Hundreds turn out for Croydon Tech City Launch (From Croydon Guardian)

Hundreds turn out for Croydon Tech City Launch

3:30pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News

More than 150 people turned up for the launch night of Croydon Tech City last week.

Councillors, techies, residents and businessmen packed out Matthews Yard as they learned about what Croydon Tech City was all about.

Guest speakers included founder of Croydon Tech City Jonny Rose, Benjamin Southworth who is the deputy CEO of the Tech City Investment Organisation and Nigel Dias, Head of Investment and Advice at Croydon Tech City.

The aim of the budding organisation is to give advice to businesses about using tech effectively, educating schoolchildren on how to use code and encouraging programmers and developers to share their ideas.

Mr Rose, who has set up groups such as the Purley Breakfast Club, said Croydon has the potential to be a hub of promising start-ups.

He said Croydon Tech City is there to help these new businesses grow from just an idea to an operating business.

Mr Rose said: “Thursday night was an incredible validation that Croydon Tech City is an organisation, community and movement that Croydoners want and need.

“It's clear from the response that there has been nothing like it in Croydon before and I'm glad CTC is filling a need and responsibility that for too long has been abdicated by Croydon's policy-makers.

“In a few short months, Croydon Tech City has touched people of all ages, starting to gain cross-party support, interest from national government and starting to gain real traction across the borough.”

There will be a series of monthly Croydon Tech City events until June. The next one will be an education special on February 21.

Visit facebook.com/CroydonTechCity for more details.