University News Last updated 25 May 2011
A new festival is being held this summer to highlight the wealth of technical innovation, knowledge and skills in Birmingham.
Birmingham City University is holding the first ever Birmingham Techfest at Millennium Point on Saturday 25 June, 10am-4pm. The festival will incorporate the UK Micromouse Championship which has been hosted by the University for the past eight years.
Putting us on the technology and innovation map
Associate Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment, Dr. Peter Rayson, said: “We wanted to help put Birmingham and the West Midlands on the technology and innovation map, where it truly belongs.
“I think that the second city is often overlooked and that we have a lot to shout about; the region is home to Jaguar Land Rover – a business built around two great British car brands - and we have a thriving computer games industry on our doorstep.
“The University itself works with leading global technology companies such as Microsoft, Apple and Cisco, is researching the use of algae to create an alternative fuel and is collaborating with East Ends Foods Ltd to develop an urban farm on the site of the iconic former HP Sauce factory.
“We felt that many people may not realise what the region, and University, has to offer so we decided to hold Birmingham Techfest to highlight our achievements. We hope to attract as many businesses as possible to the event both in the capacity as sponsors and visitors.”
Annual Micromouse competition
UK Micromouse is one of the most popular contests of its kind in the world and involves contestants racing robotic ‘mice’ round mazes. Micromouse began to grow in popularity in the late 1970s and the most popular events are held in the UK, US, Japan, Singapore, India and South Korea. Micromouse UK has grown to include a wide range of robotic activities other than the maze-solving competition, such as a schools’ competition and mini-sumo - in which contenders seek out their opponents and then ‘push them out of the ring’ - and robot football.
As well as UK Micromouse 2011, the Techfest will showcase the activities of the University’s Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment and many of its partner organisations. There will be displays of students’ work from all four Schools within the Faculty, cutting-edge research and demonstrations.
Birmingham Techfest will be open to schools, colleges, the public and businesses.