Why Data Matters: How we can connect innovation hubs in Cambridge, Norwich and Ipswich
East Anglia's tech community heard about game-changing plans for a new ultra-fast research network at the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor's first VIP reception.
The business leaders were joined by key figures from the public sector for the event, at the Granta Centre at TWI, Granta Park, Cambridge.
Introduced by chair of the Tech Corridor delivery board, Jo Vertigan. the evening highlighted the progress of the Tech Corridor to date and explained our key priorities for the year ahead.
Delegates heard a video message from George Freeman, MP for Mid Norfolk, who shared his support for the Tech Corridor and the research network project, known as SETI.
"We need to make sure we are linking our hubs of innovation with the population and wider catchment." - George Freeman, Member of Parliament for Mid Norfolk
Professor Gerard Parr, head of the school of computing at University of East Anglia, then took to the stage to share his vision for SETI, which stands the Smart Emerging Technologies Institute. “This region has unique assets making a national impact – innovation can help them flourish and SETI can be the ‘honest broker’ to make that innovation happen,” he said.
Keynote speaker, science and tech writer Gemma Milne, then engaged delegates with a visionary exploration of what deep tech and big data can do to transform our world.
The event was wrapped up with a panel discussion moderated by Gemma and featuring Professor Parr, Abhi Naha of Cambridge Wireless, Laura Bouvet of Agri-Tech East and Tony Jones of One Nucleus. They discussed tangible examples of where SETI could make a difference, such as assisted living and the future of farming.
Clockwise from left: Gemma Milne, keynote speaker. Professor Gerard Parr, UEA. The panelists
For more details of the event and to find out more about what SETI is and the next steps in the project, check out our whitepaper on the event.
