Matrix

NISF Regional Roadshow
2023-02-16 - 2023-02-19
That’s Non Sense
Explore the wonderful world of our senses and the tricks they play on us.
Think you see with your eyes and taste with your tongue? Ever wondered why you get dizzy when you spin? How many senses do you even have? Prepare to be amazed and confounded by sensory and optical illusions in this demo-packed exploration of your brain, as we discover your senses aren’t quite as simple as they seem…
Hack Your Brain
A whirlwind introduction to the brain and nervous system!
Packed with memorable large-scale demos, you’ll create a giant neuron live on stage to explore how nerve cells communicate. Then, watch as we hijack those signals to control someone’s movements (preferably a teacher!)! Along the way we’ll investigate what this tells us about how we learn, helping students to understand their brains better and how to make the most of them.
Event Schedule

That’s Non Sense (Antrim)
Friday 17th February 2023
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AW
Link

Hack Your Brain (Antrim)
Friday 17th February 2023
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Market Square, Antrim, BT41 4AW
Link

That’s Non Sense (Omagh)
Saturday 18th February
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Townhall Square, Omagh, BT78 1BL
Link

Hack Your Brain (Omagh)
Saturday 18th February
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Townhall Square, Omagh, BT78 1BL
Link

That’s Non Sense (Armagh)
Sunday 19th February
12:00pm – 1:00pm
74-76 Sráid na nGall, Armagh, BT61 7LG
Link

Hack Your Brain (Armagh)
Sunday 19th February
2:30pm – 3:30pm
74-76 Sráid na nGall, Armagh, BT61 7LG
Link

That’s Non Sense (Limavady)
Thursday 16th February 2023
12:00pm – 1:00pm
24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ
Link

Hack Your Brain (Limavady)
Thursday 16th February 2023
2:30pm – 3:30pm
24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ
Link

Northern Ireland Science Festival
2023-02-16 - 2023-02-26
NI Science Festival returns 16 – 26 February 2023 for its ninth edition celebrating the Science of You, The Universe and Everything in between!
Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland, including notable names such as Brian Cox, Alice Roberts, Jim Al-Khalili, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Liz Bonnin, Robert Winston, Chris Hadfield, Chris and Xand Van Tulleken, Chris Packham, Adam Rutherford, Maddie Moate to name a few.
The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
During the day, the festival offers a range of workshops, tours talks and interactive activities for people of all ages. In the evening we present an eclectic mix of experiential events including scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music, and film for adults and much more.

Hydrogen Supply Chain Collaborative R&D Competition Briefing webinar
2023-02-16 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | Online
Innovate UK, in collaboration with Innovate UK KTN, will be hosting an online competition briefing webinar to share details of the new funding competition “Hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain Collaborative R&D”.
Innovate UK, in collaboration with Innovate UK KTN, will be hosting an online competition briefing webinar on 16th February 2023 to share details of the new funding competition “Hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain Collaborative R&D”
Low carbon hydrogen has an important role to play in the UK’s move towards net zero carbon. The UK Government continues to support the scale up of hydrogen production through the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund and Hydrogen Business Models but in order to exploit the opportunity of 10GW hydrogen production by 2030 we need strong supply chains.
The hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain fund will,

Provide a mechanism which incentivises collaboration across the hydrogen value chain, with particular emphasis in storage and distribution of hydrogen
Develop integrated storage and distribution systems
Reduce the associated cost of hydrogen supply chains related to the storage and distribution of hydrogen.
Encourage the commercialisation and adoption of hydrogen storage and distribution innovation

Innovation within different parts of hydrogen storage and distribution supply chain include but is not limited to:

Pipeline and vessels
On-vehicle transport
Storage tanks and surface infrastructure
Monitoring and system controls such as meters, sensors and valves
Refuelling and blending

The briefing webinar will include an opportunity to:

Hear about the scope of the competition in more detail and how to apply
Learn about the eligibility criteria
Hear about the support services available for businesses applying into the fund

Create Your Very Own Platform Game in Scratch 3.0
2023-02-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Nerve Centre, 7-8 Magazine St, Derry, Derry/Londonderry, BT48 6HJ, United Kingdom
Have you used Scratch 3 before? Not like this you haven’t!
In this workshop participants will create their very own platform game from start to finish. Participants will create everything from characters to levels and learn advanced coding techniques using Scratch 3.0.
Matrix is a partner of this event

STEM Fleming Agri-Products Factory Tour 2023
2023-02-16 10:30 - 16:00 | Fleming Agri Products, New Buildings Industrial Estate, Victoria Road, Londonderry, BT47 2SX
Fleming Agri-Products is one of the UK and Ireland’s oldest manufacturers of agricultural machinery. Join them on a factory tour, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the company’s heritage and values, as well as gaining an insight into their production processes and customer-focussed practices.
Matrix is a partner to this event

Idea Jam
2023-02-17 10:00 - 17:00 | The Mac, 10 Exchange Street, West, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 2NJ, United Kingdom
Event Details
Ideas. We’ve all got ‘em, rattling around in our busy, distracted heads. Perhaps you’re harbouring the next big thing … Maybe it’s always been there, but it’s hiding behind-to-do lists, bank statements and status updates. It’s finally time to tip that idea out of your head and onto the page so you can actually do something with it.
Idea Jam is a chance for creators, new and old, to clear all distractions and finally sculpt that secret, nebulous idea you’ve been chipping away at for years into one that’s ready to act on… and maybe even figure out how to take it to the next step. If you’ve never done this sort of thing before, there will be professional artists, developers and industry experts on-hand to help transfer your concept from brain to pitch.
There will be advice in the form of breakout sessions and discussions about how to pitch your idea and take it further after the day.
Matrix is a partner of this event

Biomedical Research in Action!
2023-02-18 13:00 - 17:00 | Lecture Theatre, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute For Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
Become a scientist for the afternoon at the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) and enjoy a range of demonstrations and interactive research activities!
Our mission is to understand the mechanisms of disease and use that understanding to develop new tests and treatments to improve patients’ lives. This is a great chance to find out all about the work of local scientists who are leading the way in research into vision and vascular disease, respiratory medicine and the immune system and its interactions with microbes.

So You Want to be a Biomedical Scientist?
2023-02-18 13:30 - 17:00 | Lecture Theatre, Wellcome-Wolfson Institute For Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, United Kingdom
Find out what it’s like to be a biomedical scientist as researchers including a PhD student, postdoctoral fellow and principal investigator talk about their work and various career paths. There’ll be a chance to ask them any questions, while various teaching staff will also be on hand to explain the opportunities available within QUB.
We’ll then split into subgroups and go for a tour of the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine (WWIEM) building, including the microscopy facility. The tours will then return to the open event in the WWIEM atrium, where Biomedical Research in Action will be on display from 1pm-5pm.

Exploring the Future of UK AI: Scoping Event - N.Ireland
2023-02-20 10:00 - 15:00 | Hilton Hotel, Belfast, 4 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3LP
Join UKRI for this scoping event which will bring together interested stakeholders including potential users and providers of AI to discuss the focus and direction of the programme including presentations from the AI programme consortium and round table discussions.
About the event
Unprecedented opportunities exist for us to drive the UK’s innovation and adoption of AI – the technologies transformative nature has the potential to revolutionise the UK economy.
Are you looking to drive the UK’s innovation and adoption of AI? Do you have an AI project that has the potential to make a big impact on the economy? If so, the upcoming programme seeks to stimulate the adoption of AI in sectors of the UK economy with low AI maturity but high-potential for growth.
Launching soon, this programme aims to:

Gain a greater consideration of ethical, security and bias aspects in the development of new AI solutions
Educate AI adopters in the commercial benefits of developing and introducing AI technologies
Cultivate a network between AI developers and AI adopters in target sectors
Reduce the technical skill gap to increase both productivity and profitability

Who is the event for and why should you attend?
This event welcomes any potential users of AI in the creative, agriculture, transport, and construction sectors, representatives of AI suppliers, and technology providers in all sectors. If you are interested in creating and deploying innovative AI solutions and have the seniority to make it happen, express your interest now to reserve your spot.
By attending, you will have the opportunity to:

Influence the direction of this national programme and future government policy.
Be the first to learn more about the vast funding opportunities for AI projects both current and upcoming.
Network with your peers, face to face, to form invaluable partnerships and consortiums.

NI Science Festival Anne-Marie Imafidon - She’s In CTRL
2023-02-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Crescent Arts Centre, 2-4 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
How women can take back tech
Why are women so under-represented in the tech world? Why does this matter? What can we do about it?
Why do so many of us – particularly women – feel the tech world is beyond reach? Women are woefully under-represented in tech – they represent roughly a mere quarter of the UK STEM workforce. This means an ever increasing series of big decisions are made by a small number of people, mainly men.
So, what are the challenges for all of us who want to wrest back control? How do we get past the gatekeepers? When we do, what are the opportunities that will open up – for us in our individual roles and for the future of tech? Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon shows we have more agency than we think, drawing on her own experience and the stories of other pioneers and innovators to provide examples, exercises and practical guidance for how to get started and take control.
There will always be problems. But, as we know, women are problem-solvers.
About
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon is a keynote speaker, leader and creator of the award-winning social enterprise Stemettes, which engages, inspires and connects the next generation of women and nonbinary people into the science, technology, engineering and maths field. A recognised and respected thought-leader in the tech space, in 2017 she was awarded an MBE for services to young women and STEM sectors. In 2020 she was voted the most influential woman in tech in the UK by Computer Weekly.
Matrix is a partner of this event

Jim Al-Khalili - The Joy of Science
2023-02-21 19:30 - 20:30 | Mandela Hall, 77 University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NF
Join New York Times bestselling author – and one of the UK’s top physicists – Jim Al-Khalili, as he discusses his latest book, The Joy of Science. A Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics, Jim’s fascinating insights into how science can help make life easier to navigate, based on eight scientific methods, might just transform how you approach your life.
Covering everything from how to handle uncertainty and doubt, to coping with the general complexities of modern living, the BBC host will show you how to think more like a scientist and learn how to adopt a more confident approach in the day-to-day.
Don’t miss out on this chance to pick up some top tips from one of Britain’s leading scientific minds.
About
Jim Al-Khalili is Distinguished Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Surrey and one of Britain’s best-known science communicators. He has written numerous books, including The World According to Physics (Princeton); Quantum: A Guide for the Perplexed; and Life on the Edge: The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and lives in Southsea, England.
Matrix will partner this event

How can schools and colleges prepare young people for a technological life and help tackle the technical skills gap?
2023-02-22 17:30 - 21:30 | Online
How do we prepare the next generation for a technological life and, at the same time, help to tackle the technical skills gap? What should schools and FE colleges be contributing to post-16 technical education, and how can we ensure that the right skills are taught at schools pre-16 to enable that post-16 technical education to be a success? Is the role of Further Education fully understood in discussions about post-16 and post-18 technical education? These are some of the questions that we will be exploring in this event.
Speakers

Professor Bill Lucas
Director of the Centre for Real World Learning, University of Winchester

Lisa O’Loughlin
Principal and CEO, Nelson and Colne College Group

Ella Podmore MBE
Senior Materials Engineer, McLaren Automotive Ltd

Phil Smith
Chairman of IQE, Chair of Digital Skills Partnership and former Chair and CEO of Cisco UK

Caoimhe Rooney - From Mathematigals to Mars
2023-02-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
We’re delighted to welcome one of Northern Ireland’s most inspiring scientists to the Festival for a discussion about her work and career to date.
Belfast born Caoimhe Rooney is the sole mathematician within a group of astrophysicists at NASA Ames studying exoplanet atmospheres to understand how they formed, what they’re made of, and if they could be home to extraterrestrial life.
She is also co-founder of Mathematigals, an educational initiative to boost representation of women and girls in maths and STEM.
Interview by Ulster University’s Prof Victoria Simms.

RENDR - Creative X Tech
2023-02-23 17:00 - 2023-02-24 23:00 | Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE
Love film, gaming, animation, immersive and more?
Welcome to RENDR! A festival that gives you an unforgettable experience with talented creatives just like you, from all around the world. Whether you are an experienced pro, a recent grad or a freshly initiated student, RENDR has you covered….

2 days (5 – 11pm)
30+ speakers

2 stages
2 Live Performances
Nightmarket & Side Events
Inspiration & exchange
Meeting other international & local creatives
Networking Dinner
Goodie Bag

RENDR is a unique nocturnal experience, all set in a misty Blade Runner inspired environment. Exploring the nexus between creativity & technology, RENDR strives to inspire creatives with inspiring speakers from the worlds of film, gaming, animation, immersive, and more.
Come for the talks, stay for the experience!

Digital Twins Where AI meets IoT
2023-02-23 18:00 - 19:30 | Ulster University Belfast, York Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT15 1ED, United Kingdom
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling our world to be replicated digitally – creating Digital Twins of our cities, cars, homes and even ourselves. A Digital Twin is an exact replica of something in the physical world, with a unique aim – to help improve the real-life version.
This workshop is organised by the School of Computing, Ulster University and will introduce the emerging field of Digital Twins, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and concepts at the intersection of IoT and AI. You’ll have an opportunity to get hands-on with these technologies through a number of interactive demonstrations, covering topics such as sensor technologies, machine vision, robotics, virtual/ augmented reality, chatbots and simulation.
This event will take place in BC-03-115 and the Level 3 Atrium of the Ulster University Belfast Campus.
NB: Although registration is free, it is mandatory to obtain the visiting pass in order to access the BC building.

RAEng Diversity & Inclusion Annual Conference 2023
2023-03-02 10:00 - 18:00 | Online and In Person
Our annual conference is an impactful day of panel discussions and networking for engineering professionals to share best practice, collaborate and develop successful solutions to make sustained progress on diversity and inclusion. Following our year of exploring ‘What works in diversity and inclusion’, in 2023 the Academy will bring together the engineering community to accelerate the adoption of inclusive cultures across a series of events and activities.
This year’s conference theme is Engineering inclusive cultures. We will be joined by experts from across the profession to explore the transformational impact of culture on how we nurture our teams, structure our thinking, and approach the challenges facing our planet.
Programme

10.00am
In-person registration

10.20am
Welcome

10.35am
Launch of the inclusive cultures research
Arun Verma, Senior Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Academy of Engineering
Yohanes Scarlett, Policy and Research Advisor, Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Academy of Engineering

10.50am
Are we creating inclusive cultures in engineering?
Panel discussion and Q&A
Panellists
Vanessa Burton, Assistant Geotechnical and sub-structural engineer, Mott Macdonald
Mohammed Marika, Senior Director, Digital Engineering at RBC

12.00pm
Practice – Building inclusive cultures day-by-day
Panel discussion and Q&A chaired by Aleida Rios FREng
Panellists:
Melissa Sabella, Founder and CEO, The Honeycomb Works
Joanna Whiteman, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Royal Academy of Engineering

12.45pm
Focus on retention: Removing barriers to inclusion
Table discussion

14.15pm
Solving global challenges with inclusion
Dr Shini Somara

14.30pm
Inclusive engineering to save our planet
Panel discussions and Q&A chaired by Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE
Panellists
Dr Shini Somara

15.30pm
Closing remarks
Aleida Rios FREng, D&I Committee Chair, Royal Academy of Engineering Diversity and Inclusion Committee

15.45pm
Networking, Exhibition for in-person delegates

17.45pm
Close of event

*Programme subject to update and change
Tickets
In-person tickets are limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Registration for in-person attendance closes Thursday 16 February. After registering your place you will receive a confirmation email. For online delegates, this will contain login details for joining.
Recording notice
Please note this event will be streamed and recorded, and may be published on the Royal Academy of Engineering website. For virtual participants, your video will be off and your account will be muted throughout the entire event.
Venue and accessibility
In-person attendance is at Prince Philip House. Online attendance will be via zoom.
It is very important to the Royal Academy of Engineering that our events are accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact the Events team more than one week in advance of this event so that necessary arrangements can be made. Contact details: events@raeng.org.uk

Democratising AI – bringing the AI superpower to the people
2023-03-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Presented by Dr Ivan Ling, this talk will share tools and open-source modules which are free to use and projects which will be beneficial for non-AI professionals to get into AI. He will also discuss the importance of democratising the use of AI technology so that it can be utilised by everyone, regardless of their background or skill level. The talk will provide a comprehensive overview of the current AI landscape and provide practical advice on how to use AI in our everyday lives. Dr Ling will also showcase various projects that are currently in the works and how they could potentially benefit non-AI professionals. Dr Ling will also discuss various tools and open-source modules that are free to use and projects that will benefit beginners looking to get into the field. This talk is a great opportunity to get an understanding of the current state of AI and to obtain the necessary skills to help you get started with AI.

Next steps for the UK mobile industry
2023-03-07 09:00 - 13:00 | Online
This conference focuses on the future for UK mobile, looking at market dynamics, investment, spectrum allocation, infrastructure and technology development, as well as priorities for policy and regulation.
It will be an opportunity to discuss key issues concerning the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, and the level of mobile connectivity the UK will require in order to support the needs of consumers, businesses and public services into the future, including in the transport, education and healthcare sectors.
Stakeholders and policymakers will assess latest developments in M&A activity, related issues around competition, spectrum allocation and sharing, and how policy and regulation may need to adapt going forward.
In an increasingly complex landscape – bringing mobile and other adjacent markets together with new entrants, business models and commercial users – delegates will look at priorities for the investment environment and how to attract and incentivise finance for further development of connectivity, as well as discussion on the future of net neutrality.
Further sessions will discuss infrastructure development, international partnerships, security, consumer priorities and the way forward for innovation. Finally, delegates will consider use-cases and decision-making structures in the industry as it looks ahead to 6G.
We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with Holly Creek, Deputy Director for Wireless Infrastructure, Spectrum and Consumers, DCMS; Brian Potterill, Director, Mobile Network Strategy, Ofcom; and Hamish MacLeod, Director, Mobile UK – as well as contributions from BT, Assembly Research, Cambridge Wireless, DMSL, Preiskel & Co, Samsung Research UK; Three UK; and WM5G.
Overall, sessions in the agenda include:

the mobile market: changing dynamics – emerging trends – key issues
sector priorities: competition – M&A and the future shape of the sector – spectrum – infrastructure – priorities for policy and regulation
investment: infrastructure and technology development – incentives – regulation – the future of net neutrality
innovation: preparing for the future and 6G

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from the Cabinet Office; CMA; DCMS; DBT; Department for the Economy; DfE; DfT; GLD; NAO; NCA; NCSC; NIC; Ofcom; Transport Scotland; UKSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.

BelTech 2023
2023-03-08 - 2023-03-09 | Titanic Belfast, 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, Belfast, BT3 9EP, United Kingdom
BelTech, the conference that unites technologists under one all-encompassing banner, is set to return to Belfast on 8 and 9 March 2023. A vibrant, diverse and inclusive conference, BelTech 2023 will take place at Titanic Belfast and will continue to lead the way in gathering, informing and inspiring Northern Ireland’s technology practitioners of today and of the future.
As well as showcasing the very best of the technology sector in Northern Ireland, a key aspect of the conference is celebration: of diversity, inclusiveness and difference. After nearly three years of the world staying connected through the powers of digital technology, there is more value than ever before in uniting in person to share with and learn from the sector’s range of practitioners.
Whether you have just started a new project, or have been working on the latest technological development, BelTech gives everyone the opportunity to highlight their ideas to a domestic and influential global audience. Beltech 2023 is all about breaking down barriers and empowering people and organizations to succeed anywhere, anytime. The themes and tracks we are focused on this year include:
Distributed Enterprises: Remote and hybrid working has become the new normal. From dev environments to entire organizations, more and more business is becoming cloud native. This track explores the paradigm shift .
Mesh Architecture: Mesh architecture advocates interoperability and coordination between network agnostic services. With cybersecurity and data leading the charge, what’s next?
Artificial Intelligence: AI continues to drive rapid growth across the global economy. Explore the trends and patterns that may someday change the world.
Sustainable Computing Practices: Take responsibility for ensuring your work doesn’t harm the environment or don’t just rely on the big cloud providers! Can you help save the planet through the technologies you use, your ways of working and how you code? We welcome any talk across our tracks on this theme.

Mission Zero - Getting to Net Zero emissions by 2050
2023-03-21 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
In January 2023, the Government published Mission Zero, the report of the Independent Review of Net Zero, chaired by Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP. The Review concluded that Net Zero was a massive opportunity for economic growth and the UK is well placed to realise that opportunity, but swift action is needed. In this webinar, In this webinar we will look at the recommendations of the review, the opportunities presented by Net Zero, and the actions needed to realise those opportunities.

Speakers

The Rt Hon Chris Skidmore MP
Chair of the Net Zero Review

Lord Adair Turner
Chairman, Energy Transitions Commission

Professor Emily Shuckburgh OBE
Director, Cambridge Zero, University of Cambridge

Networking event: population health improvement network of clusters
2023-03-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) seeks to establish a new high profile, national interdisciplinary research network.
The network will:

explore novel ways to transform health through change at the population level across the UK
build on research by multiple clusters that address a specific challenge to progress systems interventions in communities

The success of the network will depend on coordination and synergy between clusters to drive the network ambition of improving population health and health equity.
This funding opportunity aims to:

include people who typically have not applied their expertise to improving population health before
work together with researchers already in the area to catalyse creative and innovative approaches that build on and synergise existing strengths and build new capabilities

To facilitate this UKRI have commissioned a series of virtual networking events.
These events will enable attendees to:

connect with other researchers from different disciplines and with different expertise
develop research ideas and work towards shaping the research clusters that will form the population health improvement network

Webinar: Keep NI Beautiful
2023-03-28 10:00 - 11:15 | Online
Interested in becoming more climate smart in your home, business, local community? Wondering where to start?
On Tuesday 28 March 2023 from 10:00 to 11:15am, Invest NI will be hosting a free webinar in partnership with Keep NI Beautiful.
Scott Howes, Strategic Lead for Climate Action, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful will discuss the climate change challenges we all face both globally and in Northern Ireland. You will also hear how to improve your awareness about the impacts of the Greenhouse Effect, review the policy response and what changes we can make as individuals, groups, and organisations to make a significant impact.
This webinar will provide key information on:
• Climate science facts
• Climate risks and opportunities for NI
• Global and local policy response
• UK and NI emissions
• Journey to net-zero
• Carbon Footprints
• The case for action
The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session.

Northern Ireland Engineering Education programme launch
2023-03-29 09:00 - 17:00 | Stranmillis University College, Stranmillis Rd, Belfast, BT9 5DY, United Kingdom
A celebration of STEM learning with participating schools and colleges of the Northern Ireland Engineering Education Programme.
Launched in May 2022, the Northern Ireland Engineering Education Programme brings together an ambitious network of 52 primary schools, secondary schools, and FE (Further Education) colleges across Northern Ireland, with the aim of raising students’ skills levels and aspirations for careers in engineering.
This event will provide an opportunity to officially launch the Academy’s Northern Ireland Engineering Education Programme and outline some of the key activities that have been taking place since the pilot began. The aim being to bring our schools together to meet and network, share experiences, and exchange ideas.
The day will consist of keynote speakers, interactive activities, panel discussions and school displays. More details will be available soon.

Briefing Event: Feasibility studies for Artificial Intelligence solutions
2023-03-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Are you interested in securing funding to develop innovative solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) that address business challenges and opportunities that can drive an increase in productivity?
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £5 million in grant funding to support collaborative feasibility studies for AI solutions in key industry sectors, including:

Agriculture and food processing
Construction
Creative industries
Transport (including logistics and warehousing)

Maximise your chance of securing up to £50,000 for your AI project and join us for the briefing event on March 29th to learn more about the ‘Feasibility studies for Artificial Intelligence solutions’ competition.
During this event, you will gain in-depth insight into the competition, eligibility criteria, and application process. By attending this event, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and guidance on how to increase your chances of securing grant funding for your innovative AI project.
In addition, you’ll get a chance to network with experts in the field, and participate in a Q&A session to clarify any questions you may have.
This event is ideal for UK-registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to address business challenges and opportunities with AI solutions. SMEs must collaborate with an AI developer or academic organisation to participate in this competition.

Your project’s grant funding request must be between £25,000 and £50,000.
This competition is open to collaborations only
To lead a project your organisation must be a UK registered micro, small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).

Innovation Incoming
2023-04-18 18:00 - 19:15 | Online
Innovation Incoming: An expert panel on technology and the future
What do some of the UK’s most exciting innovators from the worlds of engineering research and enterprise have to say about technology and the future?
How will emerging technologies shape our lives in the year ahead, and what challenges will need to be addressed to ensure they have a positive impact on society? What era-defining technological innovations are on the horizon, and what is just hype?
Join RAEng as they attempt to answer these questions and more in a hybrid panel discussion chaired by The Times’ Technology Business Editor Katie Prescott. Guests will hear expert predictions about the impact of engineering and technology on our future, and will also have an opportunity to put questions to our panellists.

In conversation with Sir Patrick Vallance
2023-04-26 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
In this event, Sir Patrick Vallance, the outgoing Government Chief Scientific Adviser, will be in conversation with Rt Hon Lord (David) Willetts. Chairman of the Foundation for Science and Technology, discussing his experiences as GCSA and hopes for the future. There will be plenty of time for questions from the audience (in person and online), and to reflect on Sir Patrick’s time as GCSA.

Next steps for skills and apprenticeships in Northern Ireland
2023-04-27 09:00 - 13:00 | Online
This conference focuses on next steps for skills and apprenticeships in Northern Ireland.
Delegates will examine progress on and priorities going forward for the Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland launched by the Department for the Economy in 2022, which sets out a strategic framework for the skills system to 2030.
Key areas for discussion include the aims outlined in the strategy, as well as the potential benefits and how they could be achieved:

addressing skills imbalances and shortages
increasing engagement and access to apprenticeships and other qualifications
fostering a culture of life-long learning in Northern Ireland

The conference will also be a timely opportunity to consider recent developments and initiatives in Northern Ireland, including the introduction of All Age Apprenticeships and Assured Skills Academies, and the remit of the new Northern Ireland Skills Council.
Further sessions include case studies for skills development, in areas including the digital, construction, creative, green, and health and life sciences sectors.
We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from Graeme Wilkinson, Director of Skills, Department for the Economy; Kathryn McCamley, Deputy Director, Apprenticeships, Careers & Vocational Education Division, Department for the Economy; and former Matrix Panel member John D’Arcy, Director, The Open University in Northern Ireland & Ireland.
Overall, the agenda includes discussion on:

taking the Skills Strategy forward: identifying investment priorities – fostering inclusive economic growth through skills development – strengthening governance of skills policies in NI
Labour Market Partnerships: assessing progress – potential to address skills shortages – increasing the supply of skilled local workers
skills development, upskilling and re-skilling:

assessing the progress of Assured Skills Academies in Northern Ireland
developing skills clusters – partnerships between industry, FE training providers and HEIs
strengthening the overseas talent pipeline
exploring options for a lifetime guarantee of access to level 2 qualifications
capitalising on Northern Ireland’s reputation for tertiary education

addressing shortages: next steps for key industries of concern such as the construction, digital, and health sectors – increasing the number of women in STEM
tackling inequalities: addressing education underachievement and inequalities in access to FE – skills development as a measure to address social deprivation
apprenticeships: addressing barriers to apprenticeships for all ages – widening access – increasing appeal – supporting the apprenticeship workforce – priorities for public sector apprenticeships
priority growth areas for investment: developing key future skills including in digital, green, and manufacturing sectors, and in health and life sciences – options for innovation clusters in Northern Ireland
lifelong learning: promoting re-training and upskilling for all ages – developing access to adult learning

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from the DBT; Department for Communities; DfE; Department for the Economy; Department of Education; Department of Finance; Department of Further & Higher Education, ROI; Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; Northern Ireland Audit Office; and the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat.

Innovators Under 35 Europe Festival 2023
2023-05-11 - 2023-05-12 | Gaoth Dobhair, Ireland
Innovators Under 35 Europe Festival 2023 is a unique opportunity to meet the shapers of our future, transforming our lives through their technological advances. Our festival will bring together young European visionaries pursuing the same objective: innovation, ingenuity, and advances toward addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
35 entrepreneurs, inventors, visionaries, pioneers and humanitarians will be selected for their outstanding technological achievements. Brilliant men and women are recognised for their advancements in diverse technical fields such as biotechnology and medicine, computer and electronics, hardware, software, Internet, artificial intelligence, robotics, telecommunications, nanotechnology and materials, energy and transportation.
A committee of judges, made up of experts from leading universities and companies will select the 35 candidates. In addition to this, the competition recognizes five different categories of innovators: Inventors, Entrepreneurs, Visionaries, Humanitarians and pioneers.
NOMINATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED

From start-up to enterprise: Implementing an effective deployment strategy
2023-05-17 10:30 - 14:15 | Hilton Belfast, 4 Lanyon Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 3LP, United Kingdom
An event is being held to celebrate the technical partnership of Anaeko Data Engineering and Octopus Deploy.
The event comprising of a keynote and fireside panel will look at implementing an effective deployment strategy for any business from start-up to enterprise. The keynote will be presented by Michéle Johl, IT Engineering Manager at Unily.
Michéle will explore how Unily went from a start-up solution to an enterprise-level SaaS platform using Octopus to deploy Unily for clients, with lessons learnt. He will also look into how the operations team at Unily took challenges and turned them into opportunities like automation of deployments and self-service solutions using Octopus.
Anaeko will showcase their technical expertise, and will invite partners to join for a follow-up fireside chat to discuss the points raised in Michéle’s keynote address. The Panel will consist of experts in tech DevOps including Mike Nguyen ( Octopus Deploy) and Glenn Russell ( Qarik).
The event promises to be both educational and informative, with the opportunity to network with a first-class audience of innovative minds from across Northern Ireland’s technical landscape.

Women in Tech Awards 2023
2023-05-25 18:00 - 23:55 | The Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7AP, United Kingdom
The Women in Tech Awards will recognise women who innovate, challenge and embrace technology, showcasing inspirational individuals who have achieved great success within the sector.
The gala awards evening, sponsored by VANRATH, takes place on Thursday 25th May at The Europa Hotel, Belfast.
