October’s board meeting saw a reflection on a busy September; starting with a review of the 11 #Cyberfest events that attracted more than 700 attendees. The board was reminded that they can encourage colleagues and contacts to watch the #Cyberfest events back on our YouTube channel here.
Andrew Besford then went on to highlight the well received Healthcare automation event that Emma led as part of #Cyberfest, with cluster partners CGI. He highlighted that the session would be of interest to anyone considering automation, not just those in healthcare. You can watch this webinar here.
In Fintech Dawn talked about a potential partnership event in Feb 2021 with Fintech North. It is clear that North East companies are keen to connect with pan northern companies, so the partnership with Fintech North seems a natural one. Look out for a ‘Beer and Banter’ networking event for the fintech cluster in the coming couple of months. Dawn highlighted a few Dynamo members in the fintech space making great strides including Kani Payments and Honcho.
In the Data space Dawn is working on a series of events with Gavurin and Geek Talent on how data can be used effectively in organisations. The first event is pencilled for 17th November so keep an eye out.
In the Digital Construction cluster we recently partnered on an event with Northumbria University with Mark Farmer outlining his thoughts on the post-COVID future of the sector. Also in this cluster we are working with Gray Fox consulting on a piece of industry consultation work that will feed into the next stage of the Northumbria University led bid for IC3 (International Centre for Connected Construction).
We heard from Laura Kemp on the Innovation Supernetwork climate change innovation accelerator and her involvement as Dynamo in a sustainable home working strand, supporting and mentoring new businesses to innovate in this space.
Our new EDI manager Fareeha Usman updated the board on the work she has been doing around the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda and how important she feels it is to focus on all protected characteristics and not just race, colour, age or gender. This is an opportunity for Dynamo to make a difference and help the north east push this agenda forward. Any of our members interested in engaging in this agenda and supporting Dynamo with this work, please contact Fareeha to discuss: fareeha.usman@dynamonortheast.co.uk. Blog posts, podcasts and research coming soon..
We reflected on the Dynamites which has now taken place. We are so grateful to our Dynamites sponsors and supporters; Home Group, Sage, Teesside University, Opencast Software, tombola, NHSBSA, Invest Newcastle, Newcastle College, Ubisoft, Waterstons, Accenture, Nomad Digital and Womble Bond Dickison for ensuring we could keep the show on the road this year and celebrate the amazing achievements of our tech sector!
Rob Hamilton from the North of Tyne Combined Authority then updated the board on the North of Tyne funding opportunities – there are three focus areas for funding, 1) early stage / start ups, 2) growing clusters and sub sectors 3) mission driven innovation for example in the health tech/healthcare sector.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by next month. More information here: https://www.northoftyne-ca.gov.uk/documents/digital-growth-and-innovation-programme-digital-ecosystem-support-a-call-for-proposals/.
Paul Swaddle from NBS told the board about their national virtual construction leaders event on 13th & 14th with Judith Hackett and other industry speakers.
Deni Chambers from Gateshead College was pleased to report that the College will be continuing to operate as a standalone college and is in a strong position with more students than ever enrolled this academic year.
