Leeds to host MIT innovation programme

Leeds and the City Region has been chosen to host a prestigious international innovation programme, in partnership with one of the world’s most famous universities, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Over a hundred leaders from government, business, universities and finance as well as leading entrepreneurs including CitiPark Managing Director, Ben Ziff, will come together for the three-day programme in January 2020 to discuss Leeds' strengths and ambitions.

The MIT innovation programme provides expert, evidence-based guidance to support cities, accelerate economic growth, job creation and social change. It has proved successful in helping nations and cities such as Beijing, Tokyo and Qatar shape their economic and societal impact.

Leeds is hosting the next stage in the global programme in January 2020, having successfully bid for a place on the globally renowned two-year MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (REAP) last year.

With three million people, the Leeds City Region is the UK’s largest economic area outside London and generates more than 5% of the UK’s economic outputs. The January workshop will help Leeds develop new strategies to implement change, to support innovation and inclusive growth.

Ben Ziff, Managing Director at CitiPark, said: “To be a part of such a fantastic program and to be hosting Workshop 3 in Leeds is not only a huge honour for the Leeds REAP team but it will also unlock many doors, ideas and huge economic growth for our great city.

Welcoming the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the cohort 6 teams to Leeds will capitalise on the Northern Powerhouse’s innovative mind-set and talent pool”