An event that will allow people from different backgrounds to have access to technology in an affordable and engaging way will take place at Engine Shed on Saturday 24 February.

People’s Tech, organised by Technotopia, is open to professionals, young people and everyone who wants to interact and learn more about the present and future of technological innovations.

Karin Rudolph, organiser of the event, says:

“It’s hard to believe that in a city like Bristol there’s no one affordable technology event open to the general public. Most events are hosted during weekdays, making it impossible for working people and children to have access to them.”

The event will have an exhibition area with interactive demos showcasing cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality, robotics and the ‘Internet of Things’. In this area, attendees will have the chance to get hands-on with these innovations.

Along with demos, People’s Tech has organised a series of tech talks on a variety of topics, including artificial intelligence, gender equality and the future of work. A line up of speakers representing local universities and businesses in Bristol will be sharing their knowledge and expertise with the local community.

Professor Guy Orpen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said:

“This open access event offers an opportunity for local people to experience and give us feedback on how technology could and should enable our future. We want them to be inspired by and shape the technology that is being developed and researched in our city, from driverless cars and smart health technology to advances in robotics and programming. The development of future digital technologies will be the core focus of our new innovative campus at Temple Quarter and I hope that events like this will help to inspire and engage the next generation of innovators in our region.”

The organisers are also collaborating with local digital democracy company Delib, who that will be providing a platform for people to express their ideas and views about technology. A few days before the event the general public will have the opportunity to sign up to take part of one of the challenges that People’s Tech will be posting online.

The event has received support from Engine Shed, The University of Bristol and Delib.

People’s Tech Bristol will take place on Saturday 24th February from 10-3 pm at the Engine Shed.

Tickets are available now from Eventbrite.