The Transformational Tech Opportunity
Innovation doesn’t just happen - it needs the right connections, capital, and expertise to thrive. Hosted at St Catharine's College, Start-up to Scale up Day at Cambridge Tech Week is where ambition meets action, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and research pioneers to unlock the next phase of tech-driven growth.
The UK continues to lag in translating innovation into commercial productivity, so today’s discussions focus on bridging the gap between global and local tech ecosystems. Expect insightful presentations from industry giants, alongside practical start-up workshops and an exciting scale up pitching event, where the brightest emerging ventures will showcase their potential.
From securing strategic investment and navigating global expansion to leveraging deep tech, AI, and cutting-edge research, we’ll explore the challenges and opportunities that define success in today’s dynamic market.
And of course, the dynamic Innovation Alley Exhibition will continue into its second day, featuring some of the most exciting new start-ups, offering a first-hand look at the technologies shaping tomorrow.
Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to scale, an investor seeking the next unicorn, or a corporate innovator scouting for disruptive technologies, this is where big ideas become industry-defining businesses. Join us and be part of the future of innovation.
09:00 |
Registration and Refreshments |
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10:00 |
Opening Welcome from MC Faye Holland, Creator of #21toWatch and Managing Partner, Cambridge Management Consulting ![]() Faye HollandFounder & Director, cofinitive ![]() Faye HollandFounder & Director, cofinitive Faye is widely respected for her leadership in the #21toWatch Technology Innovation Awards, which spotlight innovation and entrepreneurship. For the past seven years, the awards have consistently identified the top talent and standout ventures across Cambridge and the East of England. As a committed mentor to emerging tech entrepreneurs, she plays a key role in top entrepreneurial programmes in Cambridge and around the world, reinforcing her influence as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the technology sector. With more than 30 years of experience ranging from early-stage startups to major global tech firms, Faye collaborates with trailblazing companies to craft and share their stories with impact. This work has earned her recognition as one of the UK’s leading marketing strategists. Over the past decade, she built cofinitive into a standout firm in the PR and marketing communications industry, known for its bold yet precise storytelling and steadfast support for the wider innovation ecosystem. In January 2025, cofinitive was acquired by Cambridge Management Consulting, where Faye now serves as Managing Partner for Client PR & Marketing and leads the Cambridge office as Managing Partner. |
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10:05 |
Fireside Chat ![]() Eben UptonCEO, Raspberry Pi Ltd ![]() Eben UptonCEO, Raspberry Pi Ltd Eben is a founder of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, and serves as the CEO of Raspberry Pi Ltd, its commercial and engineering subsidiary. He is the co-author, with Gareth Halfacree of the Raspberry Pi User Guide, and with Jeff Duntemann and others of Learning Computer Architecture with Raspberry Pi. He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2017, appointed a Distinguished Fellow of the British Computer Society in 2019, and elected an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, Cambridge in 2020. In an earlier life, he founded two successful mobile games and middleware companies, Ideaworks 3d and Podfun, held the post of Director of Studies for Computer Science at St John’s College, and wrote the Oxford Rhyming Dictionary with his father, Professor Clive Upton. He holds a BA in Physics and Engineering, a PhD in Computer Science, and an MBA, from the University of Cambridge. ![]() Michael FindlayChair, London Stock Exchange plc ![]() Michael FindlayChair, London Stock Exchange plc Michael is Chair of London Stock Exchange plc, a non-executive director of International Distribution Services plc and will become Chair of Hays, the FTSE250 international recruitment business, on 1st May 2025. For the last 9 years he has been Chair of Morgan Sindall Group plc, the FTSE 250 construction, infrastructure and house building group. He spent his executive career in investment banking, latterly as Co-Head of Investment Banking for the U.K. and Ireland at Bank of America. He sits on the board of Jarrold Group Holdings and is a member of the FCA’s Markets Practitioner Panel. He is an investor in a number of companies in the Cambridge ecosystem. |
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10:25 |
Super-powering Start-ups: How to build the next generation of Unicorns ![]() Tom NugentManaging Editor, Sifted ![]() Tom NugentManaging Editor, Sifted Tom Nugent is the managing editor at Sifted, the FT-backed publication covering European tech. He's interested in university spinouts, robotics, defence and AI. ![]() Kosten MetreweliPrincipal VC and Startups, AWS ![]() Kosten MetreweliPrincipal VC and Startups, AWS Principal at AWS, working with the worlds best investors and startups across the EMEA ecosystem. An entrepreneurial technology leader with a track record of scaling venture-backed startups. Co-Founder at Sunlight.io and OneCrew, and leadership team at Orchestream, Zeus Technology and OnApp, raising over $100M in venture funding, leading to one IPO and 3 acquisitions. Kosten brings deep expertise in strategy, product, and go-to-market execution across Europe, US, and Asia. ![]() Mark SlackChief Medical Officer and Co-founder, CMR Surgical Ltd ![]() Mark SlackChief Medical Officer and Co-founder, CMR Surgical Ltd Mark Slack qualified as a doctor at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. He then completed his postgraduate training at the University of Cape Town. He graduated from the College of Medicine of South Africa in Gynaecology, winning the Daubenton Gold Medal for the most distinguished candidate in the exams in the country. He was previously head of Gynaecology and Urogynaecology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge Teaching Hospitals Trust, Cambridge. He is on the staff at the University of Cambridge. Mr. Slack has run an active research unit in Cambridge. The unit was involved in a number of research initiatives. He developed and introduced the Sacrospinous Fixation to the UK. This is now the most performed procedure for prolapse in the United Kingdom. In addition, he has invented several procedures which were adopted and taken to global launch by international Medical Device companies. Two by Johnson & Johnson. He has published over 100 peer reviewed papers, more than 25 book chapters and numerous national guidelines. He is a regular contributor on several National Radio and Television programs including “case notes, “Women’s Hour”, The Victoria Derbyshire show and regional and National news programs. He is a Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of CMR Surgical, a start-up company in Cambridge which has developed a novel surgical robot (Versius). This is a next generation surgical robotic system designed to increase the use of minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery. This is now the second largest soft tissue robotic company in the world. In 2021 it had the highest private MedTech funding round in the world with a $660 million raise. The subsequent valuation gave it Unicorn status. The company currently employs more than 700 people in multiple geographies. In 2023 it raised a further £165 million. He was appointed the Ethicon travelling Professor in 2004 as well as the Sims Black Professorship of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists for 2005/6. He was recognised by the NIHR in 2015 with an award as one of the leading researchers in the UK for clinical research. In 2018, under his leadership the Urogynaecology unit in Cambridge achieved the highest accreditation score ever awarded by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recognizing it as one of the leading units in the country. In 2021 he was awarded honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians of Glasgow and the French Academy of Surgeons. Mark has also been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Surgeons, London. ![]() Dr. Rebecca SimmonsChief Operating Officer, 52North Health ![]() Dr. Rebecca SimmonsChief Operating Officer, 52North Health Rebecca Simmons is an experienced scale-up operator who is passionate about using science and technology to solve the world’s biggest problems. With a background in medical research, she has successfully scaled a venture-backed quantum computing company (Riverlane) and a healthcare innovation institute (THIS Institute). Rebecca currently works as COO for 52North, a medical technology company on a mission to make urgent care pathways safer and more effective. She is a long-term ambassador for Women in STEM. |
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11:15 |
Refreshment Break |
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11:45 |
Fireside Chat ![]() Amelia ArmourPartner, Amadeus Capital Partners ![]() Amelia ArmourPartner, Amadeus Capital Partners Amelia joined Amadeus Capital Partners in 2009 and is a Partner in the Early Stage Fund. Her current investment focus is on AI, Photonics, and Novel Materials. ![]() Kristian SegerstraleChair, Super Evil Megacorp ![]() Kristian SegerstraleChair, Super Evil Megacorp Kristian has spent two decades at the edge of what’s next between the UK and California — founding, scaling, and investing in ventures that reshape industries. He co-founded Glu Mobile in 2001 and helped take it public 2007, he then co-founded and led Playfish into a leader in social games (sold to EA for $400M) in 2009, and guided EA’s shift to digital as Executive Vice President. As a founding partner at Initial Capital, he backed Supercell at seed stage, leading to one of the industry’s biggest exits at $10Bn in 2016. He later co-founded Primary Health in response to the pandemic, now a leading health tech player in California. Kristian led multi-award winning cross-platform game studio Super Evil Megacorp as CEO between 2018 and 2024. Today, as Chair and seed investor, he supports founders building what comes next. Kristian holds an MA, Economics from Cambridge and an MSc Economics from London School of Economics. |
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12:05 |
Scaling Without Borders: Lessons in Global Growth from Leading Scale ups ![]() Margaret Rice-JonesChair, ScaleUp Institute ![]() Margaret Rice-JonesChair, ScaleUp Institute Margaret grew up in Cambridge and following a desire to find a practical application for her leaning towards maths and science she studied Engineering at Durham University. She started her career as a Design Engineer. Over the last 30 years she defined winning strategies in high growth tech markets leading companies ranging from £50 million sales to over $1 billion. This included the development a number of “world first products”. Over the last 15 years she has pursued a “plural” career helping technology driven businesses to grow in a variety of markets and mentoring entrepreneurs. She has Chaired several companies to successful exits, including Skyscanner, the travel comparison site and Confused.com the insurance comparison site. Currently she is NED at AIM listed Calnex PLC and at privately held Holiday Extras Ltd. She additionally sits on the advisory Board of the Engineering Department at Durham University. She is also Chair of the ScaleUp Institute a not-for-profit focused on making the UK the best place in the world to scale a business. Work here involves data led policy advice to government and support for leaders of scaling companies. ![]() Karen YuPresident, ITIC, Industrial Technology Investment Corporation ![]() Karen YuPresident, ITIC, Industrial Technology Investment Corporation Karen Yu is currently the President of ITIC and ae key driver in the development of Taiwan’s Deep Tech startup ecosystem. ITIC is the venture arm of ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute), a world-class industrial technology organization that played a crucial role in the founding of Taiwan’s leading semiconductor companies, including UMC and TSMC. As a leading Deep Tech venture capital firm in Taiwan, ITIC has been instrumental in shaping the country's innovation landscape. Karen brings extensive experience in startups and a strong background across sectors and borders. She previously served as a Member of Parliament (At-Large), where she championed innovation in Taiwan’s tech startup ecosystem. She also held the position of CTO for Taoyuan City—the global hub for AI server manufacturing—where she advanced smart city initiatives. In addition, she has fostered collaborations between the UK and Taiwan in the field of social enterprises as well as fintech, playing a vital role in their development in Taiwan. ![]() Priscila ChavesAI Strategist & Innovation Leader , Cargill ![]() Priscila ChavesAI Strategist & Innovation Leader , Cargill Priscila Chaves brings over 18 years of experience in corporate, startup, and public-sector roles, working across all seven continents. She has held leadership positions at IBM and Cargill across Europe, LATAM and APAC; has advised governments and multilateral organizations in the Global South on AI governance and ecosystem collaboration across global supply chain system; and has led cross-sector innovation initiatives worldwide, including her recent research during an Antarctic expedition focused on the impact of global warming on sea-level rise. She holds a Master’s in AI Ethics & Society from the University of Cambridge, and a Technology MBA from NYU Stern School of Business. ![]() Vanessa ColomarPartner, Dalloway Partners ![]() Vanessa ColomarPartner, Dalloway Partners In September 2025, Vanessa co-founded Dalloway Partners with Helen James to challenge the notion that the UK’s leadership in foundational science can’t produce super scaled companies. We work with academic and scientific founders who have innovative ideas and want to build a company at scale, and at speed, navigating some of the inherent challenges in the system. Operating at the intersection of science and academia, entrepreneurship, finance, media and government, we provide strategic advice for companies at inflection points in their growth trajectory, taking equity positions so our incentives align with founders and their investors. Dalloway Partners is different. Our advice is not constrained to any one aspect of business growth. Having developed companies from back-of-an-envelope idea to exit ourselves, we help other entrepreneurs do the same, defining their go-to-market strategy, overseas expansion, fundraising and M&A. In short, our advice spans the non-technical aspects of scaling businesses, allowing the scientific founders to focus on what they do best: world-changing breakthroughs that will have a positive impact. Vanessa has decades of experience helping founders create and grow technology companies. Throughout her career she has sat at the intersection of ideas and their development in a variety of roles spanning media, politics, technology, business, academia and the law. Vanessa was a co-founder of Invoke Capital which created some of the UK’s highest-growth businesses such as Darktrace and Luminance, among others. She is interested in new initiatives in health tech, particularly women’s health. She holds a number of board positions and is a Fellow of the Cambridge Centre for Science and Policy and on the Innovation Board of Innovate Cambridge and supports a number of arts organisations. |
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12:45 |
Lunch |
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13:50 |
Fireside chat with Sir Nick Clegg ![]() Sir Nick Cleggformer UK Deputy Prime Minister and former President, Global Affairs at Meta ![]() Sir Nick Cleggformer UK Deputy Prime Minister and former President, Global Affairs at Meta Sir Nick Clegg is the former UK Deputy Prime Minister (2010-2015) and former President, Global Affairs at Meta (2018-2025). Prior to being elected to the UK Parliament in 2005, he worked in the European Commission and served for five years as a member of the European Parliament. He became leader of the Liberal Democrat party in 2007 and served as Deputy Prime Minister in the UK’s first coalition government since the war, from 2010 to 2015. He joined Meta, then called Facebook, in 2018 and became the company’s chief policy decision-maker and its principal interlocutor with world leaders, governments and policymakers around the globe. He has written two best-selling books, Politics: Between the Extremes and How To Stop Brexit (And Make Britain Great Again). |
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14:15 |
The University Challenge: Spinning Out Tomorrow's Game-Changers ![]() Barnaby PerksCEO, St John's Innovation Centre ![]() Barnaby PerksCEO, St John's Innovation Centre Barnaby is an engineer and entrepreneur. He focuses on building high-performing teams around an effective and inclusive business culture. He has specific expertise in digital health and assistive technology. After research in biomedical engineering at the University of Dundee in the early 1990s, Barnaby went on to design award-winning assistive technology products for people with complex disabilities with QED, Cambridge Adaptive Communication and GEWA (UK). In 2001, Barnaby took a global product role with GE Energy, working on geospatial asset management software solutions for utilities, telecom and oil and gas. In 2010 he moved into mental health technology as Founding CEO of Cambridge-based ieso. In 2018 he led Oxford University spin out Oxford VR as Founding CEO. From mid-2020, Barnaby began to focus on consulting and non-executive roles, providing support and mentorship to digital health businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. In April 2024, Barnaby became CEO of St John’s Innovation Centre (SJIC) in a part-time capacity. He now divides his time between SJIC and consulting and NED work in digital health. ![]() Professor Julian Blow FRSE FMedSciPro Vice Chancellor in Research and Innovation, University of East Anglia ![]() Professor Julian Blow FRSE FMedSciPro Vice Chancellor in Research and Innovation, University of East Anglia Julian is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation and joined UEA in 2024 from the University of Dundee, where he had been Dean of the School of Life Sciences. Under his leadership Dundee was ranked the top university for biological sciences research in both REF2014 and REF2021 and was recognised for a range of successful enterprise initiatives in the biosciences. As Professor of Chromosome Maintenance, Julian is also an active researcher in molecular biology. His research interests span the areas of cell division, chromosome replication and the maintenance of genome integrity. In recognition of his research achievements, he has been elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and a Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization. He has served on many national and international scientific committees, including for the BBSRC, CRUK, ERC and NIH. He is currently Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Lister Institute. ![]() Professor Lou Cordwell, OBECEO, Unit M & Special Advisor to The Office of the President & Vice-Chancellor/Chair, University of Manchester/Greater Manchester Business Board ![]() Professor Lou Cordwell, OBECEO, Unit M & Special Advisor to The Office of the President & Vice-Chancellor/Chair, University of Manchester/Greater Manchester Business Board Lou began her career working for WPP before founding Manchester-based digital design studio, magneticNorth (mN). In 2021, mN merged with Fluxx, creating the UK’s leading design and innovation consultancy, Magnetic, where Lou was Chief Creative Officer until 2023 when the company was acquired by Newton Europe. Lou spent 2 years as Director of ID Manchester / Sister, where she led the project’s foundational phase including delivery of the Strategic Masterplan and new brand identity. In January 2024 Lou joined the University of Manchester as a Professor of Innovation and Special Advisor to the President and Vice-Chancellor and co-authored the University's Regional Innovation Review. This resulted in the launch of the University’s new innovation unit, Unit M and Lou stepped into the role of Unit M CEO at the end of 2024 to lead the team and its mission to help drive innovation-led growth for the region and the UK. Lou also acts as an advisor to a number of other place based innovation projects and tech start-up / scale-up companies across the UK. Alongside the day jobs, she is Chair of Greater Manchester’s Business Board (LEP) working in collaboration with Greater Manchester’ Mayor and Leaders to help drive the region’s economy. Lou was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours for services to the creative and digital economy.
![]() Dr Raoul HaschkeHead of hei_INNOVATION, Heidelberg University ![]() Dr Raoul HaschkeHead of hei_INNOVATION, Heidelberg University Raoul is an RTTP certified innovation and project manager with over 12 years of experience. He leads a team of 15+ people within hei_INNOVATION to transform university knowledge into societal benefit. His team supports university members from start-up creation to industry collaboration and policy advice. ![]() Ilse SienaertInvestment Manager Spin-off & Innovation, KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) ![]() Ilse SienaertInvestment Manager Spin-off & Innovation, KU Leuven Research & Development (LRD) Ilse Sienaert holds MSc degrees in Industrial Sciences (Biochemistry) and Engineering (Cell & Gene Biotechnology), as well as a PhD in Applied Biological Sciences from KU Leuven. She brings over 20 years of experience in biotech start-ups and SMEs, having started her career at 4AZA Biosciences, a KU Leuven spin-off. Since 2008, Ilse has advised CEOs on innovation strategy and funding. She joined KU Leuven Research & Development in 2011, where she supports the creation and growth of spin-offs in life sciences, biotech, medtech, healthtech, and agtech. She has been involved in launching 20+ spin-offs, conducting due diligence for KU Leuven’s seed fund, the Gemma-Frisius Fund, and supporting exit deals. Ilse also serves on the boards of several spin-offs. ![]() Jim GlasheenCEO, Cambridge Enterprise ![]() Jim GlasheenCEO, Cambridge Enterprise Jim is Chief Executive of Cambridge Enterprise. He has over 25 years of experience across industry and university environments in both Silicon Valley and the Cambridge Massachusetts innovation ecosystem. Prior to joining Cambridge Enterprise in 2024 Jim was Co-founder and President of two biotech companies, Atalanta Therapeutics and Clade Therapeutics. He also served as Executive Vice Chancellor – Innovation and Business Development at UMASS Medical School. Prior to these roles, Jim was a venture capitalist for ~20 years, as General Partner and Life-Science Co-Lead at Palo Alto based firm Technology Partners Venture Capital. Jim completed a post-doctoral fellowship at University of California, Berkeley and holds a PhD in Biology from Harvard University, a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst Fellowship at Universität des Saarlandes and a BS from Duke University. |
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15:05 |
Innovation Alley Pitch Session |
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15:50 |
Refreshment Break |
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16:20 |
Innovation Alley Pitch Session Results |
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16:30 |
Building Successful Start Ups ![]() Daniel HulmeCEO at Conscium, Chief AI Officer at WPP, Conscium, WPP ![]() Daniel HulmeCEO at Conscium, Chief AI Officer at WPP, Conscium, WPP With over 25 years of AI experience, Daniel is a globally recognised expert, is Chief AI Officer at WPP regarded as one of the world's top 10 Chief AI Officers. He’s UCL's Entrepreneur-in-Residence and faculty member of Singularity University. Daniel is one of the most prolific AI speakers, contributes to numerous books and articles, and has many advisory positions. Daniel recently started Conscium to solve machine consciousness, and actively promotes purposeful technology innovation across the globe.
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17:05 | Wrap up/Closing remarks | |||
17:15 | Event close |
*draft agenda, subject to change
The dynamic Innovation Alley Exhibition will play home to fifty of the brightest early-stage companies, scale ups, and larger tech companies, all offering a dynamic and interactive showcase of their solutions. Explore the ongoing disruption of the technology sector and see the latest innovative ideas and solutions.
The Innovation Alley Pitch Event is back bigger than ever in 2025. As the only official pitch competition of the week, happening centre-stage during Wednesday’s Start-up to Scale up Day, this is one part of the programme you won’t want to miss.
Anyone interested in pitching should apply here.
For more details on the pitching event, head over to our dedicated page.
The Innovation Alley Pitching Event is proudly sponsored by
BDO and Mishcon de Reya.
Following its successful debut at Cambridge Tech Week 2024, the Tech Futures initiative is set to expand significantly in 2025. Aimed at students from sixth forms, skills bootcamps, colleges, and universities, the programme will offer opportunities facilitated by Form the Future to attend conference sessions, engage in hands-on tech activities, explore Innovation Alley, connect with exhibitors, network with industry delegates, and participate in a three-day hackathon, HackEd, delivered by TechEducators.
For details of Workshops and Roundtables running alongside the main programme please follow this link. All expressions of interest must be received by 31 August.
Hosted by Frazier & Deeter
Join James Douglas, Advisory Partner at Frazier & Deeter and Stuart Campbell, CEO of Aibly for a compelling discussion on how Agentic AI is reshaping the scaling journey for UK startups. This session draws on real-world CFO insights and explores how the emergence of Agentic AI can help companies and founders identify and overcome growth barriers, build resilience with more informed decision making and reshape their scaling journey. Discover the new CXO playbook for growth with AI, and how to align strategy, people, and technology for lasting impact. If you're a CXO looking to scale smarter and faster, this session is designed for you.
Hosted by Venner Shipley
Intellectual property (IP) is often one of a start-up’s most powerful yet underutilised assets. In deeptech, where breakthrough innovation is central to success, understanding how to strategically protect, manage and leverage IP can make the difference between stalling and scaling.
Join us for a high-impact workshop designed for founders, innovators, and investors.
In this interactive session, we will explore how a well-crafted IP strategy can unlock commercial value, attract investment and protect your competitive edge. Hear from founders who have done it, investors who look for it and experts who live and breathe it, as we dive into practical ways to build effective IP strategies that create long term business value.
Hosted by Black Talent & Leadership in STEM
Technology continues to drive innovation-led growth in the UK’s science and technology sectors. However, every wave of advancement also brings new challenges—deepening inequalities, demanding new skillsets, and concentrating opportunities in specific regions and demographics.
Research from the Institute for the Future of Work (2025) and the Pissarides Review shows that unchecked automation is compounding existing disparities across age, geography, and income. This Roundtable will explore how we can bridge the gap between innovation and inclusion—ensuring that technological progress supports everyone, not just a select few and how organisations can create an environment that nurtures inclusive leaders.
Workforce Disruption & Automation
Automation is disproportionately affecting low-paying roles such as admin, sales, and transportation—placing 7.4% of jobs at high risk (Shepheard, 2021). At the same time, over 21 million working-age adults in the UK lack basic digital skills.
Diversity Fuels Innovation—But Gaps Persist
While diversity of thought is widely acknowledged as a catalyst for innovation, only 24% of tech roles in the UK are held by women—despite women comprising 50% of the workforce (Beckett, 2024). Ethnic minorities and immigrant talent remain underrepresented in STEM (GOV.UK, 2023).
Inequitable Access to Training and Technology
Without inclusive upskilling policies, AI and automation risk worsening the digital divide. Barriers persist across socioeconomic status, geography, and age (IFOW, 2025).
The Rise of Skill Polarisation
The UK is experiencing growing skill polarisation, where demand is rising for high-skilled roles while mid- and low-skilled jobs—especially those involving routine physical or cognitive tasks—are increasingly at risk of automation. This shift is creating a widening skills gap and makes extensive retraining essential. Future employability will depend on developing creativity, adaptability, digital fluency, and core computer and AI skills (Sharps et al., 2024).
Shifting Workforce Demographics
Despite a strong labour market—with unemployment at 3.7% and over one million vacancies—the UK faces growing strain on workforce composition due to an ageing population, rising economic inactivity, and tighter migration policies. Employment rates are particularly low among older adults, people with disabilities, and those with lower skill levels, many of whom face barriers such as outdated qualifications, limited digital skills, and inflexible work arrangements. To meet future demand, the UK must invest in inclusive reskilling initiatives, promote flexible work models, and remove systemic barriers that prevent underutilised groups from fully participating in the workforce (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, 2023).
Urgent Need for Future Skills
Technology continues to drive innovation-led growth across the UK’s science and tech sectors, but each wave of advancement brings new demands for skills. To remain competitive, businesses must invest in continuous upskilling—particularly in digital, STEM, and “T-shaped” skills that blend technical knowledge with creativity, communication, and adaptability.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, analytical thinking, self-management, and computer literacy will be core competencies by 2025. However, significant gaps remain: Government data reveals that 23% of 18–24-year-olds cannot complete basic digital tasks (Pennycook & Phillipson, 2024), and 40% of IT employers identify general digital literacy and AI/ML as the most in-demand skills (Beckett, 2024).
In this context, the UK’s Industrial Strategy—aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation—must be supported by coordinated efforts across education, industry, and policy to equip the workforce with future-ready skills and ensure inclusive, sustainable progress.
As the UK government’s Industrial Strategy prioritises economic growth, technological advancement, and job creation, this Roundtable presents a timely opportunity to align these goals with broader societal needs. By bringing together leaders from industry, policy, and academia, the discussion will explore how innovation can be leveraged not just for productivity and competitiveness, but also for inclusive growth and equitable access to opportunity, by adapting and putting in place strategies that nurture and grow inclusive leadership.
Harnessing technology with intentionality, blended with inclusive leadership can enable both the public and private sector to unlock new talent pools, strengthen workplace diversity, and address regional and social disparities—ultimately driving long-term value for both society and the economy.
This Roundtable is by invite only.
Part of the success of Cambridge Tech Week is the involvement from the broader community who run complimentary Fringe events throughout the week.
Here we highlight some of the key Fringe events for you to consider, running on the Wednesday:
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