Venturefest 2022

Maritime UK Solent and the Solent Freeport at Venturefest 2022

We held the Maritime UK Solent Innovation Panel and Networking session at #VFS22.

For Venturefest 2022, we brought together a panel of maritime experts to explore how the sector is innovating to deliver the Government’s Maritime 2050 Strategic Ambitions.

We were joined by members of our Network, and local industry experts including from Innovate UK, University of Portsmouth and the Institute of Technology. Together we looked at support available to encourage innovation in maritime, and how we are collaborating to ensure the industry has the pipeline of skills it needs to maximise this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Click here to see the day's presentation.

Running order

Coffee and pastries on arrival

10:30

Solent Maritime Innovation in the Solent

10:45

Solent Maritime Innovation in the Solent Q&A

With Stuart Baker, Managing Director from Maritime UK Solent, Captain RN Allan Youp, the Royal Navy, and Henry Tse, Connected Places Catapult

10:55

Solent Freeport update

Brian Johnson, Chair of the Solent Freeport

Solent Freeport

11:10

Solent Freeport Q&A

11:25

Maritime UK Solent Innovation Panel

Full list of Panellists below

12:10 - 1pm

Networking

Maritime UK Solent Innovation Panel

Matt Johnson Director of the new Institute of Technology Portfolio - Working with education and employer partners in the Solent region to further enhance opportunities for learning and employment in the maritime, engineering and digital industries.

David Kendall Owner of Optima Electric Boats Portfolio - Develops an innovative range ultra-efficient electric boats for leisure and commercial use.

David Legg Regional Manager for London and South East England Portfolio - Works in the Strategy, Impact and Place Directorate in Innovate UK, within UKRI. He is responsible for strategic stakeholder engagement for innovation and collaboration.

Oliver Shepherd Chief Operating Officer of SubSea Craft Portfolio - SubSea Craft is an innovative maritime technology company based in Portsmouth.

Matthew Moss Knowledge Transfer Manager at KTN Portfolio - Helps companies find the appropriate mechanism to take their ideas from the drawing board to tangible outcomes and working with a range of stakeholders from academia, SMEs, NGOs, large industries to Governmental departments all with the common goal to drive the maritime sector forward.

Sarah Duckering Director of Research and Innovation Services at the University of Portsmouth Portfolio - Leading the department that provides strategic insight and supports activities that underpin the ambitious growth targets for research and innovation at the University. This enables them to deliver their mission to create, share and apply knowledge to make a difference to individuals and society.

Juha Rokka Chief Executive Officer and one of the founders of Groke Technologies Portfolio - Start-up founded in 2019 to provide value to vessel owners via autonomous-related navigation solutions.

To attend the Maritime UK Solent network meeting, please ensure you register for free entry to Venturefest by clicking on this link and using promo code VFestSLEP.