Science Park hosts event for technology entrepreneurs

BIRMINGHAM Science Park Aston has attracted a list of leading figures from the gaming and digital technology industry to speak at a special event it is hosting as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Joining the list of luminaries for the event on Tuesday will be speakers from ScreenWM, Warwick Business School and BSPA itself.

The event will celebrate the groundbreaking work being carried out in the region through the partnership between academic institutions and private enterprise. As well as showcasing successful work to date, the event will discuss the exciting new trends and technologies emerging that will shape the future of the gaming sector.
 
Jim North, executive producer at Rare Ltd, said: “It is essential that the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators continue to utilise new technologies and talent emerging from the region’s universities.

“As the games industry merges closer with the digital world it will be increasingly important to collaborate with digital and creative professionals, which is why we are delighted to be working with Birmingham Science Park Aston to promote the innovation agenda and harness fresh game development talent right here in the Midlands.”

Matthew Hidderley, of Birmingham Science Park Aston said: “Continuing to support and develop the knowledge economy is going to be a crucial tool for our region’s growth and future prosperity. The West Midlands boasts over 21% of the UK games workforce and has become an unrivalled hub for games, serious games and interactive digital media.
 
“Initiatives like ours aim to nurture this industry and provide the environment start-ups need to succeed. We are delighted to be putting this showcase event on and thank our partners Birmingham City Council, ScreenWM and Aston University for their continued support.”
 
Philip Oliver, chief executive officer of Blitz Games Studios, said when he founded his company 20 years ago there had been no support structure for technology entrepreneurs.

“So, we have always been committed to offer our time and knowledge to new entrants to our industry. For example, our own Blitz 1UP initiative has helped scores of new indie developers to bring their games to market,” he said.

The event will also be a showcase for the high-tech start-up firms which are currently members of BSPA’s Entrepreneurs for the Future incubation scheme.
 
Those interested in attending the Gaming & Digital Technology Day may register for free at www.FutureGaming.eventbrite.com or call 0121 260 6168 for more information.