Pictured above: Tim Malynn, Corporate Director for Communities, Nottinghamshire County Council; David Wallace Innovation Director, emda and Martin French, Head of Innovation, emda

The fourth annual East Midlands' innovation Festival (iFestival) starts on Friday 12th March and with the East Midlands Development Agency's (emda) recent announcement of multi-million pound innovation boost to help regional businesses to exploit innovative ideas, there is plenty to celebrate.

Organised by emda and East Midlands Innovation (the region's innovation council), the iFestival starts on 12th March and ends with a celebratory dinner on 23rd April. Over 150 events are expected to be staged across all East Midlands counties between these dates. 

"Through the innovation networks (iNets), and other partners, we have helped hundreds of businesses to think and work more innovatively, in order to create, develop and nurture new opportunities in the region," said David Wallace, Innovation Director at East Midlands Development Agency (emda).  "We are making significant investment over the next three years to support innovation in the region and to implement the new Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS2), which will be launched during the iFestival.

"Innovation - the ability to think differently, improve the way we do things and increase productivity and performance by embracing new ideas - is critical to business start up and growth. The iFestival will help to share best practice and stimulate innovation through a wide range of events held over six weeks, and will showcase the contribution that the East Midlands is making to the UK's performance in terms of innovation.

The iFestival will kick off with an iEXPO at Athena in Leicester on 12 March, where entrepreneurs and individuals are invited to pitch their business ideas for a chance to win a bespoke package of innovation support to turn their idea into a reality. Attendees will also hear how inspirational speakers, including world land speed record holder Richard Noble, have succeeded in business through innovation and innovative thinking. 

"The East Midlands has a rich tradition of innovation over many decades and it's important that we build on this reputation and make it easier for the region's companies and communities to develop and explore innovative ideas," adds Mr Wallace. "This year the iFestival will provide unique and invaluable advice to all, and will offer the opportunity to discuss ideas and to see cutting-edge innovation in practice."