Northumbrian led innovation event is back on track

Northumbrian Water last week was joined by people from every other UK water company and scores of others at its sixth annual, three-day gathering of high-pace problem solving teams to address water industry challenges.

Findings emerging from previous festivals have subsequently attracted significant funding according to Northumbrian Water’s chief information officer, Nigel Watson who estimated projects worth, in total, between £10m and £50m emerged each year from the festival.

The 2022 Innovation Festival was attended by some 2,000 people including virtual participants from beyond the UK including Australia, and countries from Europe and Africa.

The festival returned to its original venue at Newcastle racecourse after Covid-imposed online-dominated versions for the past two years. Among the challenge addressed by the dozen-or-so design sprints and numerous data hacks were improving diversity, behavioural change in consumption, asset location and aiding low-income customers.