From Steel to Silicon: Past Lessons, Present Opportunities, Future Visions

The Event

Join this special, one-off innovation event. Hosted at the historic Black Country Living Museum, this unique business networking event will celebrate the evolution of the region, from the steel tools and manufacturing innovation that shaped our region to the West Midlands’ ambition to become the Silicon Valley of the UK.

This free evening event will offer space for entrepreneurs, innovators, and forward thinkers to connect, learn, and gain access to innovation support available across the region.

About the Event

We are planning engaging discussions, inspiring presentations from people with groundbreaking innovation, and interactive exhibits. The event will explore

Past: A specially tailored tour of the Black Country Museum’s Industrial Quarter. Learn about the industrial ingenuity that transformed the West Midlands and its global impact, as well as how certain changes in manufacturing processes in the 1900s were not initially perceived as innovations, yet they went on to revolutionize the sector as we know it today.

Present: Speak to our exhibitors about current opportunities and resources for innovation and business growth.

Future: Hear from thought leaders and entrepreneurs about emerging trends and how today’s ideas can become tomorrow’s transformative innovations.

The event will also feature:

• Networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and idea sharing.
• Access to local experts and advisors.
• A showcase of successful regional initiatives.

This event will celebrate the creativity and resilience that define our region and serve as a call to action for those who want to shape its future.