The GREAT Innovation Showcase, opened in Sofia as part of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s drive for EU competitiveness, will be on public display at the British Council from 14 to 19 December.
A fascinating exhibition of cutting-edge research from the UK was among the highlights of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s recent visit. Initially displayed at the Sofia Tech Park, the GREAT Innovation showcase now moves to the British Council and will be open to the public from 14 to 19 December.
The Showcase was brought to Bulgaria by the British Embassy Sofia’s UK Trade and Investment Section. Its first display in the country took place during the GREAT Innovation Exchange event on 4 December, which brought together British and Bulgarian companies involved in innovation and science, and which was attended by British Prime Minister David Cameron, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and President Plevneliev. The exhibition is now available for everyone and can be seen free of charge at the British Council at 7 Krakra Street in Sofia, Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 19.00 and Saturday from 09.00 to 14.00.
The Showcase proves why Great Britain remains the second most innovative country in the world according to the Global Innovation Index. In addition to celebrating Great Britain’s long tradition in innovation, however, the exhibition also intends to shed light on the concept of innovation, which often remains abstract. Ambassador Emma Hopkins OBE said: “The Showcase turns what can feel like an intangible concept into something real, with all exhibits current or very recent examples of British innovation. Many of them have not yet reached the point of full commercialisation, but are expected to within a few years”.
The objects on display include a satellite the size of a pack of butter which weighs only 180 grams, as well as a model of a new engine class that will allow aircraft to fly directly in and out of the Earth’s orbit, cutting the flying time to Australia down to four hours. British Council visitors will also have the chance to explore a model of the world’s fastest car designed to go at 1600 km/h, performance-enhancing wearable technology that works with your body, a “snake-arm” robot which allows engineers to work in nuclear plants, and a low-cost computer the size of a credit card. Many other British innovations are also presented on touch-screen displays.
Most of these exhibits grew out of research in Britain’s world-class higher education sector. However, as the Showcase suggests, innovation is not confined to academia. Ambassador Emma Hopkins OBE said: “The Showcase provides an insight into how innovation happens - the amalgamation of expertise, creativity and curiosity. Most of the exhibits you will see prove that academia and industry are intertwined in the process of innovation”.
Opening hours
14 - 18 December | 09.00 - 19.00 |
Saturday 19 December | 10.00 - 15.00 |
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is the British government’s department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy and assists overseas businesses in bringing their investment to Great Britain. The department offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists based both in the UK and abroad, and provides companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage. For more information visit www.ukti.gov.uk and its online newsroom at www.ukti.gov.uk.