Innovation Tees Valley is the must-attend gathering of 2025, created to showcase the region’s brightest talents and breakthrough ideas. Hosted in Tees Valley, this flagship event will feature 50 of the most innovative local businesses alongside industry leaders, investors, and funders, creating an unparalleled platform for businesses to connect, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Innovation Tees Valley is where breakthrough ideas meet opportunity, creating a space for connections, learning, and celebration. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an investor, or an industry expert, this event is designed to inspire, empower, and shape the future of our regional economy.
This event features interactive Seminars & Workshops focused on future innovation trends, an Innovation Awards Ceremony recognising top achievements across sectors, and Networking Opportunities that foster connections and partnerships among businesses, investors, and industry leaders.
Why Attend?
Seminars: interactive sessions that explore upcoming innovation trends and provide horizon scanning across key sectors. Gain foresight into future market opportunities and industry shifts, helping you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Investment & Funding Workshop: Master the grant application process with insider tips from an assessor to boost your chances of securing funding.
Innovation Showcase: discover the innovation eco-system of Teesside where local business will exhibit their innovations.
Innovation Awards Ceremony: Celebrate achievements across multiple categories, culminating in an audience-voted Innovation of the Year award.
Networking & Collaboration: Build connections over lunch and refreshments while exploring potential investments and partnerships.
Simon Green is the CEO of Edge Innovation Ltd, with a background in corporate innovation across Africa, Latin America, and Asia. He has launched and led technology businesses in healthcare and transport before focusing on innovation support and access to finance, securing over £20m for North East businesses. Since founding Edge Innovation in 2015, he has also established the Innovation SuperNetwork and Rural Design Centre.
Siobhan McArdle is the Chair of the Business Board for Tees Valley Combined Authority, Founder of The Strategy House, and Chief Executive of L3COS, a global technology group focused on disrupting supply chains through blockchain innovation. With extensive experience in corporate strategy, turnaround planning, and organizational development, she has played a key role in Tees Valley's economic growth. Passionate about driving transformation, Siobhan has previously served as CEO of South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, overseeing a £140 million recovery program.
Professor Sue Black, named one of Europe’s Top 50 Women in Tech, is a leading voice in AI, innovation, and digital transformation. From overcoming personal challenges to earning a PhD in software engineering, her story is one of resilience and success.
Dr. Katie is the Founder & CEO of BioOrbit, pioneering nanomedicines for deep space exploration. With a PhD in Nanotechnology from Cambridge and experience at NASA, she’s a trailblazer in space medicine.
Simone Boekelaar, Head of Horizon Scanning at Innovate UK, leads the effort in identifying breakthrough technologies shaping the future. From AI to space travel, she maps the innovations set to transform industries by 2035.
Nick Appleyard, Head of Sustainable Business at the European Space Agency, supports companies leveraging space technology for innovation. With a background in digital economy policy, he is driving the growth of commercial space applications.
Dr. Angela MacOscar, Head of Innovation at Northumbrian Water, champions purpose-driven innovation. With a PhD in Physical Chemistry and expertise in cross-sector transformations, she is redefining how businesses approach problem-solving.
Lyle McCalmont, Managing Director of MCD Systems, has spent over 20 years helping businesses adopt digital solutions to drive efficiency and growth. He will be sharing insights on how technology can revolutionise industries.
Liz Byrne, CEO & Co-Founder of Believe Solutions, is driving change through place-based social impact. With over 20 years of experience in cultural and structural reform, she is transforming communities through cross-sector collaboration.
Tony Underwood, former elite athlete, airline captain, and leadership expert, is now Co-Founder of Believe Solutions. His "Engage, Empower, Elevate, Embed" framework is transforming leadership and workplace culture.
Michelle, Transformation & Innovation Manager at Thirteen Group, specialises in digital transformation and service design. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she is reshaping technology for social impact. Be part of the conversation!
Thomas Merry, Commercialisation & Innovations Manager at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, he specialises in developing innovative recycling technologies and market solutions. With nearly 15 years of experience in waste management, he focuses on maximising waste as a resource, increasing material circularity, and value recovery, while advising on policy, technology, and waste forecasting.
Chris Sophocleous, a seasoned commercial leader at Suntory’s Lucozade Ribena Ltd, he brings over a decade of expertise in sales, strategy, and operations. With experience managing key retail accounts he now drives data-led strategic planning and innovation. A dynamic speaker with real-world insights, delivering valuable perspectives on commercial growth, retail partnerships, and strategic decision-making.
Helena Bowman, Head of Business Operations and Community at Middlesbrough Football Club, spent over a decade at MFC Foundation before moving into her current role. She also Chairs the Consortium of Borderlands and was the first female non-Exec Director on North Riding County FA’s Board.
Tony McMeekin, Director at Procter & Gamble’s Connect + Develop, has over 20 years of experience across product, technology, and consumer research. Based out of P&G’s Newcastle Innovation Centre, he leads UK Open Innovation, connecting global business challenges with opportunities in the UK ecosystem.
Chris Woodhead leads the growth and support of DHL Express’ eCommerce, fashion, and retail customers across the North East & Yorkshire. With seven years of experience, he has been instrumental in helping British businesses navigate the ever-evolving landscape of international trade and consumer buying habits.
Innovation Tees Valley is delivered as part of the Tees Valley Innovation Challenge delivered by Edge Innovation Ltd and Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria on behalf of the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, and the Tees Valley Business Board.