Upstream’s Christmas Mixer

Description

Christmas mixer for science-tech-creative businesses in west London.

This year has had us all feeling more connected and disconnected than ever. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how to adapt to change and appreciate our community. Vaccines bring hope that we will be able to meet in person but until then… join Upstream for our Christmas science-tech-creative showcase and networking. 

Hear from inspirational speakers based in the borough, each sharing their account of 2020. This will be interspersed with two rounds of networking – a great way to reconnect and set the tone for a more collaborative 2021.

To support and strengthen local connections, please tell us when you register who it might be useful to be connected with, and if you can offer help or support yourself. We will match you as best as we can!

So whether you are an Upstream regular or have never heard of us before (what?), grab a drink, get those cosy slippers and Christmas jumper on, gather around the virtual fireplace and prepare for some magical moments. 

P.S. Not from west London? Don’t worry, you’re still invited! 

Speakers: 

Anish Bagga (Unitu): Anish is Founder and CEO of Hammersmith-based Unitu, a tech startup whose award-winning platform helps Universities and Student Unions improve their student experience by providing a simple way for staff to act on student feedback in real-time. Unitu has expanded its team and business to help universities meet the challenges the pandemic has thrown at them. 

Emilia Bayer (YNAP): YOOX-NET-A-PORTER is the world’s leading online luxury fashion retailer, with its tech hub at White City and UK corporate HQ at Westfield London. Emilia is the UK lead for change and engagement at this fashion-tech company and will be speaking about the changes the business has seen this year and what 2021 might look like for them. She will also discuss how YNAP has been supporting charities and communities in H&F and further during the pandemic. 

Emily Carter (Emily Carter): Emily Carter is an award-winning British designer based in Hammersmith, specialising in hand illustrated silk accessories, stationery and furnishings. Emily is a member of the British Fashion Council and has been featured in publications such as Vogue and The Financial Times, and her luxury accessories are stocked internationally. During the pandemic she has been upcycling silk off-cuts to make face coverings, with a proportion of the profits donated to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Alongside the business Emily has also designed for Harrods, where she’s created in-house themes and designs for the store.

Jessica Ellins (Institute of MS): London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS) is a vibrant research environment where scientists, clinicians and patients collaborate to advance the understanding of biology and its application to medicine. Jessica is a PhD student who is part of the COVID-19 Tutoring Initiative (CTI) established by several Oxbridge students supporting STEM education during lockdown. CTI aims to provide free tutoring to students without access to private tutoring.

Victoria Patrick (RCA) + Silje Andersen (Imperial): A perfect story of how a creative and a science powerhouse are collaborating to benefit local residents. White City-based Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art (RCA) were rolling out a series of STEAM workshops for the local community when the pandemic struck. Hear about their plans to STEAM ahead in 2021 (choo choo). Victoria is Community Engagement Manager at the RCA and Silje is Interdisciplinary Programmes Manager at Imperial.