CreaTech Frontiers proudly took part in Innovation Fest 2026 at Birmingham City University, contributing an exciting programme of activity that celebrated immersive technology, creative innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
As one of Birmingham City University’s flagship annual events, Innovation Fest brings together students, researchers, academics, businesses, and industry professionals from across computing, engineering, creative technologies, and the built environment to explore emerging ideas and showcase cutting-edge work.
This year, CreaTech Frontiers participated in the XR Coursework Exhibition and hosted a special showcase panel discussion titled:
“From Prototype to Partnership: Powering CreaTech Innovation Through Collaboration”
The panel explored how collaboration between academia, industry, and the creative sector can help transform early-stage ideas into impactful real-world innovation. The discussion highlighted the importance of partnership working in supporting experimentation, knowledge exchange, entrepreneurship, and the development of future-facing creative technologies.
The session was chaired by Prof. Lamberto Coccioli, Director of CreaTech Frontiers, who opened the discussion by reflecting on the programme’s mission to support innovation at the intersection of creativity and technology through collaborative research and development.
The panel featured a diverse group of speakers from across the CreaTech Frontiers network:
- Pamela Aculey, award-winning entrepreneur, author, and Co-Founder of MIXD Reality, discussed the importance of accessibility and representation within immersive storytelling and educational technologies.
- Alex Kosminsky, Co-Founder and COO of MIXD Reality, shared insights into developing immersive experiences that combine creative design, user engagement, and emerging technologies.
- Jennine Jones, Student Enterprise Manager at Birmingham City University, highlighted the growing importance of entrepreneurial support in helping students and graduates develop innovative ideas into viable businesses and creative ventures.
- John Sewell, Founder of Cosimo Art, explored how digital platforms and creative innovation can help support artists, expand accessibility, and strengthen creative communities.
- Wenge Xu, Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University, reflected on the value of collaboration between research, education, and industry in driving innovation across immersive and creative technologies.
Alongside the panel, visitors also had the opportunity to experience the XR Coursework Exhibition, which showcased innovative student work exploring immersive media, extended reality, and interactive experiences.
The event also featured a poster competition from the 2025/26 cohort of Master’s students in User Experience Design, where students presented their final group projects to attendees from academia and industry. The showcase demonstrated the creativity, technical skill, and collaborative thinking emerging from the next generation of designers and innovators.
The day created valuable opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange between students, researchers, businesses, and creative practitioners, reinforcing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping the future of the creative technology sector.
CreaTech Frontiers would like to thank all speakers, exhibitors, students, partners, and attendees who contributed to making the event such a success.
Innovation Fest 2026 continues throughout the week at Birmingham City University, celebrating innovation and collaboration across a wide range of disciplines and industries.
