Leading industry experts from across the UK are set to descend upon the Sunderland Software Centre for the first of a series of events that will see them provide insight and expertise to software and technology entrepreneurs in the region.

Business and technology services company, IBM, in partnership with Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Software City is set to host Gateway to Opportunity on Friday, December 13 to introduce technology entrepreneurs to national and international industry lights to help develop their product, service or business.

Places are still available for the free half day event which will see business owners in the region learn from leading technologists, scientists and business experts as they share their experience in the software field. The programme will see key note speakers including Iain Gray, CEO of the Technology Strategy Board, UCL Professor Tim Broyd, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet secretary, Councillor Mel Speding and Chris Mairs, serial entrepreneur and world-championship winning captain of the British Disabled Waterski Team explore the future of the technology landscape in the UK.

David Dunn, chief executive of Sunderland Software City who will be facilitating the event said: “The Gateway to Opportunity event is the first in a series of exciting events that will bring more world-class entrepreneurs and thought leaders to Sunderland over the next few years. Our partnership with IBM is designed to inspire and support the growth of software businesses in the North East, helping more to become internationally successful and further strengthening the region’s reputation as an innovative hub in the global ICT landscape.”

The multi-million pound Sunderland Software Centre has a contract with IBM that sees it act as the building’s managed service provider (MSP), delivering support to its tenants and providing equipment to the flagship site. As well as equipping the building with the latest IT and AV equipment, the contract also includes an events programme delivered to tenants by IBM.

Rashik Parmar, world-wide president of the IBM Academy of Technology will take to the stage to discuss the opportunities for technology to offer solutions to the built environment and transport sectors, and in particular the activities of the TSB’s Transport Catapult centre in promoting innovation enabled by technology in partnership with universities and SMEs.

He said: “Establishing a trusted environment amongst an eco-system of partners is a critical ingredient for inspiring innovation that can be commercialised. Sunderland Software Centre is an example of such a trusted environment and is poised to help SMEs create new value for the city, and the UK. The programme of showcase events illustrates that the centre is connected to globally recognised thought leaders that can be a catalyst for new ideas.”

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council said: “It’s a really positive sign for Sunderland to be at the centre of a wider software community and I’m thrilled so many leading industry players are backing the investment to drive Sunderland forward as a hub for software and technology.

“The event is a fantastic opportunity to offer regional companies insight into the prospects for technology solutions in markets such as telecommunications, manufacturing and commerce and will provide connections to potential customers, business partners and investors with access to international sales and marketing opportunities.”

Iain Gray, CEO of the Technology Strategy Board, will also offer an overview of the company’s role in supporting innovation, SMEs and start-up companies in the UK as well as the role of collaborations between the public and private sector, universities and large and small technology organisations.

The event will take place between 9:30am and 2pm and there will be opportunities to network with keynote speakers.