Bristol’s first Innovation Careers Expo

Bristol’s first dedicated Innovation Careers Expo is designed to help the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators get a foot in the door.

Open to anyone aged 18 and 25, the virtual event is a partnership between the Bristol Innovators’ Group (BIG), University of Bristol Innovation Society and Bristol Hub and is an opportunity to highlight the skills relating to innovation and meet professionals.

The expo will take place on Wednesday, April 28 from 1pm with a series of panel discussions featuring some well-known entrepreneurial names from across the city, with an opportunity to ask questions.

Entrepreneurs are also invited to join for networking from 4pm to meet other members of BIG and discuss how the group can better support the next generation of innovators in Bristol.

BIG is a free, Bristol-based, cross-sectoral innovation network – image credit BIG

Co-founder of BIG James Snelgrove says: “Bristol is known as a city where innovation thrives. We have a long history with great engineering and technology, as well as creative approaches to social innovation.

“Bristol is ambitious to continue leading the world in innovation and this is an initiative to connect up the innovators of today with the innovators of tomorrow.”

The World Economic Forum anticipates innovation and analytical thinking will be the number one sought-after business skills in 2025, as companies rapidly adopt new technologies and respond to market disruption.

The emergence of the role of innovation manager, the increase in entrepreneurial opportunities in the city, and the tech scene have all combined to make innovation skills increasingly sought after by both large and small businesses in Bristol.

The University of Bristol’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been offering masters opportunities since 2016, when partners from industry and academia set out to meet a skills gap needed to prepare students to succeed in the world of business.

The university also has an active Innovation Society, which is supporting key aspects of the expo and will be hosting the speaker panels.

Bristol Hub supports the university’s students to tackle social challenges, learn about issues and connect with each other. Manager Lydia Green is a member of BIG and part of the team behind the expo.

“The innovation careers expo is a unique opportunity for students to explore innovation careers and the concept of innovation more widely,” says Lydia.

“Innovation is a pivotal part of creating effective and sustainable social change and something Bristol Hub ensures is integrated into our operations and programmes. Integrating these skills into young people’s mindsets means we are supporting the next generation of trailblazers.”

Ellie Goldstone, president of the University of Bristol Innovation Society, adds: “Innovation skills demand is rocketing. Making connections and seeing what’s out there is critical for you in finding your next career step. We are bringing together all those with a shared interest in innovation. Come and make your own opportunities at the innovation careers expo.”

The panel discussions include:

Innovation and Technology Panel (1pm to 1.40pm)
Caroline Clark – chief operating officer at Kets Quantum
Marina Traversari – global head of TEAC at Telecom Infra Project
Mark Probert – director of digital strategy at Newicon

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Panel (1.40pm to 2.10pm)
Ronan Gottlib – security innovation lead at Barclays
JP Correy – founder and managing director at Growth Unlimited
Sandeep Roy – founder at Innovate2Grow

Innovation and Entrepreneurship Panel (2.10pm to 2.40pm)
Lara Lalemi – CEO at Creative Tuition Initiative
Jaya Chakrabarti – CEO at TISC Report
Blue O’Connor – founder of KINGS and co-founder of Talk Club.

People aged 18 to 25 can register for the full free event via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-innovation-careers-expo-tickets-145694194257.

Register for the networking event, taking place from 4pm, via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-meet-up-april-2021-tickets-149198289099.

Read more: Celebrating innovators in Bristol and beyond