SJIC’s partnership with the Centre for Computing History brings a historical perspective to the day’s focus on the ethics of modern innovation. Running from 10.30am to 3.00pm, the event will use panels, interactive experiences and rare Cambridge prototypes to explore how lessons from the past can help shape technology that delivers positive social, economic and environmental impact today. The event is part of a new, ongoing partnership between the two organisations.
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:
- Hermann Hauser’s ‘Active Book’ board
- Raspberry Pi early prototype
- Acorn RISC PC 600 prototype
- Items from the Chris Wilding Sinclair Collection, including a Microdrive Development Model and other experimental designs
- NewBrain demonstration computer with clear case
- Pre-production ICL One Per Desk
- Xbox 360 prototype
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.”
Steph Martlew, COO at St John’s Innovation Centre, said, "This collaboration with the Centre for Computing History highlights the strength of Cambridge’s innovation community. 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.
Find out more here:
‘Tech for Good’ and Rare Prototypes - Cambridge Wide Open Day 17 June 2026
