A series of free events are set to take place this month to celebrate Gwent’s contribution to the rich culture and history of Welsh innovation.

The events are part of the Wales Festival of Innovation, a fortnight-long celebration of discovery and invention, which will see scores of events take place across the country from the June 20 to July 1.

The festival will see leading companies and organisations throw open their doors to provide students, businesspeople, academics and members of the public, with the chance to discover their pioneering innovations that are being developed on their doorstep.

On the June 21 the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board will host a day-long innovation showcase exploring research and developments in the healthcare sector.

The event is set to build on last year’s showcase, which saw more than 350 delegates attend its exhibitions and expert lectures.

Students and teachers visiting Newport-based SPTS on July 1 will be provided with an opportunity to learn about the award-winning company, participate in interactive activities and taken on a tour of one of its hi-tech labs.

As a global leader in the design and manufacture of semiconductor processing solutions, SPTS, an Orbotech company, believes it is vital to support schools and teachers in their efforts to inspire students to pursue science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

On June 27, a workshop entitled Creative Thinking for Business Innovators, will provide delegates with an opportunity to ensure their innovations stand out from the crowd. The purpose of the workshop is to provide attendees with problem solving tools which can be used in the private and public sector to improve quality and efficiency.

Festival spokesperson Idris Price, who is also a director of ESTnet (the technology network for Wales), said: “The role Wales plays in developing the wold-class innovations is often overlooked, this festival aims to redress that.

"On a daily basis, Welsh innovation is driving breakthroughs in a multitude of sectors, including medicine, engineering, manufacturing, technology, and more. It is crucial that we celebrate this culture of innovation and ensure that it is recognised as a driving force for the Welsh economy and job creation.”

The Wales Festival of Innovation is organised by the ESTnet (the technology network for Wales), the Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) and MediWales with the support of Welsh Government and industry partners.

To find out more information about how you can attend any of the events described above, or put on an event of your own, please visit the Wales Festival of Innovation website: www.festivalofinnovation.org/