A SCIENCE and technology themed event celebrated Hampshire firms who are pushing back the boundaries of science.

Backed by the Daily Echo, Nucleus championed the companies that are helping the county to become an innovation powerhouse.

Hosted by the University of Southampton Science Park at Chilworth and organised by technology-led communications agency React, it brought together the region’s top innovators and some big name speakers.

Nick Schulkins MBE, Wessex regional chairman of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers gave the keynote speech.

“We believe that engineering talent is at the heart of world class innovation and we see enormous potential for Hampshire to be recognised as one of the UK’s most exciting science and technology hubs,” said Mr Schulkins.

There will be car demonstrations by Tesla, workshops with Innovate UK, London Stock Exchange Group and Paris Smith, and keynote discussions to include TV presenters Kate Bellingham, Champion for Girls’ Opportunities in Engineering, and Dallas Campbell, best known for his ground-breaking factual documentaries for the BBC.

The day was supported by Hampshire County Councils’ Economic Development team.

Councillor Séan Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment from HCC, said: “Innovation is at the heart of Hampshire, and Nucleus will highlight the businesses and individuals that create and invent on a daily basis; the people who are putting Hampshire on the world stage as an innovation powerhouse.”