The festival showcased a wide range of pioneering projects, from an Alzheimer’s taste-test screening and a childbirth simulator to state-of-the-art agricultural robots and the UK’s vegetable gene bank. One standout innovation involved researchers working with Hollywood Gaming to explore whether adding scents to video games could enhance immersion and performance, using a custom-built headset that delivers precise bursts of scent. These breakthroughs help highlight the growing opportunities for collaboration between industry and academia, driving innovation and economic growth across the region.

David Plumb, Chief Innovation Officer at The University of Warwick, said: “Warwick was founded on bold ideas, and innovation has been at the heart of our success over the past 60 years. 

“This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come, while looking ahead to the future and the impact we can continue to make. The Festival of Innovation was the perfect way to start the year, showcasing some of the incredible work happening at Warwick and bringing together the wider community.”

The 60th-anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year, with events and initiatives highlighting Warwick’s legacy, global reach, and the people who have shaped its success. The programme will culminate in the Global Illuminations Light Festival in November, bringing together students, staff, alumni, and the local community for a spectacular finale. 

For more information on The University of Warwick’s business innovation and development community, visit: warwickinnovationdistrict.com