New exhibition uncovers North Devon’s surprising side of innovation

A new exhibition opening in Barnstaple this month aims to challenge perceptions of North Devon by showcasing the region’s growing reputation for technological innovation.

North Devon Innovates, held at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, will explore how local businesses are making an impact in sectors such as ICT, aerospace engineering, marine technology and pharmaceuticals.

Organisers say the exhibition highlights how the area is home to pioneering firms serving global markets, from the Atlantic coast to market towns across the Torridge and Taw valleys.

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Among the companies featured is AutoNaut, which has transformed ocean data collection through its zero-carbon, unmanned surface vessels. Also included are Ecotribo, which creates recycled products from ocean-retrieved plastics, and Krempel, a Bideford-based engineering firm supplying high-performance materials for aerospace, defence, medical and automotive industries.

Alison Mills, Director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, said: “We were thrilled when Councillor Mark Haworth-Booth, Chair of the museum’s Advisory Board and Honorary Research Fellow at the Victoria and Albert Museum, came to us with the idea for this exhibition.

“We hope it will show that ours is a region full of exciting and often overlooked pathways into local businesses dedicated to creating products of global quality and reach.”

The exhibition opens with a launch event on Friday 25 October from 5pm to 7pm and runs until Saturday 3 January 2026.
Admission is free.