Essex Innovation Programmes
What are the Essex Innovation Programmes?
Innovation – the successful commercialisation of new ideas – is vital if we are to see our economy grow stronger and witness the emergence of a new generation of businesses able to compete in the international marketplace. The Essex Innovation Programmes, therefore, is working to create the best possible environment within Essex, Thurrock and Southend, that allows both new and existing businesses to exploit to the full potential of their new ideas and creativity.
The Essex Innovation Programmes offers a range of support under two programmes, 'New Ideas', for entrepreneurs and startup's, & 'Developing Innovative Businesses' for early stage and existing businesses. To access more information on these programmes please click here; or alternatively contact Simon Maidment on 01245 702417 or simon.maidment@exdra.co.uk
Latest news about the work of the Essex Innovation Programmes and related activity around the region is contained below.
Bringing the innovation agenda into the classroom
Date: 20 July 2006
What better place is there to inspire the innovators of tomorrow than in the school classroom? ExDRA has being doing just that as part of its innovation programme of activity and two practical projects to help the County’s school children to be inspired by the power of innovation are now up and running and making a real impact.
Working with the East of England Multimedia Alliance, EEDA and Chelmer Valley High School in Chelmsford, a new website www.gotechnology.org.uk has been developed. The site provides students with practical advice on careers in IT and multimedia.
David Franklin, the Headteacher at Chelmer Valley High School in Chelmsford is delighted with the initiative. “The website offers students really simple and practical advice on multimedia and IT careers. Essex has a great tradition of innovation and I’m sure that the website will prove to be a major resource for students wishing to move their future careers in this direction.”
In addition to this “virtual service” ExDRA has also been instrumental in securing funding for the development of an “i-Lab” at Hassenbrook School in Stanford–le –Hope.
In partnership with both the school and Link-Ed, ExDRA was successful in securing the funding that has enabled the creation of a truly innovative learning facility. Peter Cook, Innovation Strategy Development Manager at ExDRA, is excited about the potential of the i-Lab. “Creating an environment for schools to encourage innovative learning fits neatly with the aspirations of the Essex Innovation Network and I am delighted that Hassenbrook School now has this fantastic facility in place which is proving popular with children and the wider community in this part of Thurrock.”
For further information about either of these projects or the Essex Innovation Network please contact Peter Cook, Innovation Strategy Development Manager – peter.cook@exdra.co.uk
