Everything around us is getting smarter, whether that's phones or fridges, and now even materials themselves are becoming more 'intelligent'.

And that represents huge opportunities for all of us.

So we'll be hearing from speakers who are at the forefront of the development and application of smart materials. From one atom thick, hyper-conductive graphene, to living buildings inspired by plant growth, prepare to be amazed!

Speakers include -

James Baker, The Graphene Institute.

Graphene is one of those wonder materials that only come along once in a generation. Layers of carbon, one atom thick that are highly conductive, many times stronger than steel, and with probably many more properties yet to be discovered. James will give us an overview of this novel material and it's many applications, and help you see how you could exploit some of them.

Jane Scott, Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment

The Hub was set up to develop biotechnologies to create a new generation of buildings that are responsive to their natural environment; grown using living engineered materials, that metabolise their own waste, generate energy and modulate their microbiome to benefit human health and wellbeing. Jane will describe their work on smart materials that are inspired by nature to mimic living processes.

Mark Catchpole, Conductive Transfers

Conductive Transfers have developed a new technology for printing stretchable electronics, to create circuits that are stretchable, washable, durable and effective. Since the business was founded in 2017 it has been used by customers operating in diverse markets globally, including a soon to be launched wearable product to target bladder weakness.

Rise and Design

Rise and Design lasts for approximately three hours, and includes networking before and after speakers. There is a chance to pitch at the end of the speakers' presentations, and you can book a stand for the whole event. We encourage all delegates to stay after presentations for networking - it is one of the most valuable parts of Rise and Design.

Supply Chain North East

Supply Chain North East brings together four key partners to work with over 800 businesses through to 2021, supporting them to identify opportunities in new and existing markets. An integral part of the North East Strategic Economic Plan, that has a vision to create 100,000 more and better jobs between 2014 and 2024. , Supply Chain North East is delivered across the region by RTC North, Generator, North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) and North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC).

Supply Chain North East is a multimillion programme aimed at revolutionising the way SMEs diversify their offering and embrace new markets. The programme has received more than £3m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund, which is part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Enterprise Europe Network

Enterprise Europe Network is the world’s largest business network and a great platform on which to promote your business, technology or ideas across Europe and beyond.

At the heart of the service are over 600 companies like RTC working with clients to find and connect partners to do commercial deals, share technology and new ideas or develop research partnerships.