CreaTech Innovation Showcase

The School of Digital Arts (SODA) at Manchester Metropolitan University will host a CreaTech Innovation showcase along with our colleagues in the Greater Manchester Universities Partnership. 

The event will take place on November 15th from 12:00 - 5:30 pm and will include researchers from each University working at the intersection of creativity and technology as well as explore the ways in which businesses can engage with Universities.

Schedule

12:00 - Arrivals and Lunch

12:50 – Welcome – Why we are here: 

• Prof. Kirsty Fairclough (SODA), Prof John McAuliffe (Creative Manchester)

13:00 – Keynote speaker

• Jill Griffiths (SODA) – Intro & Degree Apprenticeships

13:20 – Keynote speaker

• Effa Ettah, Ecosystem Engagement Manager, (Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester)

13:50 –Lightning Talks

• Prof. Ricardo Climent (The University of Manchester) – my3words global gallery
• More to be announced

14:10 – Research at Manchester Met

• Prof. Toby Dubois-Heys & Dr. David Jackson (SODA)– Speculative Tech Research Group:

Horizon funded DAFNE+ project which is focused on the development of an NFT platform with associated tools that aims to provide a responsible and transparent platform for the production and distribution of digital assets in the forms of NFTs.

The official launch of Call for Papers and Artworks of the second iteration of the Storytellers and Machines conference, which will be held in SODA in July 2024. The conference focuses on creative and innovative uses of AI in storytelling, and includes presentations and demonstrations from theorists, artists and creative technologists.

• Dr. Geoff Walton & Dr. Frances Johnson (Manchester Met)– Embodied Audiences Research Group:

When news stays news: how can poetry help combat health misinformation (?) inter-disciplinary project group and bid building on previously published work on the issues of misinformation and trust. This project will investigate how those who vape encounter and exchange information about vaping through their discourse. Work with participants to create poetry-based factual health information about vaping that is meaningful to them.

14:50 – Break/Tour

15:30 – Industry Engagement

• Denise Harris (Sum Vivas) in conversation with Dr. Kadja Manninen (SODA)

Denise is an entrepreneur, business founder, and a pioneering figure in the realm of music technology. She is the creative mind behind the UK’s first Digital Human DJ, known as Dex. Through Dex, Denise has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the realm of music. Dex’s portfolio includes performances at prestigious events such as SXSW, the Royal Television Awards, Windsor Racecourse and Digital Fashion Week in New York, London, and Paris.

• Barbara Nigro (Manchester Fashion Institute)

Technology integration for Experiential Marketing (XM) in Fashion and creative disciplines – the ShareLoom collective research project

• More to be announced

16:30 – Drinks and networking

17:30 – Event close

We are delighted to present an array of thought-provoking topics, including speculative tech research; combating health misinformation; and the innovative use of AI in creative fields. The event will also provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and gaining insights into how businesses can engage with universities for mutual growth.

To confirm your attendance, please RSVP by registering on our Eventbrite page. Spaces are limited, so please register ASAP to avoid disappointment.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact SODAforBusiness@mmu.ac.uk.