Gamers to Descend on Leamington for Key Event

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 43 seconds

Tech

Share:

Quick Read: Interactive Futures conference in Leamington Spa brings together Warwickshire's gaming industry leaders, offering networking, career opportunities, and industry insights.

Warwickshire’s status as a leading hub in the UK’s video game industry is set to take center stage at the upcoming Interactive Futures conference in Leamington Spa, affectionately known as Silicon Spa. The event, scheduled for May 10 and 11 at The Royal Spa Centre, promises to be a vibrant celebration of the region’s vibrant gaming community and its significant contributions to the global gaming landscape.

Boasting a lineup of prestigious studios including Third Kind Games, The Sumo Group, Ubisoft, and Playground Games, Interactive Futures will serve as a platform for industry giants to converge, exchange insights, and inspire the next generation of gaming talent. The event is organised by Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council, and the Warwickshire Games Collective, in a bid to showcase the region’s thriving gaming scene and foster connections within the industry.

Photo Credit: Leamington Observer

The conference kicks off on Friday with an ‘Industry Day’ dedicated to fostering connections among developers and creatives from Warwickshire and beyond. Participants can expect insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and a chance to delve into the latest trends shaping the gaming landscape.

Saturday shifts the focus to students, parents, and individuals seeking to explore career opportunities in the dynamic world of video games. With an array of talks, workshops, and interactive sessions, the event aims to provide valuable insights into the diverse career paths available within the gaming industry. From game development and design to marketing and production, attendees will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of the gaming sector.

Martin Watson, Warwickshire County Council’s economy spokesperson, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its role in showcasing the region’s gaming prowess.

“Interactive Futures will give some of the best in the business a chance to promote what they do, right here in Silicon Spa, and network with other creatives from across the UK”

he remarked.

Ella Billiald, Warwick District Council’s arts spokesperson, echoed Watson’s sentiments, emphasising the event’s significance in providing a platform for local gaming communities to connect and collaborate.

“We’re excited to see this inspiring event back in its original two-day format, giving our local video games community the opportunity to network and those with an interest in a future career the chance to gain valuable advice, information, and insights”

she stated.

With its blend of industry expertise, networking opportunities, and career insights, Interactive Futures is poised to leave a lasting impression on attendees, further cementing Warwickshire’s reputation as a thriving hub in the ever-evolving world of video games.

What's new

West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator Unlocks Nearly £50M in Private Investment

The West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA), led by the University of Birmingham, has generated an impressive £49.4 million in private co-investment within its first two years, significantly surpassing its original £14.5 million public funding allocation.

Funded through the Innovation Accelerator programme, coordinated by Innovate UK, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and UK Research and Innovation, WMHTIA has become a leading force in advancing health technology innovation across the region.

The majority of the private investment—£36.3 million—was directly committed by investors to enterprises supported by the Accelerator. This achievement represents a threefold return on the initial public investment, demonstrating the strong investor confidence in the region’s health tech sector.

Powering Health Innovation Through Collaboration

The WMHTIA brings together 21 partners from academia, industry, and the NHS to help healthtech companies develop, validate, and commercialise cutting-edge medical technologies. So far, companies supported through the programme have also secured an additional £10 million in national public grants from agencies including NIHR, Eureka, and Innovate UK.

Including both public and private contributions, the total investment leveraged by WMHTIA now stands at £67.3 million.

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Birmingham:

We’re proud to support startups through the riskiest stages of innovation so more life-saving technologies reach patients. This exceptional investment proves what’s possible when academia, the NHS, and industry work together to drive economic growth and better health outcomes.

In March 2025, the Innovation Accelerator programme was extended with a further £30 million, including £4 million for the WMHTIA to continue supporting the region’s innovators in 2025/26.

Backing the Future of Health Tech

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands:

The West Midlands is leading medical tech innovation—from faster diagnoses to shorter hospital stays. Healthtech isn’t just improving lives; it’s creating secure, high-value jobs that drive inclusive growth.

Dean Cook, Executive Director of Place and Global, Innovate UK:

This programme shows how place-based innovation can unlock greater business investment in R&D. By connecting the region’s strengths, we’re creating high-value jobs and building globally significant innovation capability.

The WMHTIA continues to strengthen the region’s reputation as a national hub for health technology, with far-reaching benefits for patient care, job creation, and regional economic development.

By Anushka Malhotra

24 Jun