Coventry’s revolutionary technologies to take centre stage at British Science Festival

Business leaders, academics and public service professionals will learn about the role Coventry is playing in developing the revolutionary technologies of tomorrow at a special event being held tomorrow (Wednesday, 11 September), as part of the British Science Festival. Hosted by CityFibre, Tomorrow’s Technology in Coventry Today will shine a spotlight on new initiatives that will establish Coventry as a leading Smart City, with speakers focussing on areas including health, transport, entertainment and leisure. It will also explore Coventry’s test bed status for Connected Autonomous Vehicles and 5G, while serving as a fitting celebration of Coventry’s Gigabit City status which underpins many of these important technological advancements. CityFibre is actively delivering at least £60m private investment into extending its full fibre network to almost every home and business in the city, thereby safeguarding its digital future and bolstering its position as a leading destination for technological innovation. Ivvet Modinou, Director of the British Science Festival, said, “One of the main aims of the British Science Festival is to connect people with scientists, engineers, technologist and social scientists as well as demonstrating the bigger picture benefits science can have on the wider world. “With its pioneering outlook, futureproofed infrastructure and academic vigour in fields including 5G and automation, Coventry is embracing the technology that is transforming the world as we know it. This makes it the perfect host city for the festival and it’s great to see this fantastic event taking place.” Leigh Hunt, Coventry City Manager at CityFibre, added: “Coventry was at the forefront of innovations and technology for almost 200 years. Thanks to its rich heritage, it should come as no surprise that it is already taking full advantage of the new digital infrastructure being rolled out across the city. This event highlights how these technologies are transforming communications, education, healthcare and more, as well as how we move around and interact with the city. We want to showcase the incredible innovations being pioneered here in Coventry and demonstrate how digital connectivity can be embraced in a way that benefits everyone in the community.” Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said, “Coventry has as a deserved reputation as a pioneer and innovator. We were far sighted, building our own fibre infrastructure ahead of most other cities in the UK. There is an exciting future ahead, with improved fibre connectivity, 5G and new partnerships. As a city with a rich history in car making, we are at the forefront of testing driverless vehicles in the city and 5G is a crucial part of that.” To find out more about the event and sign up to attend, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tomorrows-technology-in-coventry-today-tickets-67043670423