Abstract

Are you interested in building links with industry, but don’t really know where to start?

Have you got an idea that you’d like to discuss with companies, but aren’t sure how to approach them?

Aimed primarily at postdocs and early career researchers, this seminar will provide an informal introduction to engaging with industry, including how to find the relevant contacts, what to consider before speaking to them, what to say and what not to say, and what might happen next and how to manage it.

It will be given by Pieter Knook, who has had a long and distinguished career in mobile services and technologies, including serving as Senior Vice President Mobile Communications at Microsoft and Director of Internet Services at Vodafone Group Plc.

Friday 16 October 11.00 in the Computer Laboratory, followed by lunch – room FW11 (first floor)

If you are planning on attending, it is essential that you register (for catering and room-booking purposes) via e-mail to Andrea Kells – ark20@cam.ac.uk by Friday 9th Oct. Please also indicate if you have any special dietary requirements.

Pieter Knook is currently Chairman of Pulsant (a UK provider of IT infrastructure services), and Better Generation (a renewable energy start up), and serves on the board of TDC , First Utility, wot.io and Lunar Mission One. He is a Cambridge Angel and a Venture Partner with Octopus. He was formerly Director of Internet Services at Vodafone, and spent 18 years in senior roles at Microsoft (including Senior Vice President Mobile Communications and President of Microsoft Asia). Before joining Microsoft, Pieter launched and built a systems integration company, and spent six years with Scicon as a programmer and project manager. He is also visiting Professor in Innovation at the University’s Engineering Dept.

This is the first in the Collaboration and Innovation Skills Initiative series for 2015-6 and you can find the plan for the year here: https://engineerimpact.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/the-2015-16-seminar-series/

We look forward to seeing you at many of the events – starting with this one.