How can humans and AI work as true partners? As collaborative AI agents become more capable, we face urgent questions about trust, task-sharing, and human agency. This event explores how to design AI systems that empower—rather than replace—humans in the workplace and beyond. Join us to explore the future of human–AI teamwork, and what it means to flourish in the age of intelligent machines
As AI systems become more capable and autonomous, the way we work is being fundamentally reshaped. One of the most exciting frontiers is collaborative AI—agents that work with humans, not instead of them, to achieve complex goals. But how do we ensure this partnership promotes human flourishing rather than displacing it?
This event explores the fast-evolving field of human–AI collaboration, asking urgent questions about how we design systems that respect and amplify human agency:
Join us as we unpack the opportunities and challenges of working with AI—and explore what it means to thrive in a world where humans and machines increasingly act as teammates.
Senior Test Engineer, Cambridge Consultants
Senior Test Engineer, Cambridge Consultants
Darendra is part of the Systems Engineering & Test department, where he applies his expertise in Digital Security Testing to various technologies, including Machine Learning and AI. He has a background in Software Test Automation of wireless communications protocols, such as satellite communications and LTE. He enjoys defining and developing testing strategies for cybersecurity challenges and ensuring the quality and reliability of innovative solutions.
Founder, Mandrel Systems
Founder, Mandrel Systems
Phil Claridge is a ‘virtual CTO’ for hire within Mandrel Systems covering end-to-end systems. Currently having fun and helping others with large-scale AI systems integration, country-wide large scale big-data processing, hands-on IoT technology (from sensor hardware design, through LoRa integration to back end systems), and advanced city information modelling. Supporting companies with M&A ‘exit readiness’, due-diligence and on advisory boards. Past roles include: CTO, Chief Architect, Labs Director, and Technical Evangelist for Geneva/Convergys (telco), Arieso/Viavi (geolocation), and Madge (networking). Phil’s early career was in electronics, and still finds it irresistible to swap from Powerpoint to a soldering iron and a compiler to produce proof-of-concepts when required.
Partner, Appleyard Lees IP LLP
Partner, Appleyard Lees IP LLP
Parminder is a patent attorney based in Appleyard Lees’ Cambridge office, and helps companies to protect their technological innovations. She has built a substantial reputation working with high-growth start-ups, spin-outs and SMEs in Cambridge, and has in-house experience. She specialises in writing and prosecuting patent applications for computer-implemented inventions. Her work includes patenting AI-based technologies, including new machine learning frameworks and applications of machine learning in image classification, human-computer interactions and text-to-speech. Parminder also writes her own AI blog on LinkedIn, and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys’ Computer Technology Committee.
Head of AI, ML & Data Science, GFT Financial Ltd
Head of AI, ML & Data Science, GFT Financial Ltd
Simon leads a team that develops AI and ML solutions for large financial institutions. Before joining GFT he was the Principal Investigator for BT’s AI program. Before that he was the Head of Practice for Big Data and Customer Experience at BT and BT’s lead for collaborations with MIT, and the first industry fellow at the Alan Turing Institute. Simon is interested in practical application of AI technology and the practice and process of AI and ML projects. His book “Managing Machine Learning Projects” was published by Manning Books in 2023.
Head of Autonomous Technologies, TTP plc.
Head of Autonomous Technologies, TTP plc.
Vidhya leads the Autonomous Technologies team at TTP. Her team works with ambitious clients in markets ranging from aviation to farming to bring novel technologies that expand human capabilities, empower human efficiency and enhance human safety. Vidhya has a background in digital signal processing and physical layer design and development. In her PhD at Imperial College London, she carried out research on array signal processing techniques with applications in 5G and defence.
Programme Manager, UKTIN, Founder, Vision Formers
Programme Manager, UKTIN, Founder, Vision Formers
Peter is Founder & CEO of Vision Formers, the specialist consultancy that supports and mentors leaders of visionary technology businesses get product to market and turn ideas into reality. Vision Formers works with start-ups and scale-ups, providing significant expertise in accelerating business growth through a focus on developing a robust product strategy, growing and coaching product and development teams, and providing operational excellence. Peter has a long track record of conceiving, developing and marketing successful technology-based solutions, deployed at scale, globally. Innovative products Peter has brought to market in digital, cloud, AI, consumer electronics and telecommunications have been used by countless millions of people on a daily basis globally, badged by the world’s leading digital and technology brands. Peter also works with Digital Catapult as Programme Manager for UKTIN, working with partners and stakeholders to deliver UKTIN’s mission to transform the UK telecoms innovation ecosystem, capitalising on the country’s strengths in technology, academia, and entrepreneurialism, while positioning it for growth as new opportunities emerge in the industry. Peter is a board member of CW (Cambridge Wireless), a Fellow of the IET, a Chartered Engineer, and a member of the Association of Business Mentors.