Inclusive Innovation

Innovation and Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) are closely linked. Diversity brings a wide range of perspectives and creative ideas and, with inclusion, we are able to create a space where these can be shared, debated, and turned into a reality.

What if we brought diversity and inclusion at the heart of innovation? What is the impact of innovation that isn’t inclusive? What more can we do in this space and what would be the benefits?

We will be joined by guest extraordinaire Abi Hird, Michael Omotosho, & Hardeep Rai:

• Abi Hird – Innovation Lead at Innovate UK KTN helps innovative businesses understand how they might connect with the wider-world in order to drive positive change. This might mean taking them through the design to manufacture journey, understanding ‘fit’ with wider infrastructure or organisations, or navigating and preventing any unintended environmental, social, economic, and political consequences. Abi is also the Lead of the Gender & Sex Employee Network.

• Michael Omotosho – Founder of Tosho and Co., multidisciplinary designer and maker with an impressive track record of producing inclusive, innovative, methodical, functional and practical problem solving products.
  Michael is currently applying his years of experience to embedded design projects and technical management in his company and also consulting within the industry.

• Hardeep Rai – Group Chief Executive Officer at The Kaleidoscope Group of Companies (Kg). The purpose of Kaleidoscope is to help disabled individuals realise their full potential and find their purpose by offering them the opportunity to (a) start their own business, (b) find their dream job, or (c) learn new skills. Hardeep focuses on social impact and sustainability and, together with his team, strives to deliver commercial success with purpose at heart for Kg and others.

The hour we will spend together will be divided in 2 parts:

1. Talkshow: Our host will ask our guest questions. This part will be recorded (30 mins)

2. Conversation: We will open the virtual room to everyone attending LIVE and create a safe space for you all to share your personal stories and lived experiences around the topic. This part will not be recorded (30 mins)

The session will be hosted by Solène Anglaret, Founder of Be Beyond Borders, and author of four books about identity, diversity, and inclusion including travel memoir Where to Next? and children’s story Where Are You From?

Looking forward to our inclusion conversation.