[on the cutting edge of creativity: Howard Rheingold speaks at IoCT launch]

Although the IoCT (Institute of Creative Technologies) at De Montfort in Leicester has been running for a few months now it still has that new building smell. Lots of cutting edge technological equipment has been set up including various aibos, playstations, top-notch computers, an access grid (how cool is that?!), acoustic installations, and the world's first 3d laptop computers. Admittedly it takes a while for one's eyes to acclimatise to the new visual dimensions available on the screen, but once relaxed it is worth it. It really does feel like the user can penetrate the screen, and no need for those spiffy 3d glasses every fashionista is desperate to wear. On top of all the shiny new technologies and research projects, (director Professor Andrew Hugill says: "The IOCT will host and support a wide range of exciting collaborative projects, putting the University at the forefront of research and ideas within the creative industries sector which is possibly one of the biggest growth sectors for the UK economy."), today marks the official launch of the IoCT. The celebrations will begin with a timely talk by visiting professor Howard Rheingold, who calls "for a new landscape of inter-disciplinary cooperation to facilitate innovation."