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PRESS RELEASE: Marine-i spearheads new initiative to foster innovation in Cornwall

 Marine-i, is launching a 3-day Marine Innovation Masterclass designed to equip marine technology businesses with all they need to know to put research and innovation at the heart of their business. The usual cost of this training would be £5,000 per person, but Marine-i has secured a limited number of places free of charge, on a ‘first come’ basis.

The Marine Innovation Masterclass is being offered in partnership with the University of Exeter Business School and the Cornwall Marine Network Propel project. Spread over three full-day sessions, the Masterclass is the first of its kind to be offered in the South West. It is designed for marine technology businesses as well as businesses in other sectors, such as software or advanced manufacturing, that would like to launch marine tech products or services.

Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Marine-i is designed to help the marine tech sector in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly grow through harnessing the full potential of research and innovation.

The Masterclass will be delivered by three international experts in innovation management from the University of Exeter, all with extensive research, consulting and business experience. It will be supported by “Propel”, delivered by Cornwall Marine Network, which provides bespoke business support for the marine industry.

Matt Hodson, Operations Director at Marine Hub Cornwall, says: “This will help local businesses accelerate their growth, leading to more job creation and greater prosperity in the region.”

Stuart Farmer, Knowledge Exchange Manager at the University of Exeter, says: “This inspiring Masterclass is based on a leading Peer-to-Peer Learning and Knowledge Exchange methodology, where the content of the masterclass builds across the three sessions. This will provide opportunities for action learning, idea development and online blended learning, as well as peer-to-peer discussion between workshops.  Delegates will discover how to identify new research ideas for their business and select ones that will work both for their current customers and new customers.  By the end of the Masterclass, they will also be able to establish their own company innovation process to spearhead future growth.”

Applicants will be invited to take part in the University’s Innovation Fitness Assessment and the Masterclass will culminate in a project proposal that, if successful, can also win 100% grant support of £2,000 to help accelerate the innovation.

The full-day workshops will take place on Tuesday 17th January, Tuesday 26th February and Tuesday 26th March 2019. To register your free place now, please contact Nik Rowe at N.Rowe2@exeter.ac.uk or by calling 01326 255 572