Fascinated by the future? Let us give you a glimpse of things to come.
To celebrate National Engineering day 2023, the Innovation Late event presented a series of talks from inspiring innovators and an exhibition of extraordinary engineering. From robotic rescue dogs, through to edible “plastic” pockets, and even chocolate welding, this one-off, free-of-charge event showcases the best of British inventions tackling the world’s greatest challenges. Guests were left with an entirely different understanding of what “innovation” means, with an invention for every interest.
Together attendees and innovators explored how engineering is helping us to create a more sustainable world from the people tackling the problems, both big and small, and making the seemingly impossible an everyday reality.
The interactive exhibitions at Innovation Late gave our guests the chance to try their hand at some of the exceptional engineering making a difference.
Guests experience the supportive help of air cell technology that Aergo Health can offer wheelchair users.
Speakers
Hosted by Georgie Barrat, presenter of Channel 5's The Gadget Show.
Georgie Barrat is a technology journalist, broadcaster, and presenter. As well as co-hosting Channel 5’s Gadget Show she has written on technology for a range of publications including Marie Claire the Daily Mirror, and Huffington Post.
Away from reviewing the latest devices, apps, and developments, Georgie tackles everything from advances in technology, to the keys to engaging with, and motivating millennial and Generation Z employees. She is also passionate about women working in technology and encouraging school-age girls to learn to code and be involved in STEM subjects. She strives to make technology and the digital world as exciting, relevant, and inclusive as possible.
Meet some of the speakers who’ll be sharing inspiring stories about their work.
Tom Birbeck – Founder and CEO of ARC Marine
Tom is the Founder and CEO of ARC Marine and co-inventor of reef cube artificial reef technology. Tom has been a scuba diver since he was 13 and saw the destruction of rocky reef habitats in UK water, primarily from destructive fishing practices and construction. Tom’s working career started as a commercial diver. While undertaking this role he came up with the idea to create a company that can help restore reefs on an unprecedented scale, while ensuring we transition to a renewable energy source.
Claire Trant – CEO and Co-Founder of Untap Health
With over eight years of experience in wastewater innovation and business strategy, Claire leads Untap Health’s vision, operations and partnerships. The company aims to revolutionise public health and disease prevention through data-driven solutions that detect illnesses in communities before symptoms appear. Claire has a background in engineering and science, holding a PhD in fatigue in aerospace engine alloys with Rolls-Royce, a BSc in experimental physics and an MSc in petroleum geophysics from Imperial College London. In 2023, she received a Woman in Innovation award from UK Research and Innovation.
Fiona Dear - Co-Director of The Restart Project
Fiona co-directs The Restart Project, which aims to keep our electronics in use for as long as possible through repair and reuse. She has spent over 15 years in climate campaigning, working to engage public audiences to encourage a more sustainable society. Fiona oversees UK programmes and campaigning at The Restart Project.
Hsin Hua (Sheana) Yu - CEO and founder of Aergo
Sheana Yu is an award-winning design engineer. Originally from Taiwan, Sheana founded Aergo Health to support good posture and comfort, for people affected by neuromuscular disorders. Her early prototype has gained support from the James Dyson Foundation and the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2019, winning the Innovate UK Women in Innovation competition has enabled her to scale her business and commercialise Aergo Health’s core technology. Before founding Aergo Health, Sheana’s creations have been exhibited worldwide in places such as Dubai Design District, Tokyo Design Week and Milan Design Museum. She is driven by a passion to deliver social impact and change through design, which has been partly influenced by her own experience of scoliosis (curvature of the spine). Sheana has a double MSc in Global Innovation Design from the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London.
Ellis Parry - CEO and founder of neumind
Ellis initially chose a career in engineering because he is curious and enjoys science, but also because his hand hurts when writing long essays. After his twin brother’s life-changing brain injury, Ellis was inspired to tackle some of the challenges his brother and many others face. Along with some friends, he founded a company that builds apps and software to help people with cognitive disabilities live happier, more fulfilling lives. Ellis wants to share his journey in the hope that it inspires young people to use engineering to make a positive impact in the world
Yagya Regmi - Renewable engergy storage research fellow
Yagya Regmi is researching renewable energy storage and conversion, with the aim of drastically reducing the cost of renewable energy. At the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, his focus is on generating cost-competitive green hydrogen from water to help decarbonise sectors that can’t easily be electrified, and was recently awarded an Academy Research Fellowship to explore hydrogen technology for space travel. He is also interested in public education, navigating the pitfalls of transitioning to renewable energy, and advocating new technologies to policymakers.