CTW programme showcases Cambridge technology to the world

With record numbers of spin-outs from local universities and startups gathering pace globally, Cambridge technology is in demand across the planet in all its forms – much of it in the field of sustainability.

Cambridge Tech Week will underline that entrepreneurship here is alive and not just kicking but kicking on.

It is the firm ambition of Chris Bruce, chair of the CTW24 steering committee and board member at Cambridge Wireless, and his team that the event not only inspires the local technology cluster but also informs the growth agenda on a global stage. The CTW programme has been carefully pieced together with that broader vision in mind.

The first day on September 9 will fittingly be held at The Bradfield Centre at the globally renowned Cambridge Science Park (10:00 am - 7:00 pm) and is designed for visitors to the scene in general. The first day has been sculpted to offer a practical overview of the Cambridge ecosystem, its tech heritage and the collaboration potential that has led to it being the largest such cluster in Europe.

Highlighting opportunities for engagement and showcasing what Cambridge and the East of England region has to offer, the day will feature tours of innovation hubs, startups and corporates at the Cambridge Science Park and St John’s Innovation Centre and a networking reception over refreshments to connect with other international guests.

Speakers include Jane Hutchins (Director, Cambridge Science Park), Richard Selby (Chief Investment Officer, Brockton Everlast), Duncan McCunn (CEO, Cambridge&) and Harriet Fear (Special Adviser to Cambridge&).

Events the following day (September 10) at The Guildhall in the city centre are geared to address the broader innovation landscape from Cambridge to global. Guests will hear real-world experiences and advice from financial experts, investors and companies at different stages of growth on bringing new innovations to market from Cambridge to the global stage.

The array of influential speakers throughout the day include former Arm and Rolls-Royce CEO Warren East, Pragmatic Semiconductor executive Scott White, Nu Quantum CEO Carmen Palacios-Berraquero, Cambridge Angels’ first woman chair Pam Garside, and Cambridge University ‘Dontrepreneurs’ Steve Young, Andy Hopper and Florin Udrea.

The Innovation Alley exhibition will be home to 50 early-stage companies, 10 scale-ups, and four larger tech companies, all offering a dynamic and interactive showcase of their solutions. Alongside the exhibition, CTW will be running Investor Pitch Sessions, offering investors the opportunity to attend structured presentations and hear what innovators have to offer.

September 11 (9.30am to 1pm) should prove another day to remember as CTW takes a Tech Deep Dive into artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

With the rise of generative AI, the focus has commonly been drawn to broad topics such as ethics, regulation and security – with discussions mostly concluding that they’re areas that are still in development. But what is it like to actually work with AI day-in and day-out? What is the reality of AI? Where are we seeing the benefits? What are the limitations? Join CTW in a hype-free zone for an evidence-based discussion on the realities and limitations of working with AI.

Speakers include Henry Ajder (Deepfakes & Generative AI Expert), Tim Passingham (Chair, Cambridge Management Consulting), Duncan Clubb (Senior Partner – Data Centre & Edge Capability, Cambridge Management Consulting), Cecilia Nunn (Responsible AI lead, Digital Catapult) and Gary Brotman (CEO, Secondmind).

The second deep dive of the day explores practical applications of quantum technologies. CTW says £1 billion has been invested into quantum technologies in the last 10 years, building a path to market for the UK’s now leading capabilities in quantum computing, sensors and timing, imaging and communications. But what is the next step? How will quantum technologies change the world?

CTW will explore the application of quantum technologies in computing, security and sensing and how the transformative potential of Quantum technologies brings with it a unique ethical and regulatory challenge.

Speakers include Sir Peter Knight (Technical Advisor, IUK Quantum Technology Challenge and Chair of the UK Quantum Technology Strategic Advisory Board, Innovate UK), Ben Christy (DSIT), Paul Ceely (Digital Catapult), Claudia Perry (BP) and David Woogler (CEO, Cerca Magenetics).

Attendees should hold onto the snorkels and flippers as two other deep dives dominate the day on September 12 – this time into semiconductors and Climate Tech.

Semiconductors

In an industry sometimes referred to as boom-and-bust, the UK’s focused approach is taking semiconductors to the next level internationally. With a concentration on compound semiconductors, design IP and R & D, the UK – and Cambridge specifically – is leading the way in expanding the market and driving investment. Topics covered include:

• How the UK’s focus on compound semiconductors and advanced materials are driving leadership in affiliated areas such as Quantum, AI and CleanTech;
• How recent changes in investment will bridge the UK’s gap between spinouts and established global businesses;
• How new materials are changing the semiconductor landscape to reduce energy usage and further the UK’s design IP.

Speakers include Andy Sellars (Strategy Director, CSA Catapult), Professor Rachel Oliver (Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge), Dr Nikoletta Athanassopoulou (Institute for Manufacturing), David Moore (CEO, Pragmatic Semiconductor) Dr Richard Murray (ORCA Computing), Sean Redmond (Silicon Catalyst UK), Owen Metters (Octopus Ventures) and Nathalie Haller (UK Infrastructure Bank).

Climate Tech

The UK is one of the most important markets for Climate Tech globally, with 2022 VC investments breaking records. In this event, CTW will dive into what is driving that growth, where the latest innovations are happening from energy to new materials and hear directly from the companies who are making big moves in Cambridge and beyond.

Speakers include Professor Emily Shuckburgh (Cambridge Zero), Catherine Joce (Head of Sustainability, Cambridge Consultants), Ian Anderson (ESG Technology & Data Lead Partner, PwC), Craig Jamieson (Director & Founder, Straw Innovations), John Hartley (CEO, Levidian) and Monica Saavedra (CEO, Lambda Agri).

The closing day of Cambridge Tech Week – Friday the 13th – promises a bright day rather than a fright night! It is being dedicated to inspiring young people to explore a career in technology. Despite Cambridge being Europe’s largest tech cluster, engaging young people with the opportunities on their doorstep can be a challenge.

Tech Futures Day is designed to bring young people into our science parks, to expose them to the world-leading businesses, connect them with role models and mentors and give students an experience they’ll never forget.

CTW will also be hosting talks and discussions with employers, academics and educators about the challenge of attracting diverse talent into tech and exploring what’s working. Speakers include Morgan Dee (Director of AI & Data Science, EDUCATE Ventures Research), Laraine Moody (Group Principal University and Professional Development, Eastern Education Group), Rajeshwari Iye (CEO, sAInaptic) and Professor Claire Pike (Pro Vice-Chancellor,Education Enhancement, Anglia Ruskin University).

Explore the entire programme at cambridgetechweek.co.uk