Places will be confirmed based on demand and to ensure we have spread from across relevant sectors and functions. We will inform all registrants as soon as possible. Tech Solent is the inaugural event to connect, celebrate and promote the tech industry across Southampton and wider Solent region. Key fact: Southampton's tech sector is growing rapidly and continues to thrive, with a turnover of £2.1bn outstripping the likes of Bristol, Reading, Bournemouth and Brighton (Tech Nation, 2017). Home to the world-leading Web Science Institute, marine technology sector and National Oceanography Centre, Southampton and the wider Solent region is fertile ground for further tech development and for attracting and developing tech talent. This half-day event designed for the tech community will be held on Friday 14th June at the iconic Spark Building at Solent University. Tech Solent will also see the launch of a programme of follow-up events throughout 2019/20, 'Tech Talks', which will stimulate cross-sectoral partnerships, thought leadership and new commercial opportunities arising from technological developments. For a taster of the programme, see below: Our keynote speakers

• Dame Wendy Hall (DBE FRS FREng, the Government's AI Champion and Regius Professor of Computer Science, Executive Director - Web Science Institute @ University of Southampton) who will set the strategic context of technology in the Solent region; covering developments at societal, economic, government and aggregate business level. This will touch upon areas from trading policy to growth initiatives.
• Simon Schofield, CTO of BAR (Ben Ainslie Racing)Technologies – who will address the commercial application of technology; the opportunities and the challenges.

This will be followed by the opportunity to network with your peers from across the region, as well as the speakers. You will also be able to visit the stands of various tech exhibitors in Solent University's 'Marketplace'. The event will wrap up with a choice of one of three breakout sessions: 1. Exploring the practical implementation of IoT technology (IBM) 2. Gigabit Fibre and investing in high-speed infrastructure 3. Accelerating local tech-start up ventures and accessing global funding/opportunities. We look forward to seeing you there! #TechSolent Our sponsors: toob & Starling Bank

www.toob.co.uk www.starlingbank.com