Mayor launches third annual West Yorkshire Innovation Festival

13 November 2023

Dozens of businesses and organisations across West Yorkshire are set to host exciting events celebrating innovation across the region this week.

The West Yorkshire Innovation Festival, launched by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, is returning for a third consecutive year.

Following on from previous years’ successes, events held this year will showcase innovation in different industries across the region, such as sustainable fashion, women in manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

The week-long festival, which runs from November 13 – 17, will feature talks, interactive sessions and networking opportunities.

Medical technology businesses will hear about £12.5m of new funding for the sector at the Supercharging West Yorkshire’s Global Healthtech Sector event on Thursday, November 16.

The multi-million-pound West Yorkshire launchpad investment, announced last month, will be distributed to businesses which can demonstrate they will have a positive impact on patient care through an innovative new medical, diagnostic, or digital health solution.

The festival will bring together businesses, entrepreneurs and people of all ages and backgrounds to encourage ideas and collaboration, create new opportunities and foster a culture of innovation to help supercharge businesses.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“I’m delighted our Innovation Festival is back for another year. West Yorkshire has long been a hotbed of innovation - from the Industrial Revolution, right up to the modern day.

“It’s vital we empower each other and celebrate innovation in our region – no matter how big or small.

“Innovation is for everyone - and together, we’ll build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire for all.”

Mandy Ridyard, the Mayor’s Business Advisor, said:

“This is such an important celebration – it shows that innovation is for everyone and that all you need is a good idea.

“It’s a chance to connect, learn and crucially, help foster the innovation which will boost our economy.

“There’s an amazing line up of events taking place this year and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

The West Yorkshire Innovation Festival is coordinated by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and supported by partners across the region, including the West Yorkshire Innovation Network.

Organisations in the network include University of Leeds, 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, Innovate UK, Knowledge Transfer Network, Innovate UK EDGE and Catapult network.

These organisations, along with others, create a network to provide innovation support to businesses in the region.

The full programme for the festival can be found at  https://www.wyinnovationfestival.com/