Naomi has over 16 years’ experience within the research and innovation environment, with an in-depth understanding of how the innovation eco-system operates, working closely with Industry, Academia, and Government stakeholders. Relevant roles include Head of SME Development, Employer Partnerships, Development Manager for Research & Development and Commercial Funding Manager. Educated to master’s level in Business (MBA) Naomi has contributed to many different sectors over her career, with the most recent being Very Light Rail, a new and emerging industry which will positively contribute to achieving Net Zero in the rail sector. Naomi has a wealth of innovation experience in supporting small-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to navigate through the complex world of innovation, assisting them to progress ideas through to commercial market, as well as supporting them with information on technology trends, new and emerging markets, and business model adoption. Naomi is currently delivering the Clean Futures Accelerator programme which aims to develop a West Midland's innovation ecosystem, to drive economic growth and address the route to market challenges faced by SMEs in the transport sector. Naomi is actively supporting 20 SMEs in this programme to test, demonstrate and commercialise their technologies. In addition to this, Naomi is developing an innovative product ‘Commercial Investor Hub’ which will provide an exclusive space and service for Investors, Challenge Setters, and Innovators to make deals in an accelerated timeframe. Naomi is confident and pro-active and always highly motivated to discover new opportunities. She is passionate about leadership and innovation and focused her MBA dissertation on ‘Shifting Mindsets to Accelerate Innovation’ and is keen to implement her learning to encourage others to adopt. Naomi has featured in many publications such as, FMBD Media and Rail Business Daily for her contributions to leadership in innovation and in supporting SMEs to successfully innovate & commercialise.