Hear from inspirational speakers based in the borough, each sharing their account of 2020. This will be interspersed with two rounds of networking - a great way to reconnect and set the tone for a more collaborative 2021.

This year has had us all feeling more connected and disconnected than ever. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how to adapt to change and appreciate our community. Vaccines bring hope that we will be able to meet in person but until then... join Upstream for our Christmas science-tech-creative showcase and networking event.

Upstream is a partnership between Imperial College London and Hammersmith & Fulham, here to connect and support the Science, Tech and Creative industries in the borough. This virtual mixer is an opportunity to engage with potential collaborators and innovators, and celebrate the amazing innovations and lessons of change that have occurred during the pandemic.

To support and strengthen connections, please tell us when you register who it might be useful to be connected with - whether you want to learn, develop your business and or just make a friend! If you're not sure don't worry, we'll match you as best as we can!

So grab a drink, get those cosy slippers and Christmas jumper on, gather around the virtual fireplace and prepare for some magical moments.

P.S. Not from West London? Don’t worry, you’re still invited!

Here’s how attendees have described Upstream events:

"It’s a social but you’re coming away with quality professional relationships. You know you’re going to hear from some amazing people. It’s a perfect balance of both.”

"...a valuable opportunity to connect with so many relevant and interesting innovators."

"...a refreshing approach to business development & engagement."

Speakers:

Anish Bagga (Unitu): Anish is Founder and CEO of Hammersmith-based Unitu, a tech startup whose award-winning platform has expanded its team and business to help universities meet the challenges the pandemic has thrown at them.

Emilia Bayer (YNAP): Emilia is the UK lead for change and engagement at YOOX-NET-A-PORTER, the world’s leading online luxury fashion retailer, with its tech hub at White City and UK corporate HQ at Westfield London. She will discuss how YNAP has been supporting charities and communities in H&F and what 2021 might look like for them.

Emily Carter (Emily Carter): Emily Carter is an award-winning British designer. During the pandemic she has been upcycling silk off-cuts to make face coverings, with a proportion of the profits donated to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Alongside the business Emily has also designed for Harrods, where she’s created in-house themes and designs for the store.

Jessica Ellins (Institute of MS): Jessica is a PhD student at London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) who is part of the COVID-19 Tutoring Initiative (CTI) established by several Oxbridge students supporting STEM education during lockdown. CTI aims to provide free tutoring to students without access to private tutoring.

Victoria Patrick (RCA) + Silje Andersen (Imperial): A perfect story of how a creative and a science powerhouse are collaborating to benefit local residents. White City-based Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art (RCA) were rolling out a series of STEAM workshops for the local community when the pandemic struck. Hear about their plans to STEAM ahead in 2021 (choo choo).