The co-founder of a technology business sold in a reported $1 billion deal will join some of the island’s leading innovators and leading technology figures at an event in Douglas next month.

Mark Sutcliffe, co-founder of US manufacturing software company Redzone, will deliver a keynote address, ‘The Billion Dollar Exit’, at the TEKEX Isle of Man event on Wednesday, November 4.

In it he will share his experience of building and selling a successful technology business.

Mr Sutcliffe will be joined by three other technology businesses that will then present proposals developed specifically for the Isle of Man, with local investors, business leaders and government representatives invited to consider how the companies could establish commercial relationships in the island.

The businesses, working in education technology, road safety and health innovation, will take part in the event at Santander Work Café.

Proceeds from ticket sales will support island charity Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation.

Also speaking at the event will be Jason Bissell, chair of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and a board member of government agency Digital Isle of Man.

Mr Bissell has more than 25 years’ experience in the international technology sector. His presentation, ‘Accelerating Island Economies’, will examine how smaller jurisdictions such as the island can compete for technology investment and business growth.

Josh Dawkins, research and development manager and head of production at iO-CO, will represent the research and product development company, which develops science-led technologies focused on health and human performance.

Already operating in Jersey, iO-CO’s work includes developments in brain health, sleep and physical wellbeing. Its visit could open discussions around research partnerships, product development and commercial expansion in the island.

Claire Owen, co-founder and chief executive of PupilPower, will present the company’s work using virtual reality and data to help schools identify children who may need additional learning support.

The island could offer opportunities to explore the technology’s use in local schools, including potential pilot programmes and educational partnerships.

Will Tinney, founder and chief executive of LUSYi, will introduce connected road safety technology designed to warn road users about potential hazards and collision risks beyond their immediate line of sight. Its potential application in the island could include working with transport authorities or commercial operators to explore ways of improving road safety.

Following the presentations, representatives from the Institute of Directors, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, Digital Isle of Man, UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and TEKEX will take part in an Isle of Man Opportunity Panel.

The discussion will focus on what would be needed to take the proposals further, including access to investment, local commercial partners and engagement with the relevant decision-makers.

TEKEX founder Ed Prow said: ‘The businesses coming over have looked at the Isle of Man and what they could potentially do here. We want to give them the chance to put those ideas directly to people who understand the local market and might be able to help.

‘What interests me is what happens afterwards. If there’s a genuine opportunity for one of these businesses in the island, we want to help move that conversation forward.’

The November event will begin at 6.45pm, with the panel discussion scheduled for 7.30pm.