Almost two hundred innovators attend conference to spark ideas to deliver meaningful impact
Date: 18 November 2024
One hundred and seventy-five innovators gathered at London Metropolitan University in early November to spark ideas and inspiration about how academia and industry can collaborate to deliver meaningful economic, societal and environmental impact.
The University’s Research & Postgraduate Office, supported by a team of enthusiastic Student Ambassadors, was proud to host change-makers from across the UK for 2024’s annual conference on 7 and 8 November, themed ‘Innovate to Elevate’. Delegates heard from speakers including grassroots social enterprise The Washing Machine Project and London Met’s neighbour, Arsenal FC.
Navjot Sawhney, Founder of The Washing Machine Project, commented:
“What a morning speaking to some of the best emerging talent in innovation at London Metropolitan University. We're so grateful to speak about how The Washing Machine Project is alleviating the burden of unpaid labour and addressing this huge challenge that millions face, especially women and girls, who still spend hours washing clothes by hand.
“We’re really appreciative of all the conversations and connections we made here, with those truly passionate about the future of innovation.”
The Associates leading London Met’s KTP projects were in attendance too, including two London Met graduates: Rohullah Khalid and Sabin Nakarmi. Rohullah is a KTP Associate with Mobilise, which is developing an AI tool to help unpaid carers. He is passionate about using AI to help support people with their mental health. Sabin is a KTP Associate with Filisia, which uses intelligent data analytics to support people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor of London Met, attended the event. She said:
“It was a huge privilege to support Innovate UK and host the conference, providing important spaces for ideas, learning and challenge across the KTP Associate community.
“Projects are addressing huge challenges in business and across our communities and Associates are bringing passion and innovation to a host of wicked problems. Huge thanks to everyone involved in ensuring it was such a success.”
Richard Lamb, Innovation Lead of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships at Innovate UK, said:
“The 2024 KTP Associates Conference empowered our Associates with knowledge, connections, and motivation to drive innovation and growth. It was a powerful platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, fostering a vibrant community of innovators."
Claire Renwick, Head of Business Engagement, at London Met, said:
“Collaboration is the bridge to innovation. KTP projects show how academia and industry can drive impactful change together, and this conference was a powerful reminder of the value in these partnerships.
“We were very proud at London Met to host 2024’s UK-wide conference. We can see that it is already sparking fresh ideas and new collaborations.”
Find out more about London Met’s five KTPs or if you’re interested in finding out how KTP could help your organisation, please contact Claire Renwick for more information.
Conference hosted by London Met receives strong turnout