
Stockport College will host a morning of AI and digital innovation as part of the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI) Innovation Accelerator programme for Greater Manchester businesses.
The event, taking place at Stockport College at 9.30am on 29th February 2024 is the latest in a series of roadshows taking place at Greater Manchester colleges to connect SMEs with business innovation advice and support and organised by CDI, a consortium of local universities (Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, Lancaster University, and the University of Manchester), colleges and industry partners to create a supercluster of digital expertise to help the region’s businesses achieve their goals through digital innovation.
The morning’s agenda will explore the ‘human factors’ required for innovation, such as culture and skills, and introduce the new technologies changing businesses across all sectors, including: Artificial Intelligence including ChatGPT, mechatronics and robotics; Industrial Digitalisation technologies such as 3D printing, Digital Twin and Internet of Things, and Immersive Technology with a focus on XR and AR for use in content creation and training environments.
Speakers on the day include James Akrigg and Naomi Timperley. James Akrigg is a long-time technology leader, speaker and advisor with over 30 years’ experience in the technology field, 18 of which were spent at Microsoft helping businesses of all sizes to grow and gain success adopting the latest technologies.
Naomi Timperley was named the 4th Most Influential Woman in UK Tech by Computer Weekly and is Innovation Director at Stockport’s own Merseyway Innovation Centre. She said of the event in Stockport:
“As we gear up for the CDI Roadshow at Stockport College, I’m thrilled to invite you to a morning brimming with insights and opportunities in AI and digital innovation. This event is a unique chance to see firsthand how the fusion of academia, industry expertise, and cutting-edge research can empower your business to operate more efficiently and innovatively. Expect to leave with a deeper understanding of AI’s current impact and future possibilities, along with tangible ways to access support and drive your business forward. It’s not just about technology; it’s about fostering a community of innovation in Greater Manchester that propels us all towards a brighter, more connected future. Join us to be part of this transformative journey.”
Stockport College and Naomi Timperley will introduce the morning’s sessions which are set to include:
KEYNOTE: James Akrigg – A.I. Now & in the future. ex Microsoft CTO for Partnerships. This talk will focus on the latest advances in AI, providing an understanding of its current applications through examples and offering a glimpse into the future of AI.
RESEARCH: Universities in the CDI Consortium share the latest research in digital tech that will be impacting businesses in Greater Manchester.
SUPPORT: James Crawley, from CDI at Manchester Met will explain how your business can access fully funded innovation support, and technical advice for your business.
To find out more and reserve a place, visit the Digital Innovation Roadshow Eventbrite page.