Science Capital: Advanced Materials

Smart, Safe and Sustainable: driving into the future

Wed 16 March 2011 from 5:30-9 pm at the Hotel du Vin Birmingham

Science Capital is offering this National Science and Engineering Week event to present the latest automotive technologies and innovative materials being developed in the region, and build new connections between local research leaders, investors and business experts.

Scientists and engineers are invited to present business plans for free to a select panel of top legal, financial and investment advisors experienced in developing commercialisation strategies.

Join in the discussions with leading research and business experts, hear about the latest developments in the field, obtain feedback on your plans and build new partnerships.

Speakers include:

Andrew Haggie is Senior Manager of the Materials Engineering Department at JaguarLandRover, overseeing new Product Development for Jaguar and LandRover vehicles including material selection, validation, competitor benchmarking, quality improvements and new technology evaluation and implementation.

Bryn Richards, CEO of Aeristech Ltd, a technology start-up which recently raised £1 million and won the Wales Innovation Award, will present Aeristech's fullElectric turbocharger technology for lighter, more fuel efficient engines.

Kerry Kirwan from the Warwick Manufacturing Group is building mobile phones, plastic car windows and the WorldFirst Formula 3 racing car from green materials, showing the public how engineering delivers great products in an era of sustainability.

Bruno Pollet from the University of Birmingham is developing new electrocatalysts and assemblies for hydrogen fuel cells, designing low cost high performance hydrogen fuel cell hybrid vehicles, and implementing a supply chain for their production. 

Barry Shrier, is chairing and is Chief Executive of Liberty Electric Cars, a business addressing climate change by designing zero-emission high performance cars including the luxury 4x4 E-range.

Those wishing to present business plans to the evaluation panel for a free private consultation are invited to send in a 1-2 page executive summary.

Schedule: People will gather at 5:30pm for a reception and to view posters and products.  A set of short talks on this important theme for our region will begin at 6pm, followed by a lively panel discussion. Food and drinks will be served, along with plenty of time for networking.  Private meetings with professional advisors and investors will be arranged for business plan presenters in the afternoon. 

Quotes from participants of recent events:

"I made some great contacts, one of whom has been in touch asking me for a demonstration of the technology I work with!"

"a great forum to highlight Birmingham's entrepreneurial technology businesses and for those involved in that community to share experiences and ideas"

"thoroughly enjoyable and interesting"

Sponsorships are available and offer a variety of benefits.