News and Events

Festival Shows Best of BU

29 June 2007

Festival of Design and Innovation programme

The Festival of Design and Innovation is now open, and we’re inviting you to visit us to see the products of tomorrow on show.

The event – now in its 15th year – marks the first opportunity for the public and business communities to view over 170 new designs and prototypes designed by BU students.

The entrepreneurs behind them believe they could all be commercial successes.

The Festival was opened by Mandy Haberman, inventor of the ‘Anyway Up Cup,’ a non-drip container that's widely used as a medical tool for a variety of feeding difficulties.

“I spent the most amazing couple of hours walking around the Festival and I’ve been blown away by the standard and volume of designs on display,” Mandy said. “I feel very humble standing in front of all those students, whose work is amazing.

“BU’s Festival of Design and Innovation is a flagship event. I would like to see more universities follow suit. Well done Bournemouth!”

Mandy shared her experiences with students and explained how she made the transition from graphic designer to award-winning inventor. “I’m a mum, inventor, entrepreneur and prize fighter,” she said. “If I can do it, anybody can!”

Mandy is an Honorary Fellow with BU’s Centre for Intellectual Property Policy and Management. She received an Honorary Doctorate from BU in 2005 and has won a variety of awards for her unique designs.

She has also been recognised by the Queen as a Pioneer to the Life of the Nation.

Mandy was joined at the opening by BU graduate Simon Phelps, who designed the award-winning ‘Floodstop’ flood barrier as part of his degree in Computer Aided Design.

The Festival is a unique event, bringing together public and private supporters to champion and assist innovation, commercialisation and business growth in the South West.

The 15th annual Festival of Design and Innovation runs between until Monday 2 July (closed Sunday 1 July) on BU’s Talbot Campus.

Admission to the Festival is free.