‘Tech for Good’ and Rare Prototypes - Cambridge Wide Open Day with SJIC
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The Centre for Computing History is working with St John’s Innovation Centre (SJIC), to deliver a dynamic programme for this year’s Cambridge Wide Open Day, bringing together entrepreneurs, computing heritage and industry experts to explore the theme Tech for Good: Past Lessons; Future Choices.
Running from 10.30am to 3.00pm at SJIC, the event will use panels, interactive experiences and workshops to explore how lessons from the past can help shape technology that delivers positive social, economic and environmental impact today. This event is part of a new, ongoing partnership between the two organisations. SJIC’s partnership with the Centre for Computing History brings a historical perspective to the day’s focus on the ethics of modern innovation. Alongside retro gaming and selected objects from CCH’s Broken Tech: Broken Earth project, CCH will present a curated display of rare Cambridge-developed prototypes and experimental technologies. These objects offer visitors a unique insight into the Cambridge Phenomenon of the 1980s - when SJIC was founded - and the culture of experimentation that underpinned it. Highlights include:
These artefacts illustrate the realities of innovation in practice: iteration, problem-solving, and ideas that sometimes failed just because they were ahead of their time. Alongside the exhibition, CCH will invite founders and innovators to contribute their own perspectives on the opportunities and challenges they currently face. The activity will capture a snapshot of Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem in 2026 and help inform a proposed future exhibition comparing innovation culture in Cambridge past and present. “What makes this day so powerful is the combination of perspectives,” said Lizzie Salter, Museum Director at the Centre for Computing History. “You can see early prototypes, hear from today’s innovators and take part in conversations about how we innovate more responsibly in the future. SJIC was built to support Cambridge collaboration and innovation and is the perfect space to host this event.” “This collaboration with the Centre for Computing History highlights the strength of Cambridge’s innovation community,” said Steph Martlew, COO at St John’s Innovation Centre. “By bringing together historical insight, current entrepreneurs and wider community partners, we’re creating a space to reflect, connect and think differently about the future of technology.” The day will run as follows: 10:30–11:00 – Refreshments and The Centre for Computing History interactive exhibition 11:00–12:00 – Tech for Good: Past Lessons; Future Choices, a panel exploring how historical insight can inform more responsible innovation today Throughout the day – Cambridge Online Tech Amnesty, encouraging visitors to donate unwanted devices for reuse or recycling, plus CCH interactive exhibition 12:00–13:00 – Cambridge Roots, US Shoots, a Frazier & Deeter panel offering practical insights into US expansion and fundraising 14:00–15:00 – Triple Chasm workshop led by Uday Phadke, focusing on bridging the gap between innovation and commercial success All panels and workshops are free to attend, with advance booking required for the panels and workshops – sign up to Cambridge Wide Open Week on Eventbrite and search for SJIC events. By combining historic prototypes, contemporary debate and direct engagement with today’s innovators, the collaboration between St John's Innovation Centre and the Centre for Computing History offers an opportunity to reflect on Cambridge’s innovation journey - and to consider how technology can continue to create positive impact for people, communities and the planet. Please follow the link here to reserve a ticket for the Panel Discussion Tech for Good: Past Lessons; Future Choices Find out more here: Tech for Good at Cambridge Wide Open Day 2026 | SJIC Event Date : 04-06-2026 |
