Businesses from across Northern Ireland are being invited to attend the inaugural Sumer NI Innovation Summit: Driving Change, a conference focused on strengthening innovation and improving the uptake of available support, including R&D Tax Credits, to expand the local economy.
The event which will take place at Riddel Hall on Friday March 13 from 8:30am – 12.30pm, brings together an exceptional line up of industry leaders and policy makers, academia and pioneering local businesses who will positively address key aspects of growing successful and sustainable businesses in Northern Ireland.
Targeted at SMEs taking their first steps in innovation, or large corporates seeking to accelerate existing investment, this is a unique opportunity to challenge assumptions, share experiences and gain the clarity needed to make confident strategic decisions.
Chaired by journalist Jo Scott, the Innovation Summit will feature several eminent speakers including: Dr Adrian Johnston MBE, Belfast Innovation Commissioner; Professor Sam Turner, CEO, AMIC and David Stewart OBE, Head of NI Corporate Tax Office (NIrCTO).
An expert panel including John Irwin,Managing Director at Kiverco, Dr Vicky Kell,Director of Invest NI’s Innovation Research and Development Division, Dr Phil Chambers, Associate Partner, Sumer NI and Tim Brundle, Director of Research and Impact, Ulster University and Chief Executive of Innovation Ulster Limited, will demonstrate the vital role that innovation and effective support play in shaping the economy.
Jo will also facilitate a fireside discussion with Professor Helen McCarthy, Chief Scientific and Technology Advisor (CSTA) at the NI Executive Office, Chair of Nanomedicine at Queen’s University, Belfast and CEO at XapHe.
“There are a number of innovative companies in Northern Ireland that are not availing of the support mechanisms in place and that really needs to change,”says Caroline Keenan, Head of Tax with Sumer NI. “Many businesses simply do not realise that their work qualifies as R&D, particularly in cases where innovation is process driven or embedded within daily operations.”
The summit is free to attend however spaces are limited. Book your place on Eventbrite or via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/46dbfntn