Daniel Filipi
A graduate who has helped champion innovation, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion across Worcestershire has been highly commended in the Local Community Impact Award category at the inaugural University of Worcester Alumni Awards.
Daniel Filipi, who studied Media and Culture at the University of Worcester between 2017 and 2020, was recognised for his contribution to supporting local businesses, developing digital skills and creating opportunities for communities across the county.
“I'm incredibly grateful and honoured to be Highly Commended, particularly in the Local Community Impact category,” he said. “A lot of my work is about bringing people together and creating opportunities for others, so having that recognised by the University where my journey in Worcester began makes it especially meaningful.”
Since graduating, Daniel has built a career focused on innovation and community development through his work at BetaDen, Worcestershire’s technology accelerator. In his role, he has supported technology businesses and entrepreneurs at different stages of their growth, while helping to make emerging technologies more accessible to a wider audience.
One of the areas Daniel is most proud of is helping to tackle the digital skills gap. Through a range of workshops, training opportunities and community initiatives, he has helped people with little or no technical knowledge develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Daniel has also worked to inspire future generations through careers talks and engagement with local schools, encouraging young people to consider opportunities in technology and innovation. Alongside this, he has played a key role in growing initiatives such as Worcestershire TechFest and the Women in Tech & Innovation Worcestershire network.
Daniel said his time at Worcester helped him develop the skills and confidence that have underpinned his career.
“My time at the University of Worcester helped me develop confidence, creativity and strong communication skills, all of which are central to what I do today,” he said. “It also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and put myself forward for opportunities, which has played a huge part in both my professional and personal development.”
Daniel moved from the Czech Republic to the UK to study and says Worcester quickly became much more than a place of education.
“My fondest memories are the people I met, the friendships I made and the opportunities I had to be creative,” he said. “Moving to the UK and starting university was a major chapter in my life, and Worcester quickly became much more than somewhere I studied. It became somewhere I built a life and eventually started my career.”