Festival of Tomorrow 2025 & Our Collaboration with iCAST
The Festival of Tomorrow 2025, held from February 10 to 22 in Swindon, stood as a beacon of innovation, drawing approximately 23,000 visitors from diverse backgrounds. This event underscored the power of collaboration between academic institutions and industry leaders in driving sustainable technological advancements.
Our Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Chemical Technologies has long championed the integration of academic research with real-world applications. Our partnership with the Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) exemplifies this commitment. iCAST, inaugurated in November 2021, operates as a research and development hub, uniting the expertise of the Universities of Bath and Oxford, the High Value Manufacturing Catapult’s Sustainability Partnership, and industry innovators. Situated in Swindon’s historic Carriage Works, iCAST focuses on translating sustainable chemical technology research into commercial solutions addressing global challenges such as the climate emergency and plastic pollution.
At this year’s festival, iCAST and the CDT showcased its dedication to inspiring future generations. Engaging exhibits and interactive sessions highlighted the pivotal role of sustainable technologies in shaping a greener future. These initiatives not only educated attendees but also fostered a deeper understanding of the collaborative efforts required to drive meaningful change.
Our CDT is proud to collaborate with iCAST in these endeavors. By merging academic rigor with industrial insights, we aim to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable technologies. Events like the Festival of Tomorrow provide an invaluable platform to demonstrate the tangible impacts of such collaborations, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and informed citizens.
As we reflect on the successes of the festival, we remain committed to our mission: fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between research and industry, ensuring that sustainable innovations transition from the lab to real-world applications.
Some more snapshots from the day:
