The University of Brighton is pleased to announce the launch of Focus 2020 as part of the DRIVA (Digital Research & Innovation Value Accelerator) project. DRIVA provides technology SMEs and creative arts enterprises access to a live data feed, updated every 24 seconds, to Gatwick Airport’s flight and operational data alongside R&D grants to enable businesses to develop new products, services and experiences using the data.

The Focus 2020 programme offers free, intensive business development and technical support, training and access to specialist facilities, resources and expertise. This includes software workshops, online materials, monthly meet-ups and specialist topics such as managing big data using R, business intelligence software and data visualisation.

“Data-driven innovation is a key enabler of business growth and core to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. DRIVA presents a great opportunity for innovators to generate ideas for exciting new applications and services – and to find partners and funding to get them off the ground.”

Katherine Courtney,

Strategic Advisor and former UK Government Enterprise Director and Space Agency CEO

DRIVA already has 300 users. Sign up now on www.drivaartsdriva.com to attend exclusive innovation events and to receive personalised matches on funding, topical resources and expertise, mentoring and a chance to win cash awards – alongside real time access to big data from Gatwick Airport.

The DRIVA project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020, established by the European Union, the Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regeneration. It is also supported by public funds from the Arts Council England.

To find out more about DRIVA please contact:

Jennifer Wells, SME engagement lead, DRIVA

j.wells@brighton.ac.uk

01273 642748