Microsoft’s UK CEO praised the University’s innovation partnerships during a campus visit as part of Leeds Digital Festival.
Clare Barclay took part in a tour and expert panel discussion at Nexus and the Microsoft leadership team previewed HELIX – the University’s digital learning space launching next week.
A keen advocate for diversity and inclusion, Ms Barclay is responsible for all of Microsoft’s product and service offerings in the UK and for supporting the success of commercial customers and partners.
She said: “Leeds is well known as a creative, vibrant and innovative city and all of those characteristics come together at Nexus.
“It was great to meet with ambitious entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders and hear about the partnerships they have formed and the exciting businesses they are building.
“Microsoft are committed to the region and look forward to doing all we can to support the digital ecosystem.”
During the visit, Ms Barclay and her leadership team learnt about the community of innovation-driven businesses at Nexus, including Edge Analytics and SatSense.
“Innovation is thriving in Leeds, and we were delighted Clare was able to visit us to learn about all the innovative digital ecosystems work taking place here.”
The visit, which took place on Tuesday 19 September, included a panel discussion chaired by Eve Roodhouse, Leeds City Council’s Chief Officer for Culture and Economy. The panel showcased the Leeds Innovation Ecosystem and included key stakeholders and leaders from across the ecosystem.
It was part of Leeds Digital Festival, which this year features more than 240 events designed to celebrate and explore the city's leading role in digital enterprise and innovation.
Tom Riordan, Chief Executive at Leeds City Council, said: “It was great to be able to welcome Clare and her senior Microsoft colleagues to Leeds in the middle of the brilliant Leeds Digital Festival - one of the most successful in Europe with over 250 events this year.
“The Team Leeds ethos shone through strongly, and we discussed our partnership work on innovation that is transforming the economy and helping our organisations navigate a period of such rapid technological change.”
Dr Martin Stow, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Enterprise, said: “Innovation is thriving in Leeds, and we were delighted Clare was able to visit us to learn about all the innovative digital ecosystems work taking place here.”
HELIX is the University’s new digital learning space for students, staff, the local community and business.
The Microsoft Leadership Team visiting the HELIX space
It is a multi-use space providing a home for all digitally-focused activity at the University and a dedicated space for students to collaborate across facilities on creative, innovative and entrepreneurial projects based on their own initiatives and creative ideas.
Jo-Anne Murray, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Digital Transformation, said: “We are always keen to open the space to industry partners and the wider Leeds community and therefore it was a pleasure to welcome the Microsoft team to see this innovative space at the University and how we are advancing our digital experience for all.”
Further Information
For more information, please email Rebecca Hurrey in the University of Leeds press office.
Picture Credit: Jodie Rhoden