The next big advance in environmental technology could originate in the East Midlands, following a strategic partnership between the Sustainable Construction Innovation Network (iNet) and the Modern Built Environment Transfer Network.

The two organisations have joined forces to deliver a free, half-day workshop that will bring together leading innovators from the East Midlands construction sector.

The Opportunities for Innovation Brokering Workshop is designed for professionals and organisations within the construction industry who have innovative idea(s), to collaborate with one another, the aim being to deliver competitive advantage and protect or create jobs in the East Midlands. 

The free to enter event will take place at The Roundhouse, Derby on Wednesday 24th February, registration begins at 9.00 am and the event will run from 9.30 am until 1.30 pm. 

The Roundhouse was chosen for its inspirational architecture and sustainable credentials, which was itself the result of bringing together some of the leading figures in the East Midlands construction sector.

The event will offer a unique opportunity for academics, consultants, technology providers, contractors and developers to come together and develop links that will create competitive advantage. Delegates will also find out about funding opportunities that could help them take their big idea to the next level.

Topics to be covered include Design for Climate Change, Energy Efficient Buildings, Post Occupancy Evaluation and Funding Opportunities for Innovation in 2010.

Charles Meynell, Senior Innovation Adviser at the iNet, said: "The East Midlands has a host of industry-leading companies involved in the construction sector. The partnerships created during this brokering workshop could easily lead to another significant advance in environmental technology emanating from the East Midlands. At the very least it will foster partnerships and help establish commercial links that will benefit the region's economy for years to come. The Roundhouse is a testament to what East Midlands companies can do when they get together."

Funded by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Sustainable Construction iNet has a number of roles, particularly in helping SMEs innovate and generate profits and jobs. The iNet focuses on a number of key annual themes in delivering support to those businesses through in-depth, sector specific advice.

As well as offering specialist advice and organising and hosting industry-leading events, the iNet also provides funding programmes to support innovation in the construction sector to increase productivity, long-term sustainability and business growth.

The iNet offers financial support through two schemes; the Innovation Support Grant (ISG) offering up to £10,000 matched funding and Collaborative R&D Fund (previously known as HECF), in collaboration with higher education institutions, which can offer larger grants for projects.

To qualify for an ISG the applicant must be operating commercially in construction or an associated industry sector such as mining, quarrying, waste management, energy or water, or in professional services such as architecture or surveying. They must also require technical or consultancy assistance for their idea, product or process and expect to protect or create jobs in the East Midlands as a result. 

The Collaborative R&D Fund provides grants for companies to access the support and expertise of the region's universities and technical colleges. The fund requires two or more East Midlands' higher education institutions and one or more SME construction companies, employing fewer than 250 people, to work together towards a commercial goal that will ultimately deliver competitive advantage. 

The partnership created as a result of the Collaborative R&D Fund must also enable the applicant to bid for even larger sums from the European Union and other sources.

Businesses wanting to find out more about the Sustainable Construction iNet and the grants available should attend The Opportunities For Innovation Brokering Workshop, telephone 01604 892836 or visit www.eminnovation.org.uk.