CamTechWeek News
18 Mar 2025

Cambridge Tech Week Highlights How Cambridge Can Seize the AI Advantage

Cambridge Tech Week launched with an electrifying theme: ‘Seizing the AI Advantage.’ With standing room only, leaders from industry, academia, and government gathered to explore AI’s transformative impact, reinforcing Cambridge’s role as a global AI hub. Hosted by Mills & Reeve, the event tackled both opportunities and challenges in AI adoption, sparking insightful discussions on innovation, ethics, and collaboration.

Cambridge Tech Week launched with an electrifying theme: ‘Seizing the AI Advantage.’ With standing room only, leaders from industry, academia, and government gathered to explore AI’s transformative impact, reinforcing Cambridge’s role as a global AI hub. Hosted by Mills & Reeve, the event tackled both opportunities and challenges in AI adoption, sparking insightful discussions on innovation, ethics, and collaboration.

Running from 15-19 September 2025, Cambridge Tech Week will feature a dynamic programme of events and activities, uniting world-leading experts, visionary entrepreneurs, and strategic investors to drive growth in the tech ecosystem. Be part of the conversation—secure your tickets now: https://cambridgetechweek.co.uk

Key Highlights

Dr. Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, underscored Cambridge’s unique position as a global tech hub. He emphasized AI’s potential in healthcare, creativity, and regulation while stressing the importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations.

“We're a city built on creativity and entrepreneurship, but we mustn’t lose that. We must ensure AI doesn’t rob us of this vital part of our DNA. We need to navigate these challenges thoughtfully, protecting the rights of creatives while fostering an environment where AI can continue to innovate. Together, we can shape the future of technology and ensure that Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough remain at the forefront of innovation.”

Michaela Eschbach, CEO of Cambridge Wireless, positioned Cambridge Tech Week as a vital platform for global collaboration. She highlighted the city’s low-risk, high-reward environment for AI development and its standing as one of Europe’s largest tech clusters.

“And what better place to hold this global gathering than Cambridge? A city renowned for its unique ecosystem—one that enables high-risk innovation in a low-risk environment, supported by an exceptional network. Cambridge acts as a catalyst, connecting investors, entrepreneurs, tech pioneers, academia, and government. It is a driving force for innovation in Cambridge, East Anglia, the UK, and beyond.”

Jessica Montgomery, Director at ai@cam, addressed the disconnect between AI advancements and real-world public benefit. She called for greater public engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy-driven AI adoption to maximize AI’s societal impact.

“We've had more than a decade of rapid progress in AI, with waves of hype surrounding its technical capabilities. Beneath the hype lies a genuinely transformational technology. Today, AI tools have the potential to fundamentally reshape how we interact with information.”

Panel Discussion: Driving AI for Real-World Impact

Kathryn Chapman, Innovate Cambridge, led a thought-provoking panel featuring:

  • Neil Lawrence (DeepMind Professor, University of Cambridge) – Urged AI development to focus on solving real-world challenges rather than hype-driven applications.
  • Paul Maltby (Faculty AI) – Highlighted the rapid advancements in AI and emphasized the need for responsible, ethically grounded innovation.
  • Robert Pollock (CEO, Cambridge City Council) – Explored how AI can tackle societal challenges and improve public sector efficiency.
  • Tom Dieter (AstraZeneca) – Discussed AI’s role in scientific discovery and its impact on productivity within life sciences.
  • Jessica Montgomery – Advocated for rethinking collaboration to accelerate AI-driven solutions for challenges like climate change and sustainability.
Key Takeaways
  • AI presents unparalleled opportunities, but success depends on collaboration, ethical governance, and inclusivity.
  • Cambridge has the talent, ecosystem, and leadership to drive AI innovation that benefits society.
  • The focus must shift from AI hype to real-world impact, ensuring practical solutions in healthcare, education, public services, and business productivity.
  • Cambridge Tech Week continues to serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions, uniting AI pioneers, investors, and policymakers to shape the future of AI.
About Cambridge Tech Week

Cambridge Tech Week is a global tech gathering that unites world-leading experts, visionaries, and strategic investors to drive growth in the tech ecosystem. As a renowned hub for collaboration and innovation, Cambridge provides a unique environment where high-risk, transformative ideas can thrive.

At the heart of Cambridge Tech Week is the power of the Cambridge business ecosystem, bringing together:

  • Entrepreneurs & Startups
  • Corporate Leaders & Investors
  • Academics & Researchers
  • Technology Innovators & Media

Join us and be part of the future of AI. Book your tickets today: https://cambridgetechweek.co.uk

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