And no one is keener to see this happen than Magna International, the world’s third largest automotive supplier. Such was the success for Magna at last year’s show that it is now planning to host double the number of innovative SMEs that attended the hub at last year’s event.
Thanks to this support from Magna and Advanced Engineering organisers Easyfairs, up to 50 carefully selected SMEs and innovators will now be given the opportunity to exhibit within the Enabling Innovation hub area, with all the exposure they can expect to receive from being part of one of the UK’s largest gatherings of advanced engineering professionals which last year attracted more than 13,000 visitors.
As in 2016, representatives from Magna’s Research and Development team will also host one-on-one meetings with innovators across the board to discuss ways to commercialise their ideas.
Alison Willis, industrial divisional director at Easyfairs comments: ‘We’re thrilled that Advanced Engineering’s Enabling Innovation hub will provide a great opportunity for even more of the UK’s most exciting trailblazers to meet potential partners, investors and buyers from some of the most vital engineering and technology sectors.
“Enjoying such great support from a player as important as Magna International, has been instrumental in making this showcase the UK’s most important forum for commercialising innovations in engineering and high value manufacturing, with applications spanning aerospace, automotive, rail, civil and beyond.”
Magna International is one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world with 317 manufacturing operations and 102 product development, engineering and sales centres in 29 countries.
Its VP of Corporate R&D, Ian Simmons states: Successful commercialisation of innovation is a key strength Magna brings to the start-up community. The Advanced Engineering Show gives us a platform to demonstrate our open for business mentality and engage with suppliers, universities and start-ups that have new or innovative technology. Future collaboration and partnerships will be key to Magna meeting the demands for the next wave of technologies required for the new mobility landscape.”
As well as the Enabling Innovation hub, Advanced Engineering UK features five ‘shows within a show’ – Automotive Engineering, Aero Engineering, Composites Engineering, Performance Metals Engineering, and new for 2017, Connected Manufacturing – all underpinned by an extensive conference programme.
To apply for a place on Advanced Engineering’s Enabling Innovation hub, or to schedule a meeting with a Magna representative, interested parties are invited to contact the Advanced Engineering team on +44 (0)20 8843 8800 or via the website.
