A live demonstration of a drone controlled using brain signals highlighted how collaboration between technology businesses is helping turn research into commercial innovation at the Silverstone Technology Cluster’s Innovation & Growth Conference.
The demonstration showcased a partnership between Neuro8 and defence technology company Ultra PCS, allowing a volunteer to fly a drone using a brain-computer interface. According to the Silverstone Technology Cluster, the collaboration began after a conversation between Neuro8 founder Ellen Kay and Ultra PCS Land Strategy Director Tony White at one of the organisation’s earlier events.
The project was presented as an example of how businesses from different sectors can combine expertise to develop technologies with applications extending beyond their original markets.
Hosted at the University of Warwick, the conference brought together SMEs, larger businesses, universities, defence organisations and technology specialists to explore how collaboration is accelerating innovation across advanced engineering, electronics and software.
Professor Kerry Kirwan, Dean of WMG at the University of Warwick, said the organisation’s long-standing approach of working alongside industry had helped translate academic research into practical commercial outcomes. Other speakers highlighted how partnerships between businesses, universities and specialist organisations are increasingly driving advances in emerging technologies.
Delegates also heard how developments in artificial intelligence, advanced software, autonomous systems and engineering are creating new commercial opportunities, while discussions explored the challenges businesses face in moving innovations from prototype to market.
The Silverstone Technology Cluster said its role is to connect organisations that might not otherwise work together, helping members share expertise, develop partnerships and identify new business opportunities across the region.
Pim van Baarsen, from the Silverstone Technology Cluster, said the conference demonstrated how conversations between businesses can develop into collaborative projects with real commercial potential.
