Alvin Rogers
Lisa Smith
James McGiven
Sunday, June 2nd
Film Screening
Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey
Brave Blue World Studios is renowned for its commitment to raising the value of water, and with the premiere of "Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey," we continue our mission to shed light on the indispensable role of water in sustaining life on Earth and throughout history. Through mesmerizing storytelling and breathtaking visuals, this documentary promises to take attendees on an immersive journey, exploring the profound connection between humanity and water.
About the Film:
"Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey" delves into the essence of water as the lifeblood of our planet, showcasing its vital significance across diverse cultures and ecosystems. From remote corners of the globe to bustling urban centers, the film introduces viewers to visionary individuals who are pioneering efforts to preserve and rejuvenate our planet's water systems, invoking the wisdom and practices of our ancestors. As our world faces unprecedented challenges posed by climate change, this documentary advocates for a collective shift in consciousness and action, highlighting innovative approaches that offer hope for a liveable future.
It is the follow-up to our award-winning documentary “Brave Blue World”, which you can find here on Netflix. Though it’s successor, ‘Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey’ is a very different film to ‘Brave Blue World’, with a focus on heartfelt, vivid storytelling that is emotional, relatable, and universal.
Monday, June 3rd
Highlights
Keynote address by Gary White, CEO & Co-founder, Water.org + WaterEquity
Gary is the CEO and Co-founder of Water.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people in the developing world to gain access to safe water and sanitation. (Water.org is the resulting organization of the July 2009 merger between WaterPartners, co-founded by Gary in 1990, and H2O Africa, co-founded by actor Matt Damon). He developed Water.org’s WaterCredit Initiative, creating new financing options for poor populations to meet their water supply and sanitation needs. Gary also developed and now leads WaterEquity, an innovation of Water.org focused on raising and deploying social impact investment capital.
Over the past 25 years, Gary’s entrepreneurial vision has driven innovations in the way water and sanitation projects are delivered and financed, innovations that now serve as a model in the sector.
Innovation Showcases
Witness the future of water-tech innovation as 16 exceptional start-ups take center stage in our auditorium. These carefully selected companies were handpicked by our BlueTech Research Analysts over a 12-month cycle and will deliver 2-minute elevator pitches that will leave you inspired and amazed. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience firsthand the cutting-edge solutions that are revolutionizing the water industry. Join us today and be a part of this exciting journey towards a sustainable future!
Partner Addresses: "My Ikigai, My Water Story"
Get ready! Our partners are taking the stage to share their personal 'origin stories’ about why they got into the water sector and how they developed their innovation mindset. In just 5 minutes, you'll hear their heartfelt tales of passion for water and their hands-on approach to driving change. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means your 'reason for being’.
5x5s: Radical Collaboration in Action
Get ready for an exciting and informative session! In just 5 minutes, you'll hear from 5 top watertech innovation partnerships who have achieved great success. These industry leaders will take you on a fast-paced journey, revealing the secret ingredients that made their partnerships work like a charm. You'll come away with invaluable insights, inspiration and practical advice that you can apply to elevate your own partnerships and achieve your goals. Don't miss this chance to learn from the best and take your partnerships to new heights!
Botanic Garden Walk
Join us for a change of scenery by travelling from the Assembly Rooms to the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh for a reception with a stunning view across the city to Edinburgh Castle. We will also be leading guided tours to explore the newly implemented rain garden to demonstrate how sponge city techniques like this work to protect urban environments from an unpredictable climate.
Castle Dinner Reception
Close out the first day of BlueTech Forum with an evening at breath-taking Edinburgh Castle! Enjoy all the pomp and circumstance of a procession led by a bagpiper, followed by a luxurious evening enjoying the dazzling view from the large windows of the Jacobite Room and building on the serendipitous connections you made throughout the day.
Tuesday, June 4th
Highlights
Keynote address by Kongjian Yu, Sponge City Pioneer
Professor Kongjian Yu's innovative "sponge city" designs are transforming urban landscapes. By creating cities that soak up downpours, his designs are replacing flooded streets with lush green spaces, and allowing rainwater to nourish cities. Yu's firm, Turenscape, is already turning heads with a project in Bangkok that transformed a wasteland into a network of lakes and wetlands. Over 70 cities in China have implemented his designs, with the government aiming for 80% of cities to become absorbent by 2030. The Sponge City system is inspired by nature's ability to absorb and release water, transforming streets into green havens with mango trees growing where once concrete reigned.
Innovation In Action x 6 Thinking Hats Workshop
Embark on a dynamic journey of innovation with our '6 Thinking Hats' workshop centred on our 2024 theme, 'Innovation in Action.' Explore practical creativity through Edward de Bono's renowned problem-solving method, examining ideas and models from six different perspectives. Engage in interactive exercises, fostering collaborative thinking through distinct lenses to tackle real-world challenges.
Refreshments available throughout.
Action arenas:
Megatrends
We'll be exploring three pivotal themes shaping our collective future. Dive into the dynamic relationship between water and energy, strategies for resilience in the face of burnout, and the evolving role of individuals in the economy.
Innovation Showcase Awards & Lighthouse Awards Ceremony
Celebrate innovation with us in this ceremony where we will announce the winners of our Innovation Showcase Awards as well as the prestigious Lighthouse Awards. most pivotal trends shaping our collective future.
Music Night
Join us at the Voodoo Rooms for a one-of-a-kind music improv session Paul O’Callaghan.
