech talent, from apprentices to graduates to returners and transitioning workers, to inspire their journeys into the tech industry.

Dr Angharad Watson, Institute Manager for both the Digital Transformation Innovation Institute, and the Hartree Centre Cardiff Hub, said: “Our goal is to be an active partner in the realm of digital transformation. We recognise that our impact can only be maximized by collaborating with partners beyond the university – be it local SMEs through innovative projects or global multinationals. To catalyse impact and foster innovation stemming from world-leading research, external partnerships are essential."

Matthew Turner, Head of Operations at the Cyber Innovation Hub, said: “Wales Tech Week holds great significance for us, and our sponsorship reflects our commitment to this remarkable event. This event gives us the opportunity to actively participate in the thriving tech ecosystem in Wales and engage with a diverse range of potential partners from academia, businesses, government, and the private and public sectors. It gives us a platform to showcase the impactful work we are involved in and share our achievements and innovations with a wider audience."

Avril Lewis, Managing Director of Technology Connected, said:  “The contribution of Cardiff University, including the partnership support from the Cyber Innovation Hub and the Digital Transformation Innovation Institute, aligned with this core purpose, shining a spotlight on the importance of university-based research and the development of skills in powering advances in technology, both for the benefit of Welsh businesses and to drive Wales' international reputation as a growing tech hub.”

Wales continues to solidify its position as a global tech leader, with internationally acclaimed expertise in compound semiconductors, cyber security, and the creative sector, as well as advancements in Fintech, MedTech, blockchain, and photonics. In April 2023 a partnership agreement between the Welsh Government and Innovate UK was signed which aims to build strong collaborations both nationally and locally, and to support innovation and drive economic growth in Wales.

Highlights from the first day of the event, plus interviews with university staff, can be viewed on X/Twitter.