SubSub blog

The Innovation theme continued through to Friday with the BBC coming to town to discuss their Innovation Labs. The basic premise is that the BBC has problems, and they understand they may not be the best people to solve them… so setup this scheme to probe and commission the best innovative people across the country to help them do it.

That of course is where SubSub comes in, with so many creative and intelligent innovators under one (digital) roof.

The day started by finding out a bit about the scheme, the briefs they’ve set out and the systems and technologies they use. We then had an afternoon of brainstorming, concluding in a impromptu pitch back to the people there. This was really just an excuse to get us riled up, with the real submissions taking place online over the next few months.

Although some involved found the process quite hierarchical, I found Matt Locke (Head of Innovation) an exceptionally intelligent and articulated chap, and would enjoy the chance of working with him (let’s hope he doesn’t read this, and blame us for attempted ‘buttering up’)

We hope to get at least one idea generated and in to the running, preferably more. We’ll obviously keep people informed of the progress.

Last night was Bristol’s first official Dorkbot evening.  The event - dubbed as “people doing strange things with electricity” - was a relaxed affair of drinks and a few people showing off their gadgets.

It’s purpose was get an idea of interest and gather ideas for future events.  This seemed to go well with the next few months already booked in.

We’re looking forward to future events where we can expect more projects and more conversation. Although if they just bring back the remote control car covered in Play-doh I’ll be happy.

Future events will be advertised on http://dorkbot.org/dorkbotbristol/

Submerge and a number of other Bristol’s creative technologists are going to meet up next Tuesday to discuss how we get ourselves our very own festival of digital ‘real world’ gaming. Focusing on City Wide Gaming (CWG’s), where the basic premise is running around the city - usually carrying some kind of digital device, but not always - we’ll be attempting to put together a realistic plan to set up a one day event of general digital antics.

Bristol’s home to so many digital researchers and companies, while it also supports the UK’s largest open wi-fi coverage. So why let the Valley & New York have all the fun?

More news after the event.