Two eras of innovation are set to collide as it is revealed that part of Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival 2021 will take place in The Common Room, one of Newcastle’s most important historic buildings.
The iconic Grade II listed building played an important part of innovation within the industrial revolution and will now play host to the world’s greatest festival of innovation next month (OCT) - as innovators from all over the globe will come together to find solutions to problems such as leakage and water poverty.
The festival, which is taking place in a hybrid half-physical half-digital format this year, will have hubs all over the North East and beyond – with the main base at The Common Room between 18th-21st October.
While collaborating with some of the greatest minds from America, Australia, South Africa and India, the innovators will be surrounded by some of the region’s most important industrial heritage as they sprint, hack and dash their way to developing new ideas, solutions and innovations.
Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water, said: “The festival this year has something to offer for everyone – whether you are ready to take the step back into the real world or not.
“But personally, I cannot wait to be back in a room with our innovators and being able to see the cogs turning and the ideas flowing, all set amongst the most gorgeous backdrop at The Common Room.
“The venue itself is completely steeped in history, and it is very poignant that we will be working away in a place that was such an important part of innovation within the industrial revolution.
“Everyone attending the physical sprints there is in for a treat!”
Other physical sprints are also taking place in a variety of locations across the UK – including Aiimi’s brand new Hack Zone at their HQ in Milton Keynes, the Northern Design Centre in Gateshead, Netpark in Sedgefield, Seascape in Crimdon and Teesside University.
To register and take part in the Innovation Festival, go to – www.innovationfestival.org