THIS blushing bot was one of the most colourful characters at Oxford's biggest annual business and science networking event which returned yesterday.

'Robothespian’ Artie entertained guests at Oxford Brookes University for this year's Venturefest.

The 2019 event drew entrepreneurs and executives from across the globe to see what local businesses have to offer, many of them in the science and tech sector.

The day started with a session in which investors from the US talked about why technology developed in Oxfordshire is attracting interest and investment from across the pond.

After that, Brookes's own Nigel Crook and a panel of artificial intelligence experts discussed how AI technology is disrupting almost every tech sector.

Susie Carter, founder of Oxford PR agency What's the Story? said: "Venturefest is the best business networking event I've ever attended.

"For a start-up business like mine, the opportunity to chat with CEOs from global firms at a venue on our doorstep is invaluable."

Other talks yesterday included 'How Much Does Venture Capital Drive the Global Economy?' , a debate about the challenges an opportunities of the UK's ageing population, and a talk from Chinese investors who have bought into Oxfordshire firms.

Most sessions were sponsored by businesses including Oxford Brookes and Freeths solicitors.

The day finished with the annual enterprise awards ceremony of science education charity the Oxford Trust.

See tomorrow's Oxford Mail for more.