Northumbrian Water's Innovation Festival will return as a live event in July following a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.
The event, which brings together innovators from the worlds of science, technology and business, will return to Newcastle Racecourse between July 12-15 with the theme of 'untapped potential'.
Organisers expect to attract thousands of attendees, both physically and digitally, for a series of design sprints, hacks, workshops and activities aimed at solving difficult problems such as climate change, cyber security, and water scarcity.
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It is the sixth Innovation Festival and the programme will also include music, comedy, tech-demos, well-being activities and celebrity speakers.
Last year’s festival saw talks from guests such as documentary-maker Louis Theroux and activist Magid Magid, as well as a live exercise session with Mr Motivator.
Nigel Watson, information services director at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re extremely excited to be returning for a sixth year, and to be coming ‘home’ in a way, back to Newcastle Racecourse where this all began.
“Anyone who has ever been to our festivals before knows that it is a celebration of ideas, fun and is a total thrill – and is without doubt the best week at work you could possibly have.
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“This year’s theme is ‘untapped potential’ – and we’re going to be tapping into different ideas that haven’t been fully explored before.
“We know that diversity is the key to coming up with good ideas – diverse people, opinions, ideas and backgrounds. So, everyone is invited to come along and be a part of something incredibly special.”
The festival has previously spawned successful projects.
The National Underground Asset Register - a digital map of underground pipes and cables designed to guide installation, maintenance and operation of buried infrastructure - was born from the 2018 festival, and has since been adopted by the Government
Organisers say they thought closely about the war in Ukraine before announcing the return of the festival, and have pledged to help the humanitarian effort in some way with details to be announced.
To be a part of the festival, register your interest here -