Matrix

Innovate UK: The Games x TV Formats Exchange
2024-05-08 10:30 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | London
Join the Creative Catalyst Peer Network for an inspiring day to explore the intersection of the gaming and TV industries.
Overview
Please note this is a Creative Catalyst member priority event. The members of the Creative Catalyst Peer Network have priority during registration. If you are a non-member and are interested in joining, please submit your registration, and a member of our team will get back to you to confirm the space availability.
The Games x TV Formats Exchange is a one-day ‘hands-on’ workshop that aims to foster a deeper understanding and spark potential collaborations between UK factual entertainment businesses and video games developers.
By combining the expertise of both industries, we aim to generate innovative and compelling concepts for innovative media consumption on various platforms like ‘fast channels’ and streaming services.
About the event
Through attending, you’ll understand the business models, financing structures, and mechanics of the unscripted TV and video games sectors, and identify how you might collaborate across these sectors to create groundbreaking content for multiple platforms.
GUEST SPEAKERS TO BE CONFIRMED SOON!
Schedule
Morning

Knowledge Sharing: Presentations on the business models, financing structures, and mechanics of the unscripted TV and video games sectors.
Panel Discussion: A panel of industry experts from games and TV, including online contributors via video link, will facilitate a dialogue on the learnings, synergies, and opportunities in both sectors.

Afternoon

Innovate UK Funding and Investment Overview
Collaboration Session: Participants will be grouped into mixed teams of games developers and TV execs to ideate potential crossover concepts.

Why you should attend?
By attending the Games x TV Formats Exchange, you will:

Gain valuable insights into collaborative innovation
Hear from industry leaders
Access unique networking opportunities

Who can attend?

Companies and individuals from the gaming and TV sectors looking to understand collaboration opportunities.
Creative industry professionals interested in exploring new content creation avenues.
Anyone interested in the innovative potential at the intersection of games and TV.

Note: This event is specifically designed for professionals in the creative, gaming, and TV industries.
It is not suitable for academia, Research Technology Organisations (RTOs), or government/NGOs.
Why it matters now?
Several recent collaborations demonstrate the potential of this cross-industry approach, such as Destination X – combining the appeal of Twitch streamer favourite GeoGuessr with 10 participants in a 10 x 75′-90′ reality programme or The Traitors, based on popular game Mafia (whose mechanics were later built into the pandemic hit game Among Us) with the charm of mysterious host Claudia Winkleman.
These examples highlight how combining the creativity and business acumen of both industries can generate compelling content that appeals to today’s diverse and dynamic viewer base.

Health Tech Spring Conference
2024-04-29 13:30 - 2024-04-30 17:30 | Titanic Belfast Building, 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT3 9EP, United Kingdom
Hosted by the Health Innovation and Research Alliance NI (HIRANI), Health Tech Spring is a two-day conference taking place in Belfast on 29 & 30 April 2024.

With local and global partners, the conference will focus on two strands; digital ecosystems to integrate diagnostics and therapeutics; and community people-centred design to accelerate innovation and adoption of health technology.
Following on from a sold-out summit last year, HIRANI have expanded the event into a two-day conference which will include a “Life Sciences, Life Support” event for businesses who provide support services to the life science industry. With Innovation zones and pitching events, global keynotes and local thought leaders, Health Tech Spring promises to be an iconic conference hosted in the Titanic Building.

Data Sharing for Sustainable Transport
2024-04-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Working towards a greener planet with data-driven approaches.
Join Anaeko for their next webinar as they discuss the strategies and approaches through data discovery and data analytics that can help achieve your transport sustainability goals.
Explore the transformative power of data in the transport industry. Discover real-world success stories of risk reduction, enhanced services, & cost savings through rapid data discovery. Join Anaeko to unlock a new era of transportation innovation.
Anaeko welcomes David Crangle, from Simplicity Group, as joint speaker for this webinar. David will speak around using vehicle CCTV and telematics to drive sustainability and achieve cost efficiencies.
About Simplicity Group
Simplicity Group is Ireland’s Premium Provider for award-winning fleet management software Bridgestone Webfleet Telematics and MANTIS vehicle cameras. The connected system provides real-time data, in one centrally located platform, alerting users to various factors such as:
– Driver behaviour
– Vehicle Incidents
– Proactive vehicle maintenance checks
– Tachograph compliance
– CO2 monitoring
– And more
It is the industry-leading approach to streamline operations, enhance security, and reduce administrative time for fleets in transportation.

Marcus Du Sautoy - Around The World in 80 Games
2024-02-25 14:30 - 15:30 | Whitla Hall, QUB, Belfast, BT7 1NN
Spanning millennia, oceans and continents, countries and cultures, Around the World in 80 Games gleefully explores how mathematics and games have always been deeply intertwined. Marcus du Sautoy investigates how games provided the first opportunities for deep mathematical insight into the world, how understanding maths can help us play games better, and how both maths and games are integral to human psychology and culture.
For as long as there have been people, there have been games, and for nearly as long, we have been exploring and discovering mathematics. A grand adventure, Around the World in 80 Games teaches us not just how games are won, but how they, and the maths behind them, shape who we are.
About
Marcus du Sautoy has been named by the Independent on Sunday as one of the UK’s leading scientists, has written extensively for the Guardian, The Times and the Daily Telegraph and has appeared on Radio 4 on numerous occasions. In 2008 he was appointed to Oxford University’s prestigious professorship as the Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science, a post previously held by Richard Dawkins.

Power Up - An Engineer's Adventure into Sustainable Energy
2024-02-25 13:30 - 14:30 | Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NG, United Kingdom
We rarely think about the energy systems that prop up our existence. With hot water, lighting and digital entertainment all available at the flick of a switch, it’s easy to underestimate the vast global network that makes these things possible.
Growing up in Iraq, Yasmin Ali regularly experienced power cuts – ironic for a country rich in oil and sunshine. Now as an engineer working in energy, Yasmin has a deep appreciation for what these resources mean for our lives.
In Power Up she takes us on a journey across the globe to reveal the bigger picture, from solar panel farms shimmering in the desert to power stations hidden deep in the mountains. We discover where we get energy from, how it is moved and used around the world – and why we need to understand the whole system if we want to transition towards a clean, green future.
Power Up is a definitive picture of the intricate world that humanity has built, and a rallying cry to face the challenges of climate change using the power at our fingertips.

Yasmin Ali - #IntroduceAGirlToEngineeringDay
2024-02-24 14:00 - 15:00 | Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NG, United Kingdom
Yasmin Ali, an award-winning chartered engineer in the energy industry, champions renewable technologies, excels in science communication, and acknowledged as one of the top 50 female engineers for her impactful engagement efforts.
Yasmin is a chemical engineer and has worked in coal and gas fired power stations, oil and gas, district heating systems, and energy innovation, including production of hydrogen and energy efficiency in industry. Yasmin ‘fell’ into the field of chemical engineering by accident, and is now passionate about promoting engineering stories and careers to the public and young people.

The Foyle Science Showcase
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Foyle Arena, 2, Limavady Rd,, Derry Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT47 6JY, United Kingdom
Prepare for a day of excitement and exploration at the Foyle Science Showcase! Delight in mind-bending science shows, immersive exhibits, and interactive activities that promise to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. From captivating illusions to virtual reality experiences, this event is a celebration of curiosity and discovery.
Science Shows:

That’s Non-Sense by Braintastic: Witness the magic of multi-sensory tricks and visual illusions.

The Magical Science and Engineering Show: Join Scientific Sue for a funny and thought-provoking ‘Magic Show’ with a wacky combination of science and drama.

Interactive Exhibits:

Dive into a geothermal world with Geoenergy NI’s Virtual Reality experience.

Master the art of weather forecasting with Barra Best and try your own greenscreen weather presentation.

Animate yourself using AI with Kainos.

Explore the cosmos in Armagh Planetarium’s mobile planetarium.

Engage with Nerve Centre, Ulster University, Water NI, Wild Ireland, Bat Conservation Ireland, OCN, Food Standards Agency, and Sperrin Metal through hands-on activities that showcase the diverse facets of science and technology.

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring science to life in a fun and engaging way! The Foyle Science Showcase is where curiosity meets discovery

Foyle Science Showcase - Schools Edition!
2024-02-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Foyle Arena, 2, Limavady Rd,, Derry Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT47 6JY, United Kingdom
Prepare for a day of excitement and exploration at the Foyle Science Showcase! Delight in mind-bending science shows, immersive exhibits, and interactive activities that promise to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. From captivating illusions to virtual reality experiences, this event is a celebration of curiosity and discovery.
Science Shows:

That’s Non-Sense by Braintastic: Witness the magic of multi-sensory tricks and visual illusions.

The Magical Science and Engineering Show: Join Scientific Sue for a funny and thought-provoking ‘Magic Show’ with a wacky combination of science and drama.

Interactive Exhibits:

Dive into a geothermal world with Geoenergy NI’s Virtual Reality experience.

Master the art of weather forecasting with Barra Best and try your own greenscreen weather presentation.

Animate yourself using AI with Kainos.

Explore the cosmos in Armagh Planetarium’s mobile planetarium.

Engage with Nerve Centre, Ulster University, Water NI, Wild Ireland, Bat Conservation Ireland, OCN, Food Standards Agency, and Sperrin Metal through hands-on activities that showcase the diverse facets of science and technology.

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring science to life in a fun and engaging way! The Foyle Science Showcase is where curiosity meets discovery.

What’s the blooming problem with Lough Neagh?
2024-02-22 19:30 - 21:00 | Seamus Heaney HomePlace, 45 Main Street, Bellaghy, Magherafelt, BT45 8HT, United Kingdom
Lough Neagh, a vital freshwater resource, is facing an unprecedented challenge. To address this critical environmental concern, we have brought together scientists and local professionals who will share their knowledge, research findings, and potential solutions, and who will delve into the intricate science behind the alarming proliferation of blue-green algae in one of Northern Ireland’s most significant water bodies.
Take this chance to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the Lough Neagh blue-green algae crisis. Together, we can explore solutions and work towards safeguarding this precious natural resource.

Famelab - Northern Ireland Final
2024-02-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Ulster Sports Club, 96-98 High Street, Belfast, BT1 2BG, United Kingdom
Experience the thrilling showcase of scientific talent and communication at FameLab Northern Ireland’s live final, featuring ten finalists competing with charm, scientific expertise, and innovation in a three-minute window.
The format of FameLab is deceptively simple; on the competition stage, participants are given just three minutes to share their scientific research or work with a general audience, armed with just simple props. This live event takes place in front of a panel of expert judges, as entrants compete for the title of the UK’s best science communicator.

Lieven Scheire - A.I.
2024-02-17 20:00 - 21:30 | The Black Box, 18-22 Hill Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 2LA, United Kingdom
In this show, Lieven Scheire will introduce you to this new superhero of technology in an entertaining and accessible way. You’ll get a glimpse of how it all works, what it can already do and what it will be capable of in the future. It’s a first encounter with something that might soon become your new friend, butler, advisor, psychologist, personal trainer or guardian angel: Artificial Intelligence.

The Secret Lives of the Elements with Kathyrn Harkup
2024-02-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT7 1NG, United Kingdom
Kathryn Harkup is a former chemist turned vampirologist and science communicator. She writes and gives regular public talks on the disgusting and dangerous side of science.
Kathryn’s first book was the international best-seller A is for Arsenic: The Poisons of Agatha Christie, which was shortlisted for a Mystery Readers International Macavity Award and a BMA Book Award. She has also written books on Frankenstein, vampires, Shakespeare, James Bond and chemistry.

Grace's Green Gadgets (Derry/Londonderry)
2024-02-17 11:00 - 17:00 | waterside theatre, Glendermott Road, Derry/Londonderry, bt47 6bg, United Kingdom
Matrix is proud to be sponsoring Grace’s Green Gadgets at this years NI Science Festival.
Grace Webb is the amazing host of the award-winning CBeebies show Grace’s Amazing Machines where she explores some of the biggest, fastest and most amazing machines in the world.

Grace's Green Gadgets (Belfast)
2024-02-16 11:00 - 17:00 | The Mac, 10 Exchange Street, West, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 2NJ, United Kingdom

The Compass
2024-02-15 17:00 - 2024-02-17 21:00 | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 1DA, United Kingdom
Matrix is delighted to be sponsoring the launch of the 10th annual NI Sciencefest
“Prepare for spellbinding projections, bringing to life how we navigate knowledge, as well as the epic stories of our own researchers, and the science that shapes the world around us.”

Using data to drive the sustainable revolution in transport
2023-06-21 10:30 - 14:00 | Hilton Belfast, 4 Lanyon Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 3LP, United Kingdom
This event will delve into the groundbreaking innovations and cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping the transportation sector and propelling us towards a greener and more efficient future.
Throughout the event, expert speakers from various industries will shed light on the pivotal role that data plays in revolutionising transport systems worldwide. They will present compelling case studies and share key statistics that highlight the significant positive impact data-driven initiatives have on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the latest advancements in data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence that are revolutionising the way we move people and goods. Discover how data-driven strategies enable smarter route planning, optimise energy consumption, and facilitate the adoption of alternative fuels and electric vehicles, all with the aim of achieving a net zero carbon footprint.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the intersection of data and sustainability in transport, as we strive to create a cleaner, greener, and more efficient future for all.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.
