Reimagining Connection..
Highlights from the Hunter Innovation Festival 2023
In an era where technology continues to reshape our lives, the recent Hunter Innovation Festival provided a melting pot of discussions highlighting the many ways in which human interaction and connection remain at the core of innovation.
This year, the festival, a showcase for future-thinking concepts, outdid itself by centering the conversations around how we can create a better future for all through:
Environmental impact, clean technologies and the circular economy
The future of startup entrepreneurial programs & Leading for a new future
Collaborative innovation infrastructure & Emerging technologies in traditional industries
Health & Medical Innovation and Technology
Ethics of AI and Automation
Deep into the world of innovation data
Our co-founder Avril Dunn joined forces with notable industry voices to delve deep into the world of innovation data. The spotlight of the discussion was on the essence of human-centric data design and its transformational impact across diverse sectors.
EI Platform is pioneering a shift in the energy sector, aspiring to reshape the way we view energy management. Drawing parallels with the convenience of smart watches or wearable devices, the platform's objective is to simplify energy monitoring, management and control. But it goes beyond mere simplicity. The platform's core ethos lies in tailoring data and metrics to cater specifically to outcomes that resonate with human needs and preferences, ensuring a seamless, intuitive, and elegant user experience.
During the discussion, Avril emphasised the pivotal role that such human-centric data design holds in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. As an illustrative point, think of your wearable device that recommends exercises based on your heart rate, or suggests periods of rest when your body signals fatigue. Similarly, EI Platform envisions an energy management system where, powered by data, households and businesses can effectively monitor, control, and understand their energy usage in a way that feels almost second nature.
The panel, facilitated by Nathaniel Bavinton of Urbis, was a treasure trove of insights. Ryan Gallagher of Honeysuckle Health delved into the applications of data in health tech, underscoring the importance of personalised health solutions tailored to individual needs. Saiful Islam from the University of Newcastle brought an academic perspective, highlighting how universities are leveraging data to optimise their research projects and applications.
Overall, the conversation was a testament to the boundless potential of data, especially when applied with a human touch. The takeaways were vast, with each speaker bringing their unique perspective to the table. Avril, apart from sharing her insights, cherished the opportunity to forge connections across a spectrum of industry sectors and a diverse array of businesses. The panel not only offered learnings but also fostered an environment of collaboration, underscoring the belief that when industries unite with a common goal, the possibilities are endless.
Pictured right to left:
Saiful Islam, University of Newcastle; Ryan Gallagher, Honeysuckle Health and Avril Dunn, ei Platform
