
Our
Agenda
Sancroft Convene, London & Virtually, 19th – 20th March 2025
Accelerate Innovation. Together
Full Agenda
Search & Filter
08:00 – 09:00
Registration and Exhibition
8:45 AM
45m
09:00 – 10:00
9:20 AM
10m
Opening remarks: an innovation strategy to tackle the next decade’s pressing place-based challenges
Grand Challenges

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer – Connected Places Catapult

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
About Erika Lewis :
Erika Lewis joined the Catapult from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in March 2024 as Chief Executive Officer. In July 2023, Erika was appointed the CEO of the AI Safety Summit. This was a world first event and brought together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. The Summit was the culmination of a busy 5 years in central government, Erika joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2018 to deliver the National Data Strategy. In October 2019, she moved to the role of Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, where she led on the economic support for the cyber sector, the development of security approaches for consumer IoT, the government work on Secure Connected Places and Digital Identity in the economy. In 2020, she also led DCMS on the Covid-19 response package for the Voluntary Sector and in 2023, led the initial transition programme for the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Before moving into central government in 2012, Erika became a Project Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, where she was responsible for both merger and market investigations. Most notably, she ran an Energy Market Investigation and a Private Motor Insurance Market Investigation. Erika was a part of the set-up team for the London Development Agency (LDA) in April 2000. Staying for 12 years at the LDA, she delivered regeneration programmes across London and was subsequently the Director of Strategy.

Professor Greg Clark CBE
Chair – Connected Places Catapult

Professor Greg Clark CBE
Chair
Connected Places Catapult
About Professor Greg Clark CBE :
Greg Clark is Chair of Connected Places Catapult. He is a British and Irish writer, Board Chair, Non-Executive Director, and advisor on cities, mobility, built environment, and urban innovation. He is the author of 10 books and 100 reports on cities, mobility, real estate, climate, urban economies, investment, and place leadership, and has worked with 400 cities around the world. In the UK. He is Chair of Connected Places Catapult (CPC), the UK’s national innovation accelerator for transport, cities, and place leadership, and Chair of the Cities Commission for Climate Investment (3Ci), which convenes local leaders and investors to find innovative means to capitalise a just urban transition. He is a Board Member of Transport for London (TfL). He chairs TfL’s Land and Property Committee, which oversees TfL’s property company, Places for London. He is a Senior Advisor to New London Architecture, and Hon Prof of cities and innovation at Strathclyde University. Greg is also chair of the UK Government’s Secure Connected Places Advisory Group. He was previously Lead Advisor, Cities & Regions, Office of Deputy Prime Minister (2004-2010), Executive Director, London Development Agency, Chief Executive of the London Enterprise Agency, Managing Director of Greater London Enterprise, and he teaches regularly at LSE and University College London. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (FAcSS). Globally. Greg is Hon Global Fellow at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). He is the former chair of the OECD LEED Forum of Cities and Regions (1996-2016) and former Global Fellow on cities at the Brookings Institution. He has advised the World Bank, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and the HSBC Group on cities, sustainability, and financial innovation. He is currently working with the Inter-American Development Bank on the future of the cities of the Amazon, where 47,000,000 people live. Greg has chaired more than 20 International Advisory Boards and Committees for Cities; including New York, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Mumbai, Vienna, Oslo, Barcelona, Turin, Toronto, Auckland, and Cape Town. He is a member of the WEF Global Future Council on Cities & Urbanisation, and a member of the Bloomberg NEF Council on Cities.
Opening remarks: an innovation strategy to tackle the next decade’s pressing place-based challenges
9:20 AM
Grand Challenges
10m
Speakers:

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult

Professor Greg Clark CBE
Chair
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
9:30 AM
15m
In Conversation with Sir Andrew Haines
Grand Challenges

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer – Connected Places Catapult

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
About Erika Lewis :
Erika Lewis joined the Catapult from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in March 2024 as Chief Executive Officer. In July 2023, Erika was appointed the CEO of the AI Safety Summit. This was a world first event and brought together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. The Summit was the culmination of a busy 5 years in central government, Erika joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2018 to deliver the National Data Strategy. In October 2019, she moved to the role of Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, where she led on the economic support for the cyber sector, the development of security approaches for consumer IoT, the government work on Secure Connected Places and Digital Identity in the economy. In 2020, she also led DCMS on the Covid-19 response package for the Voluntary Sector and in 2023, led the initial transition programme for the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Before moving into central government in 2012, Erika became a Project Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, where she was responsible for both merger and market investigations. Most notably, she ran an Energy Market Investigation and a Private Motor Insurance Market Investigation. Erika was a part of the set-up team for the London Development Agency (LDA) in April 2000. Staying for 12 years at the LDA, she delivered regeneration programmes across London and was subsequently the Director of Strategy.

Sir Andrew Haines
Chief Executive – Network Rail

Sir Andrew Haines
Chief Executive
Network Rail
About Sir Andrew Haines :
Since joining Network Rail in August 2018, Andrew has refocussed Network Rail to be on the side of passengers and freight users; that is easy to engage with and is an efficient and dependable partner; a company people are proud to work for; instinctively recognised as an industry leader. Andrew has introduced a mindset that puts passengers first as well as a programme which has so far resulted in the creation of fourteen new routes, supported by five new regions. This new structure sets Network Rail up for deeper devolution and to be more responsive to the needs of train operators, passengers and freight users by bringing Network Rail’s 43,000 employees closer to those we serve. Prior to joining Network Rail, Andrew served as Chief Executive of the Civil Aviation Authority from 2009. This followed a wide-ranging career in the rail industry, which included roles as Managing Director of South West Trains, and Managing Director of the Rail Division for First Group plc. Following the publication of the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail in May 2021, Andrew was also tasked with establishing interim arrangements for the creation of Great British Railways, alongside his role in Network Rail.
In Conversation with Sir Andrew Haines
9:30 AM
Grand Challenges
15m
Speakers:

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult

Sir Andrew Haines
Chief Executive
Network Rail
Add to Calendar
9:45 AM
35m
How can the UK’s cities and regions help kickstart the economy?
Grand Challenges

Andrew Carter
Chief Executive – Centre for Cities

Andrew Carter
Chief Executive
Centre for Cities
About Andrew Carter :

Kellie Beirne
Chief Executive – Cardiff Capital Region

Kellie Beirne
Chief Executive
Cardiff Capital Region
About Kellie Beirne :
Kellie is Chief Executive of the Cardiff Capital Region and an innovation practitioner. Kellie is a Governor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and sits on the advisory boards for Swansea University’s Morgan Advanced Studies Institute and the Board of Cardiff University’s public value Business School.

Paul Honeyben
Strategy Director – Local Government Finance and Improvement – London Councils

Paul Honeyben
Strategy Director – Local Government Finance and Improvement
London Councils
About Paul Honeyben :

Stephen Jones
Director – Core Cities UK

Stephen Jones
Director
Core Cities UK
About Stephen Jones :

David Hughes
CEO – East West Rail

David Hughes
CEO
East West Rail
About David Hughes :
David’s path has been firmly rooted in the transport sector. From 2021 to 2024, he served as the Director General for Rail Infrastructure Group at the Department for Transport. In this role, he provided leadership and oversight for DfT’s portfolio of major rail investment projects. Before DfT, he held the position of Strategy and Programme Director at Transport for the North. But David’s passion for transport goes back even further. He spent 15 years at Transport for London, where he led the development and planning of major rail infrastructure projects, including iconic ones like Crossrail and the Northern Line Extension. Additionally, he played a key role in upgrades across the London Underground network. Prior to joining EWR Co., David has been at Arup as the Major Programmes Director. There, he focused on supporting and accelerating the delivery of significant national infrastructure and strategic change programmes.
How can the UK’s cities and regions help kickstart the economy?
9:45 AM
Grand Challenges
35m
Description:
What is the role of innovation in boosting economic growth, creating new jobs, and unlocking prosperity across our cities and transport systems?Speakers:

Andrew Carter
Chief Executive
Centre for Cities

Kellie Beirne
Chief Executive
Cardiff Capital Region

Paul Honeyben
Strategy Director – Local Government Finance and Improvement
London Councils

Stephen Jones
Director
Core Cities UK

David Hughes
CEO
East West Rail
Add to Calendar
10:00 – 11:00
10:20 AM
15m
In Conversation with Andrew Barr
Grand Challenges

Andrew Barr
President – Hitachi EMEA

Andrew Barr
President
Hitachi EMEA
About Andrew Barr :

Becky Wood
Non-Executive Director – Connected Places Catapult

Becky Wood
Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult
About Becky Wood :
In Conversation with Andrew Barr
10:20 AM
Grand Challenges
15m
Speakers:

Andrew Barr
President
Hitachi EMEA

Becky Wood
Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
10:35 AM
25m
Fireside chat: How do we boost investment in net zero and green growth?
Grand Challenges

Catherine McGuinness CBE
Non-Executive Director & IUK Nominated Director – Connected Places Catapult

Catherine McGuinness CBE
Non-Executive Director & IUK Nominated Director
Connected Places Catapult
About Catherine McGuinness CBE :

Claire Dorrian
Head of Sustainable Finance, Capital Markets and Post Trade – London Stock Exchange Group

Claire Dorrian
Head of Sustainable Finance, Capital Markets and Post Trade
London Stock Exchange Group
About Claire Dorrian :
Claire is responsible for the portfolio of sustainable finance products and services across London Stock Exchange Group’s Capital Markets and Post Trade business divisions. She is responsible for leading the development of London Stock Exchange’s sustainable finance cross asset class offering which includes equities, green and renewable funds, and fixed income. Claire is also responsible for developing the range of sustainable finance products and services for Capital Markets and Post Trade clients. She has played an important role in Group-wide sustainable finance initiatives such as the development of model guidance on ESG and climate disclosure, climate reporting training for listed companies and initiatives such as the Green Economy Mark. Claire is a member of an industry Taskforce on the Scaling of Voluntary Carbon Markets, and she led the work on the recent launch of LSEG’s Voluntary Carbon Market. Claire’s background is in capital markets largely with a sustainability focus. She previously worked in the fund management industry for AIB Govett and ANZ. Positioned at the heart of global financial markets, LSEG works across the investment and finance chain from issuers to asset owners, and across the financial, banking, trading, and advisory ecosystem. As such LSEG is uniquely positioned to support clients in achieving the transition to a sustainable and net-zero economy and was the first exchange group to commit to net zero emissions.

Lorna Pimlott
Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory & Lending – National Wealth Fund

Lorna Pimlott
Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory & Lending
National Wealth Fund
About Lorna Pimlott :

Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy – Greater London Authority

Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy
Greater London Authority
About Mete Coban MBE :
Mete Coban MBE became the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy in July 2024, overseeing the Mayor’s world-leading climate action plan for the capital. Before becoming Deputy Mayor, Mete was a Councillor and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment, and Transport in the London Borough of Hackney, delivering a £61 million Green New Deal to tackle the climate crisis. He is best known for pioneering Hackney’s Community Energy Fund, providing clean, green, community-owned energy to 39 not-for-profits. Mete is widely credited with making politics more accessible to young people as the Founder of the youth-led charity My Life My Say. He led the Give an X voter registration campaign, which resulted in over 488,000 newly registered voters ahead of the UK General Election in July 2024. In the New Year’s 2020 Honours List, Mete received an MBE for services to young people, recognising his efforts to make politics and democracy more accessible to the younger generation. Mete also serves as a Trustee at the London Marathon Foundation and My Life My Say.
Fireside chat: How do we boost investment in net zero and green growth?
10:35 AM
Grand Challenges
25m
Description:
What are the key investment priorities for delivering the UK’s ambitious net zero investment plans, and what are the public-private sector models that are required in towns and cities?Speakers:

Catherine McGuinness CBE
Non-Executive Director & IUK Nominated Director
Connected Places Catapult

Claire Dorrian
Head of Sustainable Finance, Capital Markets and Post Trade
London Stock Exchange Group

Lorna Pimlott
Managing Director, Local Authority Advisory & Lending
National Wealth Fund

Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy
Greater London Authority
Add to Calendar
11:00 – 12:00
Connect & Spark Break
11:00 AM
30m
11:05 AM
20m
In Conversation with George Kibala Bauer
Virtual Track

George Kibala Bauer
Senior Director, Climate Tech & Digital Utilities – GSMA

George Kibala Bauer
Senior Director, Climate Tech & Digital Utilities
GSMA
About George Kibala Bauer :
In Conversation with George Kibala Bauer
11:05 AM
Virtual Track
20m
Description:
Register for a virtual pass to watch this bonus content.Speakers:

George Kibala Bauer
Senior Director, Climate Tech & Digital Utilities
GSMA
Add to Calendar
11:30 AM
30m
Opening Address and Fireside chat: Accelerating transport innovation and delivering economic renewal
Accelerating Transport Innovation

Professor Sarah Sharples
Chief Scientific Adviser – Department for Transport

Professor Sarah Sharples
Chief Scientific Adviser
Department for Transport
About Professor Sarah Sharples :
Professor Sarah Sharples is Chief Scientific Adviser for the Department for Transport. She is a Professor of Human Factors in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham and from 2018 to 2021 was Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and People. She has led research in transport, manufacturing and healthcare, and currently leads the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Connected Everything Network Plus. She founded and is co-director of the EPSRC Horizon Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), and has led research programmes examining implementation of new technologies in rail, highways and aviation. She was President of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors from 2015 to 2016.

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer – Connected Places Catapult

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
About Erika Lewis :
Erika Lewis joined the Catapult from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in March 2024 as Chief Executive Officer. In July 2023, Erika was appointed the CEO of the AI Safety Summit. This was a world first event and brought together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. The Summit was the culmination of a busy 5 years in central government, Erika joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2018 to deliver the National Data Strategy. In October 2019, she moved to the role of Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, where she led on the economic support for the cyber sector, the development of security approaches for consumer IoT, the government work on Secure Connected Places and Digital Identity in the economy. In 2020, she also led DCMS on the Covid-19 response package for the Voluntary Sector and in 2023, led the initial transition programme for the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Before moving into central government in 2012, Erika became a Project Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, where she was responsible for both merger and market investigations. Most notably, she ran an Energy Market Investigation and a Private Motor Insurance Market Investigation. Erika was a part of the set-up team for the London Development Agency (LDA) in April 2000. Staying for 12 years at the LDA, she delivered regeneration programmes across London and was subsequently the Director of Strategy.
Opening Address and Fireside chat: Accelerating transport innovation and delivering economic renewal
11:30 AM
Accelerating Transport Innovation
30m
Speakers:

Professor Sarah Sharples
Chief Scientific Adviser
Department for Transport

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
11:30 AM
30m
The business case for transport investment
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero

Dan Mansfield
Director – Transport, Local Authority Advisory and Lending – National Wealth Fund

Dan Mansfield
Director – Transport, Local Authority Advisory and Lending
National Wealth Fund
About Dan Mansfield :
Dan is a Director in the National Wealth Fund’s Local Authority Advisory and Lending function with responsibility for transport. Prior to joining the bank Dan worked in professional services advising on a range of transport and social infrastructure projects. His transport experience includes the funding and financing of transport infrastructure, rail and franchising, rolling stock procurement, zero emission vehicles and charging as well as other infrastructure and accommodation projects. Dan has worked on all aspects of the project lifecycle; from the development of detailed business cases, options appraisals and strategic reviews through procurement design and evaluation to financial and commercial closes and refinancings and post-deal operational reviews.

Arnold du Toit
Investor – WeSprint

Arnold du Toit
Investor
WeSprint
About Arnold du Toit :
Arnold du Toit acts as and on behalf of a dual Family Office between UK-SA and DE. He is an industrial/deep tech investor and operator, specializing in transport, aerospace, and energy. The du Toit Family owns and operates WeSprint, an advisory firm acting on behalf of Private Equity and private/public funds. The dual Family Office holds equity in a small portfolio of property, technology businesses, and funds, with over £200m in assets under management.

Tiernan Mines
CEO and Co-Founder – Hello Lamp Post

Tiernan Mines
CEO and Co-Founder
Hello Lamp Post
About Tiernan Mines :
Tiernan Mines is the CEO and Co-Founder of Hello Lamp Post, the platform that brings AI-powered digital assistants to any place. Hello Lamp Post improves customer service efficiency, provides valuable location-based insights and makes it easier for people to access relevant information while shaping the future of their surroundings. With over 10 years of experience in launching ventures and digital products, Tiernan is passionate about scaling technology for good – driving solutions that create a better, more connected world.

Joe Tighe
CEO and Founder – Kleandrive Ltd

Joe Tighe
CEO and Founder
Kleandrive Ltd
About Joe Tighe :
Joe Tighe is a seasoned financial executive and entrepreneur with over 37 years of expertise in commodities trading, derivatives markets, electronic trading systems, and artificial intelligence. Driven by a passion for sustainability, he has re-dedicated his career to building businesses that create meaningful environmental and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of KleanDrive, a certified B Corporation, Joe leads a mission-driven company helping fleet operators transition heavy diesel vehicles to clean electric drive systems. KleanDrive leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver fast, safe, and cost-effective electric drivetrains—reducing emissions, improving air quality, and lowering operational costs. Backed by an extensive industry network, Joe and the KleanDrive team are accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels through innovation, economics, and real-world impact in the cleantech and transportation sectors.
The business case for transport investment
11:30 AM
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero
30m
Description:
How is the investment landscape evolving and what are its implications to the transport investment lifecycle? What are some of the emerging opportunities to improve coordination?Speakers:

Dan Mansfield
Director – Transport, Local Authority Advisory and Lending
National Wealth Fund

Arnold du Toit
Investor
WeSprint

Tiernan Mines
CEO and Co-Founder
Hello Lamp Post

Joe Tighe
CEO and Founder
Kleandrive Ltd
Add to Calendar
11:30 AM
10m
Introduction to Regional Innovation Economies
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
Introduction to Regional Innovation Economies
11:30 AM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
10m
Add to Calendar
11:30 AM
30m
A Cross-sectoral View to Accelerating Progress: UK National Data Sharing Infrastructure
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Matt Edwards
Head of Enterprise Data, Chief Data Officer – Anglian Water Services

Matt Edwards
Head of Enterprise Data, Chief Data Officer
Anglian Water Services
About Matt Edwards :
Matt has worked in the water industry for over 20 years across a wide spectrum of roles in engineering, asset management, operations and customer management, and programme and change management. He is currently the Chief Data Officer for Anglian Water Services and supports the Digital Twin Hub through their strategic Board. Matt has previously served on a number of different external Boards such as the Data and Digital Board for the Government’s non-household retail Market Operator (MOSL) for England and Wales, and the National Infrastructure Digital Transformation Task Group.

Gavin Starks
Co-Chair of Smart Data Council, Department for Business and Trade, and Founder and CEO – Icebreaker One

Gavin Starks
Co-Chair of Smart Data Council, Department for Business and Trade, and Founder and CEO
Icebreaker One
About Gavin Starks :
Gavin has created over a dozen companies, employing 100’s of people, and delivering $100M’s in measurable impact. He co-chaired the development of the Open Banking Standard and was founding CEO of the Open Data Institute. He has mentored, chaired, or been a non-exec of over 40 organisations across diverse sectors. He currently runs IcebreakerOne.org to help accelerate our Net Zero Future and co-chairs the UK Smart Data Council, shaping the future of data sharing at national scale to unlock value and address risks.

Melissa Zanocco OBE
Chair, Digital Twin Hub Community Council and Capital Projects & Infrastructure Advisory – Accenture

Melissa Zanocco OBE
Chair, Digital Twin Hub Community Council and Capital Projects & Infrastructure Advisory
Accenture
About Melissa Zanocco OBE :
Melissa Zanocco OBE, Capital Projects & Infrastructure Advisory at Accenture, is one of the instigators of ‘Our Vision for the Built Environment’ and ‘Our Share Understanding: a circular economy in the build environment’ and is committed to transforming the built environment sector to produce better outcomes for people and nature. She previously ran the Infrastructure Client Group, including the Data & Digital Task Group. She is Chair of the Digital Twin Hub Community Council as well as a member of the Royal Academy of Engineering / NEPC Materials Working Group, Green Construction Board Circular Economy Group and Construction Leadership Council Information Management Task Group. She is also a member of the UN Women UK community, including as part of the delegation to the Commission on the Status of Women 2025, and Chairs the Allyship Working Group of the cross-industry Women’s Networks Forum.

Sarah Hayes
Chair, Data Sharing Working Group, and Strategic Advisor – Connected Places Catapult

Sarah Hayes
Chair, Data Sharing Working Group, and Strategic Advisor
Connected Places Catapult
About Sarah Hayes :
Sarah is a data and digitalisation expert and has worked across energy, ICT, water and transport sectors over the last twenty five years. She was the lead author of Data for the public good, a report about the need to share infrastructure data, which was published by the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) in December 2017. Sarah works as an independent consultant and has been involved in CReDo, the Climate Resilience Demonstrator project from its launch. Sarah chairs a weekly Data Sharing Working Group comprised of thought leaders and practitioners across the data sharing space, who discuss different data sharing initiatives and the requirements to advance the development of data sharing infrastructure.
A Cross-sectoral View to Accelerating Progress: UK National Data Sharing Infrastructure
11:30 AM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
30m
Description:
This session will delve into the critical role of data sharing infrastructure in accelerating progress in digital transformation across various sectors in the UK. As digital maturity continues to grow and. reshape industries, the ability to share data seamlessly and securely becomes increasingly vital. What infrastructure exists today to enable data to be shared in an interoperable way? And what actions are required to fill gaps in the market?Speakers:

Matt Edwards
Head of Enterprise Data, Chief Data Officer
Anglian Water Services

Gavin Starks
Co-Chair of Smart Data Council, Department for Business and Trade, and Founder and CEO
Icebreaker One

Melissa Zanocco OBE
Chair, Digital Twin Hub Community Council and Capital Projects & Infrastructure Advisory
Accenture

Sarah Hayes
Chair, Data Sharing Working Group, and Strategic Advisor
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
11:40 AM
40m
Spotlight on Liverpool City Region
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions

John Whaling
Lead Officer, Innovation and Commercialisaton – Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

John Whaling
Lead Officer, Innovation and Commercialisaton
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
About John Whaling :
John is a collaborative place leader with 25+ years’ experience of pioneering economic development and “making things happen” at the interface between public, private, and higher education sectors. For the last 10 years, John has been convening and championing all aspects of the Liverpool City Region’s (LCR) innovation agenda and ecosystem, latterly as the Combined Authority’s Lead Officer for Innovation & Commercialisation. His primary role is to catalyse partnerships, policies, and programmes that maximise the LCR’s distinctive, world-leading assets and capabilities, in order to drive transformational regional/national economic growth and solve intractable local challenges. The LCR is now at the forefront of UK place-based innovation practice, with innovation a primary Mayoral priority. He previously worked at the LCR Local Enterprise Partnership, Liverpool Vision, and St. Helens Council, where he led a series of successful programmes that included a national City Growth Strategy pilot, plus delivery of the landmark, multi-award-winning 20m Dream sculpture by Jaume Plensa overlooking the M62, commissioned by ex-miners as part of Channel 4’s “Big Art Project”. Prior to local government, John spent 2 years working for the European Commission in Brussels, has also lived/worked in Germany, the USA, and Canada. He grew up in Edinburgh, and speaks German and French. John is on the Board of Scottish innovation agency Interface, and in a voluntary capacity also the Chair of Future Yard CIC, whose mission is “to positively transform both Birkenhead and the nature of what a UK grassroots music venue does, based on the founding principle that music can change the world…”.

Lorna Green
Chief Executive Officer – LYVA Labs

Lorna Green
Chief Executive Officer
LYVA Labs
About Lorna Green :
Bio: Lorna is CEO and co-founder of LYVA Labs. Having secured £10.5m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, LYVA Labs provides a range of support for innovative businesses including innovation workshops to help develop an idea, pre-seed investment to health & life sciences and deep tech start-ups in Liverpool City Region and innovation vouchers for collaborative R&D projects.

Craig Pennington
Chief Executive and Co Founder – Future Yard CIC

Craig Pennington
Chief Executive and Co Founder
Future Yard CIC
About Craig Pennington :

Nuala Gallagher
Corporate Director of City Development – Liverpool City Council

Nuala Gallagher
Corporate Director of City Development
Liverpool City Council
About Nuala Gallagher :

Steve Rotheram
Mayor – Liverpool City Region

Steve Rotheram
Mayor
Liverpool City Region
About Steve Rotheram :
Spotlight on Liverpool City Region
11:40 AM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
40m
Description:
Liverpool City Region (LCR) is at the forefront of UK place-based innovation, with a mature innovation ecosystem, dedicated governance going back to 2013, and host of pioneering partnerships, programmes and approaches. Come and meet some of the key Leaders driving LCR innovation as they share their journey, best practice and lessons learned about maximising distinctive world-leading local assets and capabilities to deliver inclusive regional and UK economic growth.Speakers:

John Whaling
Lead Officer, Innovation and Commercialisaton
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

Lorna Green
Chief Executive Officer
LYVA Labs

Craig Pennington
Chief Executive and Co Founder
Future Yard CIC

Nuala Gallagher
Corporate Director of City Development
Liverpool City Council

Steve Rotheram
Mayor
Liverpool City Region
Add to Calendar
12:00 – 13:00
12:00 PM
30m
Paving the Future: Decarbonising Roads with Novel Materials
Innovation in action

Lauren SeBlonka
Innovation Business Partner – Amey

Lauren SeBlonka
Innovation Business Partner
Amey
About Lauren SeBlonka :
Lauren SeBlonka leads the innovation portfolio for Amey Highways and oversees the Live Labs 2 project with North Lanarkshire Council, the ‘North Campus’ of the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads. Her experience spans across innovation management, decarbonisation, impact evaluation and programme management in transport infrastructure. She also co-leads part of the PIARC World Road Association Technical Committee 1.2 Contribution of Roads to Economic and Social Development, representing the U.K. in the global road community to develop best practice for road investment models that drive economic, social and environmental benefit. With two degrees in Sociology and previous experience in the third sector, Lauren also brings a cross-disciplinary, multi-sector perspective, with a dedication to addressing inequalities and safeguarding a just transition to net-zero.

Joseph Webster
Carbon Reduction Project Coordinator – TfWM

Joseph Webster
Carbon Reduction Project Coordinator
TfWM
About Joseph Webster :
My name is Joseph Webster, I am a 21-year old emerging professional within the transport industry. I joined TfWM as a project management apprentice in November 2023, and since then I have been working on the Centre of Excellence for Decarbonising Roads project.

Emma Pye
Founder and Director – Pye Management

Emma Pye
Founder and Director
Pye Management
About Emma Pye :
Emma Pye is the Founder and Director of PYE-Management Ltd (Protect Your Environment), a Sustainability Consultancy specialising in the highway industry. She is a Chartered environmentalist, a Fellow of the IEMA, and is a Committee Member for ISO 14001 Environmental management systems for the UK. Emma Pye has over 25 years’ experience working within the construction, highways and quarrying sectors. She is highly experienced in PAS 2080, carbon footprinting, ISO 14001 and sustainability strategies. Her knowledge, experience and vision provide support in a constantly changing environment, whose insight into current and future global concerns are addressing the needs of forward-looking clients and has a successful track record of implementing and managing environmental change and improvement. Credentials: RSTA Carbon Emissions Report Ed 1 2023 FHRG Guidance for the Application of GHG Scope 1 and 2 in Local Highway Authorities. IWA 42:2022 Net Zero guidelines (participant)

Simon Wilson
Director of Research – The Future Highways Research Group

Simon Wilson
Director of Research
The Future Highways Research Group
About Simon Wilson :
Paving the Future: Decarbonising Roads with Novel Materials
12:00 PM
Innovation in action
30m
Description:
The road to decarbonisation is built on rigorous trials and informed decision-making. This session explores insights from a scan of over 400 materials, foresighting exercises on drivers of change, and real-world trials that test the viability of novel low-carbon solutions. Discover how local authorities identify, assess, trial, evaluate, and adopt innovative materials for a sustainable road network.Speakers:

Lauren SeBlonka
Innovation Business Partner
Amey

Joseph Webster
Carbon Reduction Project Coordinator
TfWM

Emma Pye
Founder and Director
Pye Management

Simon Wilson
Director of Research
The Future Highways Research Group
Add to Calendar
12:00 PM
30m
Fireside chat: How is the Government investing in Net Zero?
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero

Marvin Rees
Lord Rees of Easton –

Marvin Rees
Lord Rees of Easton
About Marvin Rees :
Lord Rees of Easton, OBE, is a British Labour Party politician and former Mayor of Bristol (2016–2024), celebrated as the first person of Black African heritage to be elected mayor of a major European city. Rees began his career with Tearfund, a leading international development agency, before moving to the USA to work with Sojourners, a social justice organization. Upon returning to the UK, he worked with BBC Bristol and later joined NHS Bristol’s Public Health team. His tenure as mayor was marked by transformative political leadership, urban regeneration, and social impact, earning him international recognition for driving meaningful change. Key achievements include: • Delivering over 14,000 new homes to address housing challenges. • Leading Temple Quarter, one of Europe’s largest regeneration projects. • Spearheading Bristol City Leap, a groundbreaking £1 billion public-private partnership to decarbonize the city’s energy system. Beyond Bristol, Rees remains a global advocate for urban leadership, migration, and climate action. As Co-Chair of the Mayors Migration Council, he collaborates with city leaders worldwide to shape inclusive policies and create economic opportunities for migrants and refugees. Rees is a Yale World Fellow, a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, and a UPenn Perry World House Fellow. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from Swansea University and serves as an Honorary Industrial Professor at the University of Bristol. His lived experience—growing up as the mixed-race son of a single mother in 1970s and 80s Britain—fuels his lifelong dedication to social justice, urban transformation, and social mobility. Now, as Lord Rees of Easton, he continues to champion inclusive cities, climate action, and economic opportunity for all.

Catherine McGuinness CBE
Non-Executive Director & IUK Nominated Director – Connected Places Catapult

Catherine McGuinness CBE
Non-Executive Director & IUK Nominated Director
Connected Places Catapult
About Catherine McGuinness CBE :
Fireside chat: How is the Government investing in Net Zero?
12:00 PM
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero
30m
Description:
Funding the net zero transition comes with significant challenges. In this fireside chat, our speakers will explore the Government’s plans and programmes for decarbonisation, as well as the challenges and opportunities with delivering them.Speakers:

Marvin Rees
Lord Rees of Easton

Catherine McGuinness CBE
Non-Executive Director & IUK Nominated Director
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
12:00 PM
60m
Innovation Pioneers: shape the future of funding opportunities in transport
Accelerating Transport Innovation

Nathan Hurdsfield
Head of Innovation – Department for Transport (DfT)

Nathan Hurdsfield
Head of Innovation
Department for Transport (DfT)
About Nathan Hurdsfield :
Innovation Pioneers: shape the future of funding opportunities in transport
12:00 PM
Accelerating Transport Innovation
60m
Description:
Join this interactive session, co-led by Connected Places Catapult and the Department for Transport, to explore current and future challenges facing the transport industry. By converging cross-sector knowledge, this session will serve as a crucial input in shaping the scope of future funding competitions, ensuring they address not only evolving policy priorities but also the emerging needs of the transport sector. The outputs of the workshop will inform immediate and long-term requirements, and foster innovation and collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders.Speakers:

Nathan Hurdsfield
Head of Innovation
Department for Transport (DfT)
Add to Calendar
12:00 PM
30m
AI and digital twins: In conversation with The Lord Clement-Jones CBE
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE
–

Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE
About Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE :
Liberal Democrat House of Lords spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology. Former Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence which reported in 2018 with “AI in the UK Ready Willing and Able?” and its follow-up report in 2020 “AI in the UK: No Room for Complacency”. He co-founded and has co-chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI since 2017. From 2023, a member of the Industry and Regulators Committee. He was the initiator of and subsequent member of the Special Inquiry Select Committee into AI in Weapons Systems whose final report “Proceed with caution: Artificial Intelligence in weapon systems” published on 1st December 2023. Former member of the House of Lords Select Committees on Communications (2011-15), Risk Assessment and Planning (2020-21) and the Joint Select Committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill (2021-22). Vice Chair for a number of All-Party Parliamentary Groups, including Data Analytics; Digital Inclusion; Digital Regulation and Responsibility; Digital Skills; and Intellectual Property. A founding member of the OECD Parliamentary Group on AI and a former Consultant to the Council of Europe’s Ad-hoc Committee on AI (“CAHAI”). He is author of the book, ‘Living with the Algorithm: Servant or Master?: AI Governance and Policy for the Future’. It identifies the risks associated with AI, including the potential for bias and discrimination, reputational harm, and the potential for widescale redundancy of millions of jobs and addresses current approaches to regulation and governance of AI internationally in both the public and private sector, how to meet and mitigate the challenges, avoid inadequate or ill-considered regulatory approaches, and protect society from the unforeseen consequences that could flow from unregulated AI development and adoption. Since 2016, Tim has been Chair of Council of Queen Mary University of London and Chair of the Board of Trust Alliance Group (formerly Ombudsman Services), an independent not-for-profit group that provides dispute resolution for communications and energy utilities. He is a Consultant on AI Policy and Regulation with global law firm, DLA Piper, where former positions held include, London Managing Partner

Dr Alison Vincent CBE
Chair, Digital Twin Hub Board, and Non-Executive Director – Connected Places Catapult

Dr Alison Vincent CBE
Chair, Digital Twin Hub Board, and Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult
About Dr Alison Vincent CBE :
AI and digital twins: In conversation with The Lord Clement-Jones CBE
12:00 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
30m
Description:
Given the UK Governments recent announcement on the role of AI in our society, how can this technology be used to overcome technical and socio-technical challenges to connecting digital twins, and what value could this bring to managing systems or critical infrastructure to benefit people and places.Speakers:

Lord Tim Clement-Jones CBE

Dr Alison Vincent CBE
Chair, Digital Twin Hub Board, and Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
12:20 PM
40m
Spotlight on the West Midlands
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions

Yiannis Maos MBE
Founder & CEO – TechWM

Yiannis Maos MBE
Founder & CEO
TechWM
About Yiannis Maos MBE :
Yiannis is an award winning founder and serial entrepreneur. He has over 18 year’s experience in marketing and technology, where he’s helped a number of innovative organisations successfully scale. In 2023 he was awarded an MBE on the New Year Honours List for his services to the technology sector. His career started at B2B SaaS company Rant & Rave, who he helped grow from a challenger brand to a market leader that eventually sold for £50m. Following this, he was chosen as the UK Chair for the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) which is the largest community of CX professionals in the world. In 2021 he helped San Francisco based Copper CRM, one the fastest-growing companies in the US, with their marketing strategy. Yiannis also advises government and is a member of techUK’s Nation & Region’s Council and sits on the UK Tech Cluster Group board.

Sanjay Daswani
Chief Commercial Officer – Global Nano Network

Sanjay Daswani
Chief Commercial Officer
Global Nano Network
About Sanjay Daswani :

Sarah Windrum
Head of Cluster Development – Horiba MIRA

Sarah Windrum
Head of Cluster Development
Horiba MIRA
About Sarah Windrum :
Spotlight on the West Midlands
12:20 PM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
40m
Description:
Join us for this insightful spotlight panel session focusing on trailblazing in the West Midlands as we unearth the benefits of partnering with a place, and illustrate how collaborative coalitions of public and private sector partners can drive high impact at a regional, national and international level. We will be joined by Tech WM, the regions cluster body for digital economy, as well as representation from the West Midlands Innovation Board, plus you will have the opportunity to hear all about the outcomes of our trailblazing innovation accelerator projects, DIATOMIC and CLEAN FUTURES from both our delivery lead and business beneficiaries alike.Speakers:

Yiannis Maos MBE
Founder & CEO
TechWM

Sanjay Daswani
Chief Commercial Officer
Global Nano Network

Sarah Windrum
Head of Cluster Development
Horiba MIRA
Add to Calendar
12:30 PM
30m
Energy Transition Challenges and Solutions
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero

Duncan Mears
Vice President EMEA – Hitachi Digital

Duncan Mears
Vice President EMEA
Hitachi Digital
About Duncan Mears :
Duncan is the European Vice President of Hitachi Digital Services. In this role Duncan is responsible for all client service delivery as well as developing our broader business portfolio. Duncan is a senior executive with over 30 years’ experience in the IT and BPS industry. Duncan started his career as a systems programmer for Royal Sun Alliance where he became an IT Manager developing large underwriting and CRM systems. He moved into shared services where he managed the core business and IT operations for companies including Perot Systems (acquired by Dell) and Cable and Wireless. In 2000 he joined Accenture where he became a Partner for almost 18 years. During this time, he led teams of up to 40,000 colleagues supporting the transformation and services/ IT outsource of world leading companies such as Lloyds Bank, BMW, Nissan Europe, HSBC, BP, Microsoft, British Telecom, Centrica, Schlumberger, E.On and GE. More recently Duncan was a senior Director at Capita and prior to joining Hitachi Vantara was responsible for Cognizant’s c.$800m BPO and IT transformation business across the UK/I and mainland Europe. In his spare time Duncan likes to mountain bike in Wales, scuba dive, ski and has a passion for fast cars. Duncan also supports charity work and is an active member of the Worshipful Company of Coopers (founded in 1501) where he has been a Liveryman for almost 15 years.

Laura Fleming
Country Managing Director (UK & Ireland) – Hitachi Energy

Laura Fleming
Country Managing Director (UK & Ireland)
Hitachi Energy
About Laura Fleming :
Laura Fleming is the Country Managing Director of Hitachi Energy in the UK and Ireland, where she leads the company’s strategic direction, operations, and growth in one of the world’s most dynamic energy markets. Laura joined Hitachi Energy in July 2022, with over 20 years of leadership in the energy sector in the development and commercialization of large-scale renewable and infrastructure projects throughout the UK and Europe. Before joining Hitachi Energy, she spent 10 years with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE). Laura is committed to driving the UK’s transition to a more sustainable, resilient, and efficient energy system. Under Laura’s leadership, Hitachi Energy has played an instrumental role in supporting the UK’s energy infrastructure and continues to support the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals by delivering cutting-edge solutions that power the future of energy. Key projects include offshore wind connections, smart grid solutions, and energy storage technologies—all crucial to ensuring the integration of clean, renewable power sources into the national grid. Currently a board member of Renewable UK and a member of the Onshore Wind Taskforce, formed by Secretary of State, Ed Miliband, Laura’s primary motivation is to make the world a better place for everyone to live and work in, through collaborative and system thinking which together enable the creation of sustainable communities and the delivery of clean affordable power for all. Originally from the Netherlands, Laura holds a BSc in Town and Country Planning from Utrecht University and a Masters’ degree in Economic Development from Glasgow University. Laura lives with her husband and three sons near Stirling. She enjoys hiking in the Scottish hills and gardening to switch off at the weekend.

James Graham
CEO of Digital & Energy Services – Equans UK&I

James Graham
CEO of Digital & Energy Services
Equans UK&I
About James Graham :
James leads Digital & Energy Services, EQUANS UK which incorporates 5 business units focussed on shaping, designing, constructing and operating renewable energy & decarbonisation projects alongside delivery of real world digital solutions to optimise buildings and infrastructure. James has worked with EQUANS for just under 10 years and he has held a number of key roles in that time, previously leading the UK commercial function across the public sector and energy business. In recent years his focus has been on the energy transition required in order to deliver Net Zero for both the public and private sectors. James is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Chairs the Hydrogen Delivery Council’s Job, Skills and Supply Chains working Group.
Energy Transition Challenges and Solutions
12:30 PM
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero
30m
Description:
Join this session to learn how Hitachi is supporting the energy transition, including a scene setting presentation and expert panel with Q&A.Speakers:

Duncan Mears
Vice President EMEA
Hitachi Digital

Laura Fleming
Country Managing Director (UK & Ireland)
Hitachi Energy

James Graham
CEO of Digital & Energy Services
Equans UK&I
Add to Calendar
12:30 PM
30m
Transport safety for women and girls: a systems challenge
Innovation in action

Susan Leadbetter
Associate – Liveable Places

Susan Leadbetter
Associate
Liveable Places
About Susan Leadbetter :
Susan oversees the Gender Inclusive Design workstream. She is dedicated to making transport systems and public spaces accessible and inclusive for everyone, including women, girls, disabled people, and other underrepresented groups. Susan has led numerous research and design initiatives, engaging with end users and embracing co-design principles to ensure their voices shape the planning and design process
Transport safety for women and girls: a systems challenge
12:30 PM
Innovation in action
30m
Description:
For many women and girls, public transport can be a daily test of safety and resilience. This discussion dives into the systemic challenges behind that reality and explores how society, policy, and innovation can come together to make transport safer, fairer, and truly accessible for all.Speakers:

Susan Leadbetter
Associate
Liveable Places
Add to Calendar
12:30 PM
30m
Using Compass to navigate complex organisational structures to discover shared meaning
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Gergely Raccuja
Data Product Owner – National Highways

Gergely Raccuja
Data Product Owner
National Highways
About Gergely Raccuja :
Gergely is a Philosopher and Data Product Owner. He read political philosophy, urban planning and Italian at University College London. As a graduate he created traffic models to appraise road schemes. After winning the Wolfson Economics Prize in 2017 he joined Amey Strategic Consulting to learn and apply data-led asset management to improve the UK’s transport systems and has advised rail, tram and road operators. Since 2021 he has been working at National Highways’ Digital Lab to create data products to help humans make better decisions.

JJ van de Vyver
Engagement Manager – Visual Meaning

JJ van de Vyver
Engagement Manager
Visual Meaning
About JJ van de Vyver :
JJ van de Vyver is an Engagement Manager at Visual Meaning, where he applies systems thinking, knowledge graphs and visual methodologies to help organisations navigate complexity, connect their data and drive meaningful change. With a background in strategy consulting and finance, JJ has led large-scale transformation programmes, managed multi-million-pound client accounts and supported organisational development. A registered Chartered Accountant (South Africa), JJ holds an MBA from the University of Oxford and is completing a Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship. His passion lies in improving the effectiveness of organisations, visualising complex ecosystems to support collaboration and facilitating grounded conversations. Beyond his professional work, JJ is an advocate for personal development and mindfulness, having trained as a Chakradance facilitator and undertaken studies in plant medicine. He enjoys writing poetry, advocating for embodied stewardship of the planet and furthering the consciousness of human beings.

Sarah Hayes
Chair, Data Sharing Working Group, and Strategic Advisor – Connected Places Catapult

Sarah Hayes
Chair, Data Sharing Working Group, and Strategic Advisor
Connected Places Catapult
About Sarah Hayes :
Sarah is a data and digitalisation expert and has worked across energy, ICT, water and transport sectors over the last twenty five years. She was the lead author of Data for the public good, a report about the need to share infrastructure data, which was published by the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) in December 2017. Sarah works as an independent consultant and has been involved in CReDo, the Climate Resilience Demonstrator project from its launch. Sarah chairs a weekly Data Sharing Working Group comprised of thought leaders and practitioners across the data sharing space, who discuss different data sharing initiatives and the requirements to advance the development of data sharing infrastructure.
Using Compass to navigate complex organisational structures to discover shared meaning
12:30 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
30m
Description:
A demonstration of Compass, National Highways’ organisational digital twin and the use cases that informed its development.Speakers:

Gergely Raccuja
Data Product Owner
National Highways

JJ van de Vyver
Engagement Manager
Visual Meaning

Sarah Hayes
Chair, Data Sharing Working Group, and Strategic Advisor
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch
1:00 PM
60m
1:05 PM
45m
Collaborating with disruptive tech to address local authority transport decarbonisation
Virtual Track

Alastair Chapman
Sustainability and Performance Manager – Cardiff Council

Alastair Chapman
Sustainability and Performance Manager
Cardiff Council
About Alastair Chapman :

James Golding-Graham
Head of Decarbonisation and Innovation – England’s Economic Heartland

James Golding-Graham
Head of Decarbonisation and Innovation
England’s Economic Heartland
About James Golding-Graham :

Matt Nixon
Project Manager, Carbon Reduction – Adur Worthing Councils

Matt Nixon
Project Manager, Carbon Reduction
Adur Worthing Councils
About Matt Nixon :

Andreas Zachariah
CEO – TravelAI Ltd

Andreas Zachariah
CEO
TravelAI Ltd
About Andreas Zachariah :

Therese Landy
COO – EVSerious

Therese Landy
COO
EVSerious
About Therese Landy :

Andrew Gilligan
CEO – Magtec

Andrew Gilligan
CEO
Magtec
About Andrew Gilligan :

David Smith
CEO and Founder – CalCommute Ltd

David Smith
CEO and Founder
CalCommute Ltd
About David Smith :

Joe Tighe
CEO and Founder – Kleandrive Ltd

Joe Tighe
CEO and Founder
Kleandrive Ltd
About Joe Tighe :
Joe Tighe is a seasoned financial executive and entrepreneur with over 37 years of expertise in commodities trading, derivatives markets, electronic trading systems, and artificial intelligence. Driven by a passion for sustainability, he has re-dedicated his career to building businesses that create meaningful environmental and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of KleanDrive, a certified B Corporation, Joe leads a mission-driven company helping fleet operators transition heavy diesel vehicles to clean electric drive systems. KleanDrive leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver fast, safe, and cost-effective electric drivetrains—reducing emissions, improving air quality, and lowering operational costs. Backed by an extensive industry network, Joe and the KleanDrive team are accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels through innovation, economics, and real-world impact in the cleantech and transportation sectors.

Dave Kennon
COO – Zeti Ltd

Dave Kennon
COO
Zeti Ltd
About Dave Kennon :
Extensive automotive industry experience encompassing vehicle finance, de-fleet and remarketing as well as dealer operations and the implementation of software solutions to improve business capability.
Collaborating with disruptive tech to address local authority transport decarbonisation
1:05 PM
Virtual Track
45m
Description:
This session will explore the different innovative technologies that can help local authorities to overcome their place-based transport challenges and achieve their decarbonisation goals.Speakers:

Alastair Chapman
Sustainability and Performance Manager
Cardiff Council

James Golding-Graham
Head of Decarbonisation and Innovation
England’s Economic Heartland

Matt Nixon
Project Manager, Carbon Reduction
Adur Worthing Councils

Andreas Zachariah
CEO
TravelAI Ltd

Therese Landy
COO
EVSerious

Andrew Gilligan
CEO
Magtec

David Smith
CEO and Founder
CalCommute Ltd

Joe Tighe
CEO and Founder
Kleandrive Ltd

Dave Kennon
COO
Zeti Ltd
Add to Calendar
14:00 – 15:00
2:00 PM
10m
Innovation Pitch: Connecting Technologies for Smarter Surveillance
Innovation in action

Chris Jepson
Managing Director – Ocular Integration

Chris Jepson
Managing Director
Ocular Integration
About Chris Jepson :
As Managing Director of Ocular, Chris brings over 20 years of experience in the security industry, with 18 years dedicated to delivering high-security solutions at Ocular. Passionate about customer-driven innovation and collaboration, he focuses on creating smarter, safer solutions for critical infrastructure, public spaces, and transport networks across the UK and Ireland. His goal is to ensure that Ocular remains a trusted name, providing security and surveillance solutions that deliver peace of mind to customers as they work towards their future objectives.
Innovation Pitch: Connecting Technologies for Smarter Surveillance
2:00 PM
Innovation in action
10m
Description:
Disconnected technologies delay critical incident response, increase cost exposures and can risk public safety. A smarter approach enables seamless collaboration between multiple stakeholders through interoperability, real-time insights, and remote surveillance. Faster, smarter coordination ensures efficient on-the-ground action when it matters most. Join Chris to discover how technology convergence is transforming urban security.Speakers:

Chris Jepson
Managing Director
Ocular Integration
Add to Calendar
2:00 PM
30m
Private investors and the public sector Net Zero opportunity
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero

Steve Turner
Director – 3Ci

Steve Turner
Director
3Ci
About Steve Turner :
Steve is based at the Connected Places Catapult where he his Director of 3Ci – the Cities Commission for Climate Investment. Working with the Advisory Board he has overall managerial responsibility for the implementation of the 3Ci’s strategy and operations working closely with leaders from cities, industry, finance and government. As a recognised leader in innovation and sustainability he has over 25 years of experience working in both the public and private sector. Previously, he was Digital Cities Leader for Arup where he delivered sustainability focussed technology strategies for some of the largest developments in the UK, Europe and the Middle East, representing £billions of investment. He has held several senior positions across local government, primarily in London and Manchester. As Head of Low Carbon Economy in Greater Manchester he established the UK’s first Low Carbon Economic Area and a joint venture alongside the Green Investment Bank. He also established the city’s widely admired sustainability innovation programmes, Triangulum and CityVerve.

Lolita Jackson MBE
Executive Director of Sustainable Cities – Sustainable Development Capital LLC

Lolita Jackson MBE
Executive Director of Sustainable Cities
Sustainable Development Capital LLC
About Lolita Jackson MBE :
Lolita Jackson MBE is the Executive Director of Sustainable Cities at Sustainable Development Capital LLP, a multibillion-pound climate investment firm. She is the link to governments around the world, also working on business development and origination. Lolita previously worked for the NYC Mayor’s Office for 15 years in a variety of roles. She last served as the Special Advisor for Climate Policy & Programs, where she was the climate diplomat for NYC and lead for the administration regarding global work on divestment and climate finance. Prior to her appointment to that role, she was Deputy Director of External Affairs for the NYC Housing Recovery Office, Director of Outreach for the NYC Special Initiative for Rebuilding and Resiliency [the post-Hurricane Sandy resilience team], lead for operational city agencies for the Second Avenue Subway and Barclays Center construction projects, and Manhattan Director of Community Affairs. Prior to her tenure in the NYC Mayor’s Office, Lolita worked for Morgan Stanley Investment Management for 12 years as a Vice President and helped manage a $10 billion product line. Lolita is an Adjunct Professor at Penn in the Master of Environmental Studies Program, Senior Advisor at Penn Perry World House, a member of the British American Project U.S. Advisory Board, a GlobalScot, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, a board member of the Saint Andrew’s Society of NY, a US-Japan Leadership Program Fellow, and President of the Penn Alumni Class of 1989. She was named to the City & State Energy & Environment Power 100 list for 2022 and was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2021. Lolita is a professional singer, having performed on four continents and at Carnegie Hall. She is an alumna of the Penn School of Engineering, majoring in Applied Science with a concentration in Chemical Engineering.

James Close
Head of Climate Change – Natwest Group

James Close
Head of Climate Change
Natwest Group
About James Close :

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader – Glasgow City Council

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader
Glasgow City Council
About Councillor Susan Aitken :
Susan Aitken was elected as Leader of Glasgow City Council in 2017, forming Glasgow’s first ever SNP-led City Government. She was first elected as a councillor for the Langside ward in 2012, following a career in public policy and communications. Susan was reappointed to a second term as Council Leader following the 2022 Scottish Local Government elections. Under her leadership, Glasgow has hosted the UN Climate Summit COP26 and will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. She was awarded Scottish Local Politician of the Year in 2019 for her work to end historic gender pay discrimination and Scottish Council Leader of the Year in 2021 for her leadership on climate issues. Susan was selected as one of 40 global city leaders for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Class of 2023. In February 2024, Susan was announced as chair of the global Resilient Cities Network.

Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy – Greater London Authority

Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy
Greater London Authority
About Mete Coban MBE :
Mete Coban MBE became the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy in July 2024, overseeing the Mayor’s world-leading climate action plan for the capital. Before becoming Deputy Mayor, Mete was a Councillor and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment, and Transport in the London Borough of Hackney, delivering a £61 million Green New Deal to tackle the climate crisis. He is best known for pioneering Hackney’s Community Energy Fund, providing clean, green, community-owned energy to 39 not-for-profits. Mete is widely credited with making politics more accessible to young people as the Founder of the youth-led charity My Life My Say. He led the Give an X voter registration campaign, which resulted in over 488,000 newly registered voters ahead of the UK General Election in July 2024. In the New Year’s 2020 Honours List, Mete received an MBE for services to young people, recognising his efforts to make politics and democracy more accessible to the younger generation. Mete also serves as a Trustee at the London Marathon Foundation and My Life My Say.
Private investors and the public sector Net Zero opportunity
2:00 PM
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero
30m
Description:
Domestic retrofitting, electric vehicle networks and district heating networks all present sizeable and strategic investment opportunities to private investors. But how can we innovate our traditional funding models to incorporate private finance for public sector Net Zero initiatives? This session explores how cities can craft an appealing case for private climate finance, as well as what needs to be done next to achieve progress.Speakers:

Steve Turner
Director
3Ci

Lolita Jackson MBE
Executive Director of Sustainable Cities
Sustainable Development Capital LLC

James Close
Head of Climate Change
Natwest Group

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader
Glasgow City Council

Mete Coban MBE
Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy
Greater London Authority
Add to Calendar
2:00 PM
40m
Spotlight on South East Wales
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions

Kellie Beirne
Chief Executive – Cardiff Capital Region

Kellie Beirne
Chief Executive
Cardiff Capital Region
About Kellie Beirne :
Kellie is Chief Executive of the Cardiff Capital Region and an innovation practitioner. Kellie is a Governor at Cardiff Metropolitan University, a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales and sits on the advisory boards for Swansea University’s Morgan Advanced Studies Institute and the Board of Cardiff University’s public value Business School.

Claudette Forbes
Non-Executive Director – Connected Places Catapult

Claudette Forbes
Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult
About Claudette Forbes :
Claudette is passionate about combating poverty and deprivation in urban areas, having grown up in an inner-city area which was subjected to regeneration following race riots in the early 1980s. She has held a numerous senior roles across local and regional government throughout her career which spans 30 years. With a reputation for successfully leading the development and implementation of city development, economic development, and holistic local area regeneration programmes, she is an adviser to local authorities, government, non-profits and partnerships. Claudette currently holds a number of Non-Executive Director positions. She is also a faculty member of the Whitehall & Industry Group.

Louise Harris
CEO and Co-Founder – Tramshed Tech

Louise Harris
CEO and Co-Founder
Tramshed Tech
About Louise Harris :

Owen Wilce
Public Service Innovation Manager – Cardiff Capital Region

Owen Wilce
Public Service Innovation Manager
Cardiff Capital Region
About Owen Wilce :

Robert Jamieson
Principal Consultant – PPL

Robert Jamieson
Principal Consultant
PPL
About Robert Jamieson :
Robert is a Principal Consultant at PPL, a social enterprise management consultancy that works in partnership with organisations from across the public, private and voluntary and community sectors to deliver meaningful, innovative and sustainable change. He has extensive experience in managing complex innovation and systems change programmes. Prior to joining PPL Robert worked at Nesta, the UK’s innovation foundation. There he led the design and delivery of a portfolio of programmes including work with Welsh Government to build capacity in place-based teams and to use Behavioural Insights to keep people safe during Covid-19. Robert’s background is in policy and community engagement. His previous roles focussed on tackling food insecurity, increasing civic participation and exploring the impact of regeneration on local communities.
Spotlight on South East Wales
2:00 PM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
40m
Speakers:

Kellie Beirne
Chief Executive
Cardiff Capital Region

Claudette Forbes
Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult

Louise Harris
CEO and Co-Founder
Tramshed Tech

Owen Wilce
Public Service Innovation Manager
Cardiff Capital Region

Robert Jamieson
Principal Consultant
PPL
Add to Calendar
2:00 PM
30m
"See it, Pitch it, Scale it": AI solutions redefining passenger experience
Accelerating Transport Innovation

James Tichler
Department for Transport (DfT) – Head of Futures and Emerging Technology

James Tichler
Department for Transport (DfT)
Head of Futures and Emerging Technology
About James Tichler :
James leads the Futures and Emerging Technologies team within the Department for Transport, within the unit headed by the Chief Scientific Adviser. James’ team look ahead to understand technology trends as they come across the horizon, work to understand what they may mean for DfT’s mission and then help colleagues across the business build this insight into their work. Activities include risks and opportunities analysis, triggering R&D and setting strategy both for the department and the sector. Current areas of technical focus include AI, quantum, digital connectivity and position navigation and timing technologies, with new work planned on robots and smart infrastructure.
"See it, Pitch it, Scale it": AI solutions redefining passenger experience
2:00 PM
Accelerating Transport Innovation
30m
Description:
Fresh from braving the dangers of a ‘Dragon’s Den’ session on AI innovation deep under DfT’s London head office, meet the three survivors of the DfT’s “Enhancing Passenger Experience – AI in Transport” funding competition. These trailblazing SMEs will present their AI-powered solutions and their plans for real-world implementation. Don’t miss this chance to see the future of transport unfold!Speakers:

James Tichler
Department for Transport (DfT)
Head of Futures and Emerging Technology
Add to Calendar
2:00 PM
30m
Towards a federated network of transport systems
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Davin Crowley-Sweet
Chief Data Officer – National Highways

Davin Crowley-Sweet
Chief Data Officer
National Highways
About Davin Crowley-Sweet :

George Economides
Head of Digital Twins – Department for Transport

George Economides
Head of Digital Twins
Department for Transport
About George Economides :

Chris Stanley
Head of Asset Data – Network Rail

Chris Stanley
Head of Asset Data
Network Rail
About Chris Stanley :
Chris Stanley is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the rail industry. His distinguished career began working in IT supporting & implementing various railway IT systems. He quickly progressed to lead one of the five national IT teams. After a three-year hiatus from the rail industry, Chris returned to lead a variety of IT projects of varying scales. His expertise led to a secondment, during which he successfully delivered an externally regulated project aimed at enhancing asset data. This initiative resulted in the design and creation of five regional asset data teams, one of which Chris was appointed to lead. In 2023, Chris was appointed Head of Asset Data for Network Rail. He holds a MSc in Information Capability Management from Cranfield University, a Postgraduate Award in Business Leadership from Warwick University, and is a member of the Institute of Asset Management.

Miranda Sharp
Partnerships – Kaiasm

Miranda Sharp
Partnerships
Kaiasm
About Miranda Sharp :
Miranda Sharp, founder of Metis Digital, connects data and organisations to value, working with teams who are using data to realise efficiency and growth through new business models. Miranda is seconded to DSIT working on the value of data policy, acts as a NED at TRL (the Transport Research Laboratory) and a trustee to the Centre for Cities think tank. She maintains a number of other advisory roles focused on financially sustainable and well governed ways of sharing data. Previously at the National Digital Twin programme, Ordnance Survey, Royal Mail and the award-winning SME See.Sense, she has worked with data as infrastructure for nearly 20 years.

Anna Watt
Transport Research Lead – Transport for West Midlands

Anna Watt
Transport Research Lead
Transport for West Midlands
About Anna Watt :
Towards a federated network of transport systems
2:00 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
30m
Description:
As the Transport Research and Innovation Board (TRIB) Roadmap progresses, what related steps and actions are supporting the transport sector to become more connected? And what are some of the benefits to business and to society derived from connecting digital twins in transport systems?Speakers:

Davin Crowley-Sweet
Chief Data Officer
National Highways

George Economides
Head of Digital Twins
Department for Transport

Chris Stanley
Head of Asset Data
Network Rail

Miranda Sharp
Partnerships
Kaiasm

Anna Watt
Transport Research Lead
Transport for West Midlands
Add to Calendar
2:10 PM
10m
Innovation Pitch: How digital twins are providing rapid and deep insights into building operations.
Innovation in action

Nick Tune
CEO and Co-Founder – Optimise AI

Nick Tune
CEO and Co-Founder
Optimise AI
About Nick Tune :
Nick is CEO of OptimiseAI which he co-founded as a spin out from Cardiff University in 2023. OptimiseAI has gone on to win the 2024 Wales tech startup of the year and secure clients such as Network Rail, University of Wales, Luton Airport, and others. He is also a commissioner for the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales. Nick is passionate about utilising technology such as AI and digital twins to improve the sustainability of the built environment.
Innovation Pitch: How digital twins are providing rapid and deep insights into building operations.
2:10 PM
Innovation in action
10m
Description:
We will show case how data from a smart meter can provide incredible insights into building operations and decarbonisation from a building to a whole estate within minutes. And how this can start your journey in delivering low carbon, smart buildings.Speakers:

Nick Tune
CEO and Co-Founder
Optimise AI
Add to Calendar
2:10 PM
20m
In Conversation with Julia Glidden
Virtual Track

Julia Glidden
Chair – Pivotl

Julia Glidden
Chair
Pivotl
About Julia Glidden :
In Conversation with Julia Glidden
2:10 PM
Virtual Track
20m
Speakers:

Julia Glidden
Chair
Pivotl
Add to Calendar
2:30 PM
30m
How is energy becoming greener and more affordable?
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Guy Newey
Chief Executive Officer – Energy Systems Catapult

Guy Newey
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Systems Catapult
About Guy Newey :
Guy was appointed Chief Executive Officer at Energy Systems Catapult, the innovation business, in June 2022. Guy joined ESC in 2018 as Director of Strategy after working as an energy and political adviser to two UK Government Secretaries of State; Greg Clark and Amber Rudd. In Government, he was involved in many key decisions, including closing the UK’s coal-fired power stations, greater independence for the electricity system operator, and as an architect of the Clean Growth Strategy. Before joining Government, he was Head of Policy at the challenger energy supplier, OVO Energy and Head of Environment and Energy at the influential think tank, Policy Exchange. He was previously a journalist, including three years as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong for the international newswire, AFP. He is a non-executive director with UK100, a charity campaigning for greater environmental action by local authorities. He lives in Enfield, with his wife and two children.

Kjell Eriksson
Vice President – DNV

Kjell Eriksson
Vice President
DNV
About Kjell Eriksson :
Kjell Eriksson is a Vice President in DNV with close to 40 years of international experience from the oil, gas, and energy sector. He has managed DNV’s operations in the Middle East, Asia, and Norway. He has served as Chairman of the Faculty of Engineering at NTNU, Norway’s largest technical university. He has also been part of two nationwide committees, one on growing the green economy, and one on industrial competitiveness. He is currently responsible for creating new services and business models building trust in digital and AI for industrial application.

Ankit Patel
Principal Consultant – Energy & Digital – ARUP

Ankit Patel
Principal Consultant – Energy & Digital
ARUP
About Ankit Patel :

Daniel Marsden
Group Product Manager – EON

Daniel Marsden
Group Product Manager
EON
About Daniel Marsden :

Sol Anitua
Executive Director Infrastructure and Energies – The Crown Estate

Sol Anitua
Executive Director Infrastructure and Energies
The Crown Estate
About Sol Anitua :
Sol Anitua is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in strategic leadership and business development across various industries. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Infrastructure & Energies at The Crown Estate, she is also a Non-Executive Board Member for Fundacion Prodis. With over 20 years of experience in energy markets, banking, non-profit and strategy, Sol has held senior roles at prominent organizations such as Santander UK, Vitol, and Merrill Lynch, after starting her career at McKinsey & Co. She has also served as Chief of Staff at Plastic Energy, a cleantech company focused on advanced recycling of plastic waste, and led the pioneering work in launching the Codespa BBVA Microfinanzas Fund. Sol holds an MBA from the Wharton School and an MA from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, along with degrees in Law and Business from ICADE, Universidad Pontificia de Comillas in Madrid. Based in London, she is recognized for her strategic vision and innovative approach to complex challenges, and her passion for building diverse, cohesive, high performing teams.
How is energy becoming greener and more affordable?
2:30 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
30m
Description:
How are energy optimization and usage being understood, and is this helping energy affordability?How is energy optimisation and usage being understood and how does this help the UK to transition to greener and more sustainable energy? This panel will explore the UK’s ongoing efforts to de-risk the energy transition, by delving into the current and key initiatives, policies, and technologies driving this transformation for greener places.Speakers:

Guy Newey
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Systems Catapult

Kjell Eriksson
Vice President
DNV

Ankit Patel
Principal Consultant – Energy & Digital
ARUP

Daniel Marsden
Group Product Manager
EON

Sol Anitua
Executive Director Infrastructure and Energies
The Crown Estate
Add to Calendar
2:30 PM
30m
The Net Zero Neighbourhood model: the next innovation for UK public-private climate finance?
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero

Steven Wilding
Head of Climate and Green Economy – London Borough of Hounslow

Steven Wilding
Head of Climate and Green Economy
London Borough of Hounslow
About Steven Wilding :

Zoe Jennings
Head of Programmes – 3Ci

Zoe Jennings
Head of Programmes
3Ci
About Zoe Jennings :

Mary Kerr
Climate Finance Manager – Glasgow City Council

Mary Kerr
Climate Finance Manager
Glasgow City Council
About Mary Kerr :
The Net Zero Neighbourhood model: the next innovation for UK public-private climate finance?
2:30 PM
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero
30m
Description:
3Ci (Cities Commission for Climate Investment) designed and developed the concept of Net Zero Neighbourhoods: the integration of local Net Zero projects into attractive investment propositions that create scalability and long-term certainty for investors. In this session, we sit down with representatives from the London Borough of Hounslow and Glasgow City Council who are beginning the process of building the investment case for their Net Zero Neighbourhoods by creating a comprehensive outline of all the necessary interventions – from retrofitting to heat networks – to learn about the challenges and opportunities they are discovering.Speakers:

Steven Wilding
Head of Climate and Green Economy
London Borough of Hounslow

Zoe Jennings
Head of Programmes
3Ci

Mary Kerr
Climate Finance Manager
Glasgow City Council
Add to Calendar
2:30 PM
60m
Discover the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator
Accelerating Transport Innovation

Nick Wyllie
CEO and Founder – Botanic Energy

Nick Wyllie
CEO and Founder
Botanic Energy
About Nick Wyllie :

Eugene Bari
CEO – Ecomar Propulsion

Eugene Bari
CEO
Ecomar Propulsion
About Eugene Bari :
Eugene is the founder of Ecomar Propulsion. He started the company after a “moment of epiphany” when he realised that the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy was a once in a century event. Since then, he has taken the company from a concept to one of the UK’s leading developers of innovation tech in maritime. He currently has 8 active patents and numerous publications – including scientific papers – to his name. Over a lifetime working as a serial entrepreneur, he has launched businesses in the UK, Denmark, Australia and the US. Starting his first company at the age of 19. He holds post graduate qualifications from Bayes Business School, London and a degree from Leeds University. He was appointed Associate Professor of Decarbonisation and Entrepreneurship by Exeter University in 2022 and continues to work with Universities in the UK and overseas. Driven by the imperative to make the world a better place for all, he describes the motivation to succeed in terms of electricity. ” There are positive and negative poles and you need both to channel energy. I have decided to be positive and everything I do is a direct challenge to negativity.”

Aldo Gutierrez
Product Manager – Gaussion

Aldo Gutierrez
Product Manager
Gaussion
About Aldo Gutierrez :
Hi, I’m Aldo, Automotive Product Manager at Gaussion. I oversee all automotive-related projects, guiding them from initial concept through development and launch. With a background in research, product development, and manufacturing from my time at Jaguar Land Rover, I bring a deep understanding of the automotive industry. This experience enables me to seamlessly integrate Gaussion’s state-of-the-art technology into cutting-edge automotive solutions.

Christopher de Saxe
Head of EV Transition – GoMetro

Christopher de Saxe
Head of EV Transition
GoMetro
About Christopher de Saxe :
Christopher is Head of EV Transition at GoMetro, a London-based fleet management and telematics solutions provider. He leads the development and commercialisation of EV-FIT, a novel telematics-driven analytics platform to support the electrification of truck and bus fleets. Alongside this he also supports advisory projects in sustainable transport spanning Europe and Africa. With a background in mechanical engineering, he has dedicated much of his career to pioneering research in heavy vehicle performance and decarbonisation at Cambridge University and at the CSIR in South Africa. In addition to his role at GoMetro, Christopher is a Board Member of the International Forum for Heavy Vehicle Transport & Technology, Honorary Senior Lecturer at Wits University in South Africa, and Senior Member at Robinson College, Cambridge.

Huw Morgan
CTO – GPC Systems

Huw Morgan
CTO
GPC Systems
About Huw Morgan :

Ram Gokal
Co-founder and Chief Executive – Innervated Vehicle Engineering (IVE)

Ram Gokal
Co-founder and Chief Executive
Innervated Vehicle Engineering (IVE)
About Ram Gokal :

Paul Bathgate
Co-founder and CEO – RailX Digital Solutions

Paul Bathgate
Co-founder and CEO
RailX Digital Solutions
About Paul Bathgate :

Philip Clarke
CEO – TUAL Technology

Philip Clarke
CEO
TUAL Technology
About Philip Clarke :

Steve Evans
CEO & Founder – XeroE Sustainable Logistics

Steve Evans
CEO & Founder
XeroE Sustainable Logistics
About Steve Evans :

Dave Martin
COO – RAD Propulsion Ltd

Dave Martin
COO
RAD Propulsion Ltd
About Dave Martin :
Dave is the Chief Operating Officer at RAD Propulsion Ltd with over 30 years’ experience building and managing teams to deliver complex, multi stakeholder technical projects in the marine sector. He has been with RAD Propulsion since its inception in 2018 and has been instrumental in helping to grow and develop the business during this time. His expertise in marine electric propulsion systems is backed up by over six years of experience working in the marine robotics field as the engineering manager for a software engineering team at a marine autonomous surface vehicle development company, ASV Global. During this time, he was not only responsible for growing the software team from a small embryonic team of 1-2 engineers to a multi skilled team of 25+ software/research specialists but also the delivery of several multi-million-pound Government funded research projects which looked at various aspects of the control and operation of marine autonomous vehicles. He has also worked for both large defence primes and marine leisure electronics manufacturers including Garmin and Raymarine. Dave has extensive practical first-hand experience of the challenges of developing products for the harsh marine environment after also spending eight years working in the commercial offshore oil and gas sector. He is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and is Association of Project Management trained.
Discover the Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator
2:30 PM
Accelerating Transport Innovation
60m
Description:
This session celebrates the achievements of 10 innovative SMEs who have worked on cutting-edge solutions to drive sustainability and efficiency in the freight sector. Discover the outcomes of their real-world trials conducted with industry leaders such as DHL, Wincanton and Maritime Transport, and hear what’s next for their companies as they continue to innovate and grow. This is a moment to reflect on their journey and the programme’s transformative impact on the sectorSpeakers:

Nick Wyllie
CEO and Founder
Botanic Energy

Eugene Bari
CEO
Ecomar Propulsion

Aldo Gutierrez
Product Manager
Gaussion

Christopher de Saxe
Head of EV Transition
GoMetro

Huw Morgan
CTO
GPC Systems

Ram Gokal
Co-founder and Chief Executive
Innervated Vehicle Engineering (IVE)

Paul Bathgate
Co-founder and CEO
RailX Digital Solutions

Philip Clarke
CEO
TUAL Technology

Steve Evans
CEO & Founder
XeroE Sustainable Logistics

Dave Martin
COO
RAD Propulsion Ltd
Add to Calendar
2:30 PM
60m
Innovating for rural mobility: SME case studies from the Rural Transportation Accelerator
Rural Transport Accelerator

Alistair Clabburn
Chairman and Founder – Mobilityways

Alistair Clabburn
Chairman and Founder
Mobilityways
About Alistair Clabburn :

Emily Macdonald
COO – Intelligen

Emily Macdonald
COO
Intelligen
About Emily Macdonald :

Carl Hopkins
Managing Director – Civil Water Management

Carl Hopkins
Managing Director
Civil Water Management
About Carl Hopkins :

Jon Little
Co-founder – Betastreets

Jon Little
Co-founder
Betastreets
About Jon Little :

Stevie Revill
CEO – Urbantide

Stevie Revill
CEO
Urbantide
About Stevie Revill :

Tom McKenna
Business Development Manager – Alchera Technologies

Tom McKenna
Business Development Manager
Alchera Technologies
About Tom McKenna :

Emma Gibbons
Head of Client Development – You.Smart.Thing

Emma Gibbons
Head of Client Development
You.Smart.Thing
About Emma Gibbons :
You. Smart. Thing is the leading travel management platform for destinations, venues, and live events. Our map-based travel assistant enhances visitor experience & increases revenues whilst reducing the disproportionate carbon footprint created by travel. As Head of Client Development, Emma support existing clients to increase the engagement of their visitors with their Travel Assistant, and to meet their organisational objectives including net zero targets, improved visitor experience, increased revenue and operational solutions. Emma leads the Regional Smart Travel Partnership strategy, enabling clients to work together to optimise the opportunities of the travel assistants through their local authorities, DMO’s and via innovation project funding. You. Smart. Thing is Personalised, Accessible & Sustainable with nothing to download or install. Our Travel Assistant enables venues and events to optimise data capture, people flow, dwell time & revenue generation. The ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ travel assistant can be tailored to enable organisations to offer content-enhanced wayfinding and curated low-carbon door-to-door travel plans that nudge visitors towards net-zero travel. Easily embedded within web, mobile, ticket booking and customer relationship management systems, ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ adds an additional personalisation layer, allowing destination operators to capture and maintain the visitor relationship.

Christian Dangerfield
Managing Director – Motocargo

Christian Dangerfield
Managing Director
Motocargo
About Christian Dangerfield :
Innovating for rural mobility: SME case studies from the Rural Transportation Accelerator
2:30 PM
Rural Transport Accelerator
60m
Description:
Discover ground breaking solutions trialled in the DfT Rural Transportation Accelerator to bridge rural connectivity gaps and enhance sustainable access to NHS essential services.Speakers:

Alistair Clabburn
Chairman and Founder
Mobilityways

Emily Macdonald
COO
Intelligen

Carl Hopkins
Managing Director
Civil Water Management

Jon Little
Co-founder
Betastreets

Stevie Revill
CEO
Urbantide

Tom McKenna
Business Development Manager
Alchera Technologies

Emma Gibbons
Head of Client Development
You.Smart.Thing

Christian Dangerfield
Managing Director
Motocargo
Add to Calendar
2:40 PM
30m
Spotlight on Glasgow
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions

Meryl Levington
Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement – University of Strathclyde

Meryl Levington
Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement
University of Strathclyde
About Meryl Levington :

Stuart Patrick
Non-Executive Director – Connected Places Catapult

Stuart Patrick
Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult
About Stuart Patrick :
Stuart Patrick CBE has been central to the Scottish economy, business community, and the city of Glasgow for more than 20 years. He’s provided inspiring leadership as the Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. Stuart began his career at Ernst and Young where he qualified as a chartered accountant and studied for an MBA with us here at the University of Strathclyde. Stuart was a central figure in the strategies, investments, and promotions that enabled Glasgow to recover from de-industrialisation and to emerge as a city with a diverse business base, a high level of entrepreneurship, a proud and capable identity and a reputation on the global stage. Most importantly, Stuart inspired a highly committed cadre of capable business leaders who champion and support the city. He’s played a unique role in fostering the leadership capacity of Glasgow. He holds a wide variety of public service Board memberships in Glasgow, including: – Glasgow City Regional Partnership – Glasgow Partnership for Economic Growth – Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company (URC) – City of Glasgow College – Glasgow Science Centre – Four Acres Trust On top of this, Stuart holds prominent leadership roles as Chair of the Wise Group and Glasgow City of Science & Innovation and is co-Chair, with the Deputy City Leader, of the Glasgow City Centre Task Force. Stuart was appointed a non-Executive Board Member of The Scotland Office in 2020 in recognition of his business leadership role in Scotland’s largest city. In 2020, he also joined the Board of British Chambers of Commerce, further using the position to promote and advocate for Glasgow and its diverse business community.

Susie Mitchell
Programme Manager – Glasgow Riverside Innovation District

Susie Mitchell
Programme Manager
Glasgow Riverside Innovation District
About Susie Mitchell :

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader – Glasgow City Council

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader
Glasgow City Council
About Councillor Susan Aitken :
Susan Aitken was elected as Leader of Glasgow City Council in 2017, forming Glasgow’s first ever SNP-led City Government. She was first elected as a councillor for the Langside ward in 2012, following a career in public policy and communications. Susan was reappointed to a second term as Council Leader following the 2022 Scottish Local Government elections. Under her leadership, Glasgow has hosted the UN Climate Summit COP26 and will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. She was awarded Scottish Local Politician of the Year in 2019 for her work to end historic gender pay discrimination and Scottish Council Leader of the Year in 2021 for her leadership on climate issues. Susan was selected as one of 40 global city leaders for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Class of 2023. In February 2024, Susan was announced as chair of the global Resilient Cities Network.
Spotlight on Glasgow
2:40 PM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
30m
Description:
This panel will explore the vibrancy of Glasgow’s innovation economy, reflecting on its transformation from industrial powerhouse to global innovation hub. What is the role of civic leadership, the private sector, digital technology, and innovation districts in positioning Glasgow as one of the UK’s most advanced and inclusive city-regions?Speakers:

Meryl Levington
Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement
University of Strathclyde

Stuart Patrick
Non-Executive Director
Connected Places Catapult

Susie Mitchell
Programme Manager
Glasgow Riverside Innovation District

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader
Glasgow City Council
Add to Calendar
15:00 – 16:00
3:00 PM
30m
Making Funding Models Work: Seizing Hydrogen Investment Opportunities
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero

Steve Beel
CEO – Freeport East

Steve Beel
CEO
Freeport East
About Steve Beel :
Steve Beel is Chief Executive at Freeport East, one of twelve Freeports across the UK established by the UK Government. Freeport East aspires to be the UK’s leading centre for global trade, green energy, innovation and application of digital technology, which in its first two years of operation has attracted over £250m of new investment and created 2000 jobs. Steve has over 20 years’ experience across energy & infrastructure, international diplomacy, economic development & trade. Prior to his appointment at Freeport East, Steve was a British diplomat and head of the UK’s development partnership with Zambia. Earlier in his career he worked at Ofgem as a Commercial Director where he was involved in many of the UK’s largest offshore wind and electricity interconnector projects, and before that at Hutchison Whampoa and PwC.

Andy Thompson
Portfolio Director – Thames Estuary Growth Board

Andy Thompson
Portfolio Director
Thames Estuary Growth Board
About Andy Thompson :
Andy Thompson is our Portfolio Director for Renewable Energy, bringing a wealth of experience in international trade and investment. His previous roles include positions with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission and the Canadian High Commission in London, where he managed significant investment projects across industries such as Financial Services, Technology, Energy, and Defence and Security. At the Growth Board, Andy is responsible for advancing renewable energy projects, including the development of the Thames Estuary Hydrogen cluster and new district heat networks. His personal interests in sports and travel often intersect, resulting in memorable moments which include attending the Rugby World Cup in France.

Arnold du Toit
Investor – WeSprint

Arnold du Toit
Investor
WeSprint
About Arnold du Toit :
Arnold du Toit acts as and on behalf of a dual Family Office between UK-SA and DE. He is an industrial/deep tech investor and operator, specializing in transport, aerospace, and energy. The du Toit Family owns and operates WeSprint, an advisory firm acting on behalf of Private Equity and private/public funds. The dual Family Office holds equity in a small portfolio of property, technology businesses, and funds, with over £200m in assets under management.
Making Funding Models Work: Seizing Hydrogen Investment Opportunities
3:00 PM
Unlocking Investment in Net Zero
30m
Description:
Join the session to explore the key barriers that prevent private investment from bridging the gap in public funding and driving the Hydrogen Economy. We will examine how public-private collaboration can close the funding gap and identify effective financial structures, such as blended finance and public-private partnerships (PPP), to attract investment. We will dive into mechanisms for unlocking additional public funding and integrating it into private investment models, ensuring long-term, sustainable funding for hydrogen projects. Finally, we will discuss how government initiatives can better align with private sector investment to accelerate the scaling of hydrogen technologies and infrastructure.Speakers:

Steve Beel
CEO
Freeport East

Andy Thompson
Portfolio Director
Thames Estuary Growth Board

Arnold du Toit
Investor
WeSprint
Add to Calendar
3:00 PM
30m
Collaborating for Impact: The Challenges and Opportunities of Cross-Sector Data Sharing
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Melissa Tallack
Stream Lead – Northumbrian Water

Melissa Tallack
Stream Lead
Northumbrian Water
About Melissa Tallack :

Jonathan Barcroft
VirtualES’ Common Framework Manager – NESO

Jonathan Barcroft
VirtualES’ Common Framework Manager
NESO
About Jonathan Barcroft :
Jonathan Barcroft leads the Common Framework Workstream of the Virtual Energy System programme at National Energy System Operator (NESO). Jonathan joined National Grid in 2012. His background is in operational Power System Engineering and improving energy data processes. In 2015 Jonathan developed the export process for the first Common Information Model based day ahead model exchange from National Grid to CORESO. Since 2021 Jonathan has been part of the Innovation team at National Grid ESO leading projects investigating the risks of climate change to the power system and optimisation of operational planning.
Collaborating for Impact: The Challenges and Opportunities of Cross-Sector Data Sharing
3:00 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
30m
Description:
This panel brings together experts from leading data-sharing initiatives to discuss the challenges and opportunities of working both within and across sectors. From navigating regulatory and interoperability issues to unlocking innovation and efficiency, panellists will share real-world insights on making data collaboration work.Speakers:

Melissa Tallack
Stream Lead
Northumbrian Water

Jonathan Barcroft
VirtualES’ Common Framework Manager
NESO
Add to Calendar
3:10 PM
10m
Urban Legends: why FDI and trade between cities is the key to unlocking UK growth
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions

Nick Watson
Director, UK – OCO Global

Nick Watson
Director, UK
OCO Global
About Nick Watson :
Nick is the UK Director for OCO Global, a boutique consultancy focussed on international trade and investment. Nick has twenty years’ experience in economics, international markets and corporate expansion. He has advised national and regional economic development organisations across every continent on export and FDI strategies. In the private sector, Nick has supported a diverse set of businesses – from tech startups to OEMs to life sciences – expand successfully into new international markets. Nick is retained as a non-executive director of three SMEs.
Urban Legends: why FDI and trade between cities is the key to unlocking UK growth
3:10 PM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
10m
Speakers:

Nick Watson
Director, UK
OCO Global
Add to Calendar
3:20 PM
10m
Spotlights Wrap up Address
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
Spotlights Wrap up Address
3:20 PM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
10m
Add to Calendar
Connect & Spark Break
3:30 PM
30m
16:00 – 17:00
4:00 PM
50m
Freight Innovation Fund Cluster: Catalysing the development of freight and logistics in the UK
Accelerating Transport Innovation

Ben Garratt
Deputy Director Public Affairs – Logistics UK

Ben Garratt
Deputy Director Public Affairs
Logistics UK
About Ben Garratt :
He leads the organisation’s Public Affairs team and strategy, advocates for the logistics sector in political, government and regulatory arenas, and provides Logistics UK and its membership with strategic advice. He also leads Logistics UK’s innovation workstream, engaging with members, policymakers and other stakeholders on the innovation priorities of the sector. Ben was previously Head of Stakeholder Engagement at intercity train operator LNER, where he led LNER’s public affairs, internal communications and community investment teams. Prior to that, he was Head of Rail Communications at the Department for Transport, leading on a wide range of announcements and engagement opportunities; an Account Director at Westbourne Communications, supporting clients from energy and transport to welfare to work; Deputy Director of Labour Friends of Israel; and a Parliamentary Researcher in the House of Commons. He studied Politics and International Politics at Degree and Masters levels, at the University of Liverpool.

Gyula Törzsök
Portfolio Director – Thames Estuary

Gyula Törzsök
Portfolio Director
Thames Estuary
About Gyula Törzsök :
Gyula Törzsök is the Portfolio Director for Logistics, Digital, and Green Spaces at the Thames Estuary Growth Board, where he plays a pivotal role in turning innovative concepts into actionable and investable projects. Gyula is at the forefront of driving transformative economic growth within the Thames Estuary region, leveraging his expertise in strategic investment appraisal and partnership development across both public and private sectors. Before joining the board, Gyula worked at Inner Circle Consulting, leading multidisciplinary teams in strategy development, risk management, and programme delivery. His extensive experience spans logistics, transportation, masterplanning, economic modeling, smart cities, and housing. His work has unlocked new revenue streams, improved efficiencies, secured grant funding, and delivered impactful solutions that positively transform communities. A passionate economist, Gyula combines his professional focus with a deep personal interest in global economics and technology, exploring how digital solutions can shape a more sustainable and efficient future.

Anne Gray
Corporate Development Manager – Flexible Power Systems

Anne Gray
Corporate Development Manager
Flexible Power Systems
About Anne Gray :
I have worked for Flexible Power Systems (FPS) since 2020 and align totally with the FPS commitment to helping commercial fleet operators transition confidently to electric vehicles. But most importantly to achieve effective and efficient operational integration of BEVs. A Chartered Accountant by origin, I have spent most of my career working within and alongside businesses in many sectors and of varying sizes, in different countries and cultures, generally with a focus on market development and growth. FPS develops innovative, automated, real-time solutions for commercial fleet operators looking to transition to electric vehicle fleet, with efficiency of integrated, optimised BEV operations core to us and our customers. Our shared charging infrastructure booking system and TRU load management solutions similarly drive maximum efficiencies within capacity constraints. My corporate development role requires me to stay on top of market development, policy and regulations relating to road transportation emissions and fuel transition, including through active involvement in events, consultations and trade body memberships. On the back of that knowledge, I am involved in a broad range of development activities for FPS in the UK and further afield. We find ourselves working in a fascinating space at a critical time, where collaboration across disciplines and modes is essential to solving complex problems. I believe we are all learning together on the theme of decarbonisation.

Adam Parkinson
Founder & Director – GoLink Advisory Group

Adam Parkinson
Founder & Director
GoLink Advisory Group
About Adam Parkinson :

Nick Graham
Chair – Freight Innovation Cluster’s Advisory Board

Nick Graham
Chair
Freight Innovation Cluster’s Advisory Board
About Nick Graham :
Nick has had a successful 40-year career history within the Logistics Industry and has worked for several large logistics companies in leading roles; Transport Director for Wincanton and Warehousing Director for Stobart. More recently Nick has had a corporate affairs brief interfacing with government and trade associations and is a thought leader on freight decarbonisation. Currently Nick is a Non Exec and Board advisor in Sustainability and Logistics. He is a fellow in the Institute of Logistics, has a master’s degree in business administration and a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Freight Innovation Fund Cluster: Catalysing the development of freight and logistics in the UK
4:00 PM
Accelerating Transport Innovation
50m
Description:
The Freight Innovation Cluster is a key programme within the Department for Transport’s Freight Innovation Fund Programme. This session is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the catalysing role played by the freight innovation cluster. From innovation support and stakeholder engagement, to technology stacking, investment readiness and innovation procurement training, the cluster has helped 350+) SMEs within freight and logistics advance across TRLs, reaching excellent results. You’ll hear success stories and pose questions on how best the cluster supports the development of the freight and logistics industry in the UK, leveraging collaborative innovation and research.Speakers:

Ben Garratt
Deputy Director Public Affairs
Logistics UK

Gyula Törzsök
Portfolio Director
Thames Estuary

Anne Gray
Corporate Development Manager
Flexible Power Systems

Adam Parkinson
Founder & Director
GoLink Advisory Group

Nick Graham
Chair
Freight Innovation Cluster’s Advisory Board
Add to Calendar
4:00 PM
50m
Unlocking the opportunities of devolution
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader – Glasgow City Council

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader
Glasgow City Council
About Councillor Susan Aitken :
Susan Aitken was elected as Leader of Glasgow City Council in 2017, forming Glasgow’s first ever SNP-led City Government. She was first elected as a councillor for the Langside ward in 2012, following a career in public policy and communications. Susan was reappointed to a second term as Council Leader following the 2022 Scottish Local Government elections. Under her leadership, Glasgow has hosted the UN Climate Summit COP26 and will host the Commonwealth Games in 2026. She was awarded Scottish Local Politician of the Year in 2019 for her work to end historic gender pay discrimination and Scottish Council Leader of the Year in 2021 for her leadership on climate issues. Susan was selected as one of 40 global city leaders for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative Class of 2023. In February 2024, Susan was announced as chair of the global Resilient Cities Network.

Eve Roodhouse
Director of Strategy & Policy –

Eve Roodhouse
Director of Strategy & Policy
About Eve Roodhouse :
Eve joined the LGA in July 2024. Previously Eve was at Leeds City Council where she spearheaded the delivery of the city’s Inclusive Growth Strategy introducing pioneering work in a range of areas including the Leeds Inclusive Anchors Network, the Social Progress Index and the delivery of their vision for innovation as the council’s Chief Officer, Culture and Economy. Before joining local government, Eve worked at NHS Digital for 15 years on the delivery of complex and large-scale IT change programmes including the first Prison Health IT system in England and the Child Protection Information Sharing Project – which included her working with the LGA.

Sarah Windrum
Head of Cluster Development – Horiba MIRA

Sarah Windrum
Head of Cluster Development
Horiba MIRA
About Sarah Windrum :
Unlocking the opportunities of devolution
4:00 PM
Kickstarting Integrated Local Growth: Spotlight on UK Cities and Regions
50m
Description:
With increased local decision-making powers and stronger, mission-driven partnerships with national government, what are the new innovation opportunities for city leaders? How are devolved regions contributing to the Industrial Strategy and Local Growth Plans? Join this session to explore how leaders are using innovation to tackle challenges including productivity, migration, and the imperative to grow local economies.Speakers:

Councillor Susan Aitken
Leader
Glasgow City Council

Eve Roodhouse
Director of Strategy & Policy

Sarah Windrum
Head of Cluster Development
Horiba MIRA
Add to Calendar
4:00 PM
30m
Purpose, Value and Trust: multi-party Digital Twin & data sharing projects
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Steve Brewer
Senior Research Fellow – Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT), University of Lincoln

Steve Brewer
Senior Research Fellow
Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT), University of Lincoln
About Steve Brewer :
Steve Brewer is a Senior Research Fellow at the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) at the University of Lincoln. Current projects include the EU-funded SPADE project harnessing the power of drones for agriculture and the £4.9M EPSRC Lincolnshire and North Cambridgeshire (LINCAM) region, a global innovation centre for agricultural technology (agri-tech). Recent projects that Steve has been involved in include the UKRI- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)-funded Internet of Food Things Network Plus, an interdisciplinary initiative which is working to reduce food waste, increase nutritional value and productivity, and reduce environmental impact across the supply chain. To build on a successful track record in academia, Steve established Infoculture Ltd which has a track record of delivering insightful reports and events supporting information-driven digital transformation for a range of clients.

Andrew Newman
Principal Data Specialist – Open Data Institute (ODI)

Andrew Newman
Principal Data Specialist
Open Data Institute (ODI)
About Andrew Newman :
Andrew Newman is a Principal Data Specialist at the ODI. Andrew is an experienced data specialist with over 20 years experience of leading and managing data teams and initiatives at the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). Andrew has a broad range of data skills and experience, he has: built and operated geographic information systems; developed data standards and specifications; written and implemented data strategies; and defined and delivered major projects, transforming data infrastructures. Andrew is people focused and naturally takes an open and collaborative approach, bringing communities of people together to deliver services and drive change and improvement.

Carolyn Lang
Senior Associate (Technology, Media & Telecoms) – Pinsent Masons

Carolyn Lang
Senior Associate (Technology, Media & Telecoms)
Pinsent Masons
About Carolyn Lang :
Carolyn is a Senior Associate in Pinsent Masons’ Technology, Media and Telecoms team. She regularly advises clients on technology sourcing projects, data licensing, and data privacy matters. Carolyn is a core member of the firm’s team specialising in complex data sharing projects, advising on regulatory compliance issues and contractual arrangements. A recent highlight includes partnering with the UK Water Sector’s “Stream” project. Carolyn is also a member of the Digital Twin Hub’s Governance Model & Trust Working Group. She has previously been seconded to Royal London’s legal team and BP’s global data privacy team.

Sarah Cameron
Legal Director – Pinsent Mason

Sarah Cameron
Legal Director
Pinsent Mason
About Sarah Cameron :
Purpose, Value and Trust: multi-party Digital Twin & data sharing projects
4:00 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
30m
Description:
Digital twins offer immense potential for innovation and efficiency across various sectors. However, their successful implementation requires careful consideration, with the right frameworks enabling access to the right data in a secure and trusted way.Speakers:

Steve Brewer
Senior Research Fellow
Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT), University of Lincoln

Andrew Newman
Principal Data Specialist
Open Data Institute (ODI)

Carolyn Lang
Senior Associate (Technology, Media & Telecoms)
Pinsent Masons

Sarah Cameron
Legal Director
Pinsent Mason
Add to Calendar
4:00 PM
30m
Panel: insights and ambitions of key government departments for integrated rural transportation
Rural Transport Accelerator

Sharon Payne
Regional Rural Mobility Manager – Transport East

Sharon Payne
Regional Rural Mobility Manager
Transport East
About Sharon Payne :
Sharon is the Regional Rural Mobility Manager at Transport East, the Sub-National Transport Body for the East. She heads up an exciting area of work leading on delivering the national Rural Mobility Centre of Excellence with a wide range of stakeholders from across government, academia, tourism and business. The RMCoE focuses on the transport challenges faced by rural communities, building research and evidence to make the case for investment, an area omitted from much national and regional policy development in recent years. Sharon’s extensive career in local government has led to a deep understanding of how to deliver sustainable transport changes in the public sector. This includes roles as strategic lead for behaviour change, road safety strategy, travel planning and the active travel delivery team at a large county council where she secured £1.5million to deliver one of eleven Active Travel Social Prescribing Pilots across England, and developing the Suffolk Air Quality Profile with Public Health and the District Councils. Sharon led on a pan-regional European Regional Development Fund project which introduced one of England’s first mobile ticketing apps in 2012, still being used today by one of the leading bus operators, facilitating millions of purchases of bus tickets in the last decade. Sharon also worked for the Department for Education during the Travelling to School Initiative as the Regional School Travel Advisor, managing the work of ten Local Authorities to successfully meet the challenging targets and objectives set by Government.

Kit Allwinter
Senior Inspector – Active Travel England

Kit Allwinter
Senior Inspector
Active Travel England
About Kit Allwinter :
Kit Allwinter has worked across the UK’s public and private sectors to integrate walking, wheeling, and cycling while reducing the impact of motor traffic. With expertise in active travel, shared transport, and sustainable freight, he takes a holistic approach to improving daily life in communities. Currently at Active Travel England, Kit leads the development of Rural Design Guidance, setting quality standards for infrastructure. His work focuses on enhancing short-distance utility trips in rural areas, improving access to public transport, and supporting longer-distance routes and cycle tourism across the UK.

Henry Clifford
Rural Economy Team Leader, Adaptation & Rural Communities, Environment Strategy Directorate – Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Henry Clifford
Rural Economy Team Leader, Adaptation & Rural Communities, Environment Strategy Directorate
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
About Henry Clifford :
Henry joined Defra in 2021 with a background in sustainability policy. He currently leads Defra’s Rural Economy Team with includes responsibly for delivering the government’s economic growth agenda in rural areas. Improvements in rural transport are central to delivering this goal and he and his team work closely with DfT to support rural outcomes in transport policy.

Luke Turner
Policy and Strategy Lead, Integrated National Transport Strategy, – Department for Transport

Luke Turner
Policy and Strategy Lead, Integrated National Transport Strategy,
Department for Transport
About Luke Turner :
Luke Turner is a Policy and Strategy Lead working on the Integrated National Transport Strategy at the Department for Transport. Set to be published later this year, the Integrated National Transport Strategy will set the long-term vision for transport in England, focusing on how transport should be designed, built and operated to better serve all people who use it and enable them to live fulfilling lives. Luke has worked in various policy roles at DfT, including on the decarbonisation and climate adaptation of transport infrastructure and improving the efficiency of major infrastructure projects.

Caroline Whitney
Director for England – Community Transport Association

Caroline Whitney
Director for England
Community Transport Association
About Caroline Whitney :
As the Director for England, Caroline leads initiatives and projects that influence the community transport sector across the nation. In her role at the Community Transport Association (CTA), she is the technical lead for membership and Permits, ensuring that CTA enables the sector to operate safely and legally. Caroline’s expertise and passion are pivotal in shaping the community transport landscape in England, reflecting her commitment to enhancing community transport and building its impact in the transport sector. Before assuming her current role, Caroline served as the Chief Executive of CVS Cheshire East, a local infrastructure organisation dedicated to representing and supporting the not-for-profit sector. Her career has involved creating and managing sustainable voluntary and charitable organisations. She possesses an understanding of the complexities involved in not-for-profit operations, including volunteering, charity development, and fostering relationships with statutory bodies. Her experience and skill set make her a vital asset in the community transport sector, where she continues to drive positive change and innovation.
Panel: insights and ambitions of key government departments for integrated rural transportation
4:00 PM
Rural Transport Accelerator
30m
Description:
Join government leaders as they share insights and strategies shaping the future of seamless, integrated transportation for rural communities.Speakers:

Sharon Payne
Regional Rural Mobility Manager
Transport East

Kit Allwinter
Senior Inspector
Active Travel England

Henry Clifford
Rural Economy Team Leader, Adaptation & Rural Communities, Environment Strategy Directorate
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Luke Turner
Policy and Strategy Lead, Integrated National Transport Strategy,
Department for Transport

Caroline Whitney
Director for England
Community Transport Association
Add to Calendar
4:00 PM
25m
Demystifying procurement
Procuring Innovation

Shailee Howard
Partner – Mills & Reeve

Shailee Howard
Partner
Mills & Reeve
About Shailee Howard :

Sophie Moule
Director of Marketing & Product – Bloom Services

Sophie Moule
Director of Marketing & Product
Bloom Services
About Sophie Moule :
Sophie Moule brings extensive experience in technology, data, and outcome-driven strategies to her new role in UK public sector procurement, where she is keen to apply innovative approaches to drive better results. With a strong background in PE tech, she has deep expertise in using data, OKRs, and digital tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Now moving into public sector procurement, she is passionate about innovation and understands the importance of transparency in delivering meaningful impact. Her values closely align with Bloom Procurement Services, particularly in promoting social value, sustainability, and the inclusion of SMEs to create more responsible and effective procurement solutions.

Elvira Uyarra
Professor of Innovation Studies – University of Manchester

Elvira Uyarra
Professor of Innovation Studies
University of Manchester
About Elvira Uyarra :
Demystifying procurement
4:00 PM
Procuring Innovation
25m
Description:
Harness the power of the Procurement Act 2023 and discover how innovation led procurement can help you achieve your public outcomes more effectively.Speakers:

Shailee Howard
Partner
Mills & Reeve

Sophie Moule
Director of Marketing & Product
Bloom Services

Elvira Uyarra
Professor of Innovation Studies
University of Manchester
Add to Calendar
4:10 PM
20m
In Conversation with Yiannis Maos
Virtual Track

Yiannis Maos MBE
Founder & CEO – TechWM

Yiannis Maos MBE
Founder & CEO
TechWM
About Yiannis Maos MBE :
Yiannis is an award winning founder and serial entrepreneur. He has over 18 year’s experience in marketing and technology, where he’s helped a number of innovative organisations successfully scale. In 2023 he was awarded an MBE on the New Year Honours List for his services to the technology sector. His career started at B2B SaaS company Rant & Rave, who he helped grow from a challenger brand to a market leader that eventually sold for £50m. Following this, he was chosen as the UK Chair for the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) which is the largest community of CX professionals in the world. In 2021 he helped San Francisco based Copper CRM, one the fastest-growing companies in the US, with their marketing strategy. Yiannis also advises government and is a member of techUK’s Nation & Region’s Council and sits on the UK Tech Cluster Group board.
In Conversation with Yiannis Maos
4:10 PM
Virtual Track
20m
Speakers:

Yiannis Maos MBE
Founder & CEO
TechWM
Add to Calendar
4:25 PM
25m
Breaking down barriers to procurement
Procuring Innovation

Paul Corcoran
Managing Director – InterimConsult

Paul Corcoran
Managing Director
InterimConsult
About Paul Corcoran :
Paul has over 25 years board and executive-level experience, including CEO and Managing Director roles, across the transport, defence, and education sectors. He founded Interimconsult, a management and innovation consultancy, five years ago and has managed industry-wide initiatives including the delivery of the Rail Sector Deal and, most recently, the development and rollout of the Rail Sector Innovation Charter, a groundbreaking initiative that will improve the environment for innovation throughout the rail sector . He has a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, MBA, and degree in engineering, and continues to provide board advisory services to tech start-ups in the transport sector.

Waleed Ahmed
COO – Transreport

Waleed Ahmed
COO
Transreport
About Waleed Ahmed :

An Schrijvers
Programme Manager Innovation Procurement – VLAIO – Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

An Schrijvers
Programme Manager Innovation Procurement
VLAIO – Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
About An Schrijvers :
An Schrijvers holds a PhD in political science, European Union politics. After ten years in various research and teaching positions at Ghent University, she made the switch to Flemish science and innovation policy in 2011, first as senior policy advisor at the Flemish Council for Science and Innovation (VRWI), then at the Flemish Advisory Council for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VARIO). In September 2017, she joined the Programme for Innovation Procurement (PIO or PIP), a year after the Programme was officially launched. With the Programme, the Government of Flanders has the mission to stimulate all public sector organisations in Flanders to strategically use their substantial purchasing power (> 30 billion a year) as a catalyst for innovation. In 8 years, PIP established a portfolio of more than 120 innovation procurement projects, in different policy fields and sectors. The Programme clearly demonstrates its added value (confirmed in an external evaluation, carried out in 2022). Therefore, since January 1, 2024, the initially temporary pilot programme has become a structural, permanent innovation instrument within the larger Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). Since May 1, 2024, An Schrijvers has been PIP’s Programme Manager.

Denys Nazarenko
CIO Advisor – Kyiv City Council

Denys Nazarenko
CIO Advisor
Kyiv City Council
About Denys Nazarenko :
Denys Nazarenko is CIO Advisor at Kyiv City Council, driving digital strategy and operational transformation to enhance public service delivery. With a systems-thinking approach, he explores complex urban challenges to deliver practical, scalable solutions that improve service efficiency and cost management. His work spans public safety, data governance, AI, and energy resilience, with a strong focus on cross-border collaboration to accelerate innovation. Denys applies global best practices to real-world challenges, enabling resilient digital infrastructure and tangible impact for connected communities.
Breaking down barriers to procurement
4:25 PM
Procuring Innovation
25m
Description:
Join this interactive session with experts scaling innovative ideas to some pressing challenges.Speakers:

Paul Corcoran
Managing Director
InterimConsult

Waleed Ahmed
COO
Transreport

An Schrijvers
Programme Manager Innovation Procurement
VLAIO – Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Denys Nazarenko
CIO Advisor
Kyiv City Council
Add to Calendar
4:30 PM
20m
Social impact in transportation: the case study of Rural Transportation Accelerator
Rural Transport Accelerator

Jamie Campbell
Design Research Lead – Rural Design Centre

Jamie Campbell
Design Research Lead
Rural Design Centre
About Jamie Campbell :
Jamie works at the Rural Design Centre, helping to facilitate positive change for rural communities through research, design and innovation. With extensive experience in user centred design, his work prioritises both people and planet, aiming to ensure that products and services are sustainable, accessible and impactful. Over the past year, alongside colleagues, he has been quantifying and measuring the social impact of eight rural transport innovations, helping to inform inclusive and effective transport solutions for rural communities.
Social impact in transportation: the case study of Rural Transportation Accelerator
4:30 PM
Rural Transport Accelerator
20m
Description:
Explore how how to measure and magnify the social impact of your project through the lens of the DfT Rural Transportation Accelerator’s work.Speakers:

Jamie Campbell
Design Research Lead
Rural Design Centre
Add to Calendar
4:30 PM
10m
Innovation pitch: Innovation in Transit: Cybersecurity Strategies for Sustainable Savings
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Evan Jones
Lead Security Architect – Complete Cyber

Evan Jones
Lead Security Architect
Complete Cyber
About Evan Jones :
With extensive experience delivering high-quality cybersecurity solutions across diverse industries, Evan is a trusted expert in all aspects of security. He actively contributes to the industry as a 2024 ERA ENISA Speaker in Rail Cybersecurity and as a leader of Complete Cyber, recently selected as one of the SMEs for the prestigious High Speed Two (HS2) Project. Beyond his technical expertise, he is deeply committed to promoting cybersecurity awareness and enhancing the industry’s reputation.
Innovation pitch: Innovation in Transit: Cybersecurity Strategies for Sustainable Savings
4:30 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
10m
Description:
Explore how innovation, cybersecurity, and cost-saving strategies can reshape the transportation sector for long-term success. We will also highlight how leveraging SMEs and cutting-edge solutions can safeguard the industry against future threats whilst driving sustainable savings.Speakers:

Evan Jones
Lead Security Architect
Complete Cyber
Add to Calendar
4:40 PM
10m
Digital Pioneers: The Future of UK Technology
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda

Mark Enzer OBE FREng
Vice-Chair, Digital Twin Hub Board, and Member of Government Office for Science – Council for Science and Technology

Mark Enzer OBE FREng
Vice-Chair, Digital Twin Hub Board, and Member of Government Office for Science
Council for Science and Technology
About Mark Enzer OBE FREng :
Mark is a keen champion of outcomes-focused systems-thinking, collaborative delivery models, digitalisation, connected digital twins and the circular economy in the built environment. Mark is the Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in the digitalisation of the built environment at the University of Cambridge, and he is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London. As Strategic Advisor at Mott MacDonald, Mark provides advice to key clients on digitalisation and broader industry transformation. Previously, Mark was the CTO of Mott MacDonald and the Director of the Centre for Digital Built Britain, where he was the Head of the National Digital Twin programme
Digital Pioneers: The Future of UK Technology
4:40 PM
Connected Digital Twins Summit – Shaping the National Agenda
10m
Description:
Emergent technologies are enabling the UK to transform digitally in a more effective and efficient way, but how can we ensure our future society, and the economy is digitally connected in a safe and trustworthy way?Speakers:

Mark Enzer OBE FREng
Vice-Chair, Digital Twin Hub Board, and Member of Government Office for Science
Council for Science and Technology
Add to Calendar
17:00 – 18:00
5:00 PM
10m
Technology Address
Grand Challenges

John Davies
Managing Director Worldwide Public Sector – Amazon Web Services

John Davies
Managing Director Worldwide Public Sector
Amazon Web Services
About John Davies :
John leads the Worldwide Public Sector (PS) United Kingdom, Germany, and International Organisations (UKGI) Sales Organisation— one of the most dynamic PS businesses at AWS. With over 25 years’ experience in the PS, John helps mission-driven organisations unlock innovation to address challenges, improve services, and deliver on economic, social, and environmental sustainability. John has previously led several global sales teams including Latin America, Canada and the Caribbean PS, international healthcare, education, NPO, and government teams at AWS. Prior to AWS, he led an engineering team for a global hardware technology vendor. He was also a senior development and transformation leader in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and a director for field programme teams in the utilities sector. He is especially passionate about the opportunities that artificial intelligence and cloud computing at scale can bring to improve citizen and patient outcomes.
Technology Address
5:00 PM
Grand Challenges
10m
Speakers:

John Davies
Managing Director Worldwide Public Sector
Amazon Web Services
Add to Calendar
5:10 PM
15m
In Conversation with Guy Newey
Grand Challenges

Guy Newey
Chief Executive Officer – Energy Systems Catapult

Guy Newey
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Systems Catapult
About Guy Newey :
Guy was appointed Chief Executive Officer at Energy Systems Catapult, the innovation business, in June 2022. Guy joined ESC in 2018 as Director of Strategy after working as an energy and political adviser to two UK Government Secretaries of State; Greg Clark and Amber Rudd. In Government, he was involved in many key decisions, including closing the UK’s coal-fired power stations, greater independence for the electricity system operator, and as an architect of the Clean Growth Strategy. Before joining Government, he was Head of Policy at the challenger energy supplier, OVO Energy and Head of Environment and Energy at the influential think tank, Policy Exchange. He was previously a journalist, including three years as a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong for the international newswire, AFP. He is a non-executive director with UK100, a charity campaigning for greater environmental action by local authorities. He lives in Enfield, with his wife and two children.

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer – Connected Places Catapult

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
About Erika Lewis :
Erika Lewis joined the Catapult from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in March 2024 as Chief Executive Officer. In July 2023, Erika was appointed the CEO of the AI Safety Summit. This was a world first event and brought together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. The Summit was the culmination of a busy 5 years in central government, Erika joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2018 to deliver the National Data Strategy. In October 2019, she moved to the role of Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, where she led on the economic support for the cyber sector, the development of security approaches for consumer IoT, the government work on Secure Connected Places and Digital Identity in the economy. In 2020, she also led DCMS on the Covid-19 response package for the Voluntary Sector and in 2023, led the initial transition programme for the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Before moving into central government in 2012, Erika became a Project Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, where she was responsible for both merger and market investigations. Most notably, she ran an Energy Market Investigation and a Private Motor Insurance Market Investigation. Erika was a part of the set-up team for the London Development Agency (LDA) in April 2000. Staying for 12 years at the LDA, she delivered regeneration programmes across London and was subsequently the Director of Strategy.
In Conversation with Guy Newey
5:10 PM
Grand Challenges
15m
Description:
How is the UK’s Catapult Network supporting local and regional growth across the country, and unlocking the opportunities of devolution?Speakers:

Guy Newey
Chief Executive Officer
Energy Systems Catapult

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
5:25 PM
5m
Day One Learnings & Closing Remarks
Grand Challenges

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer – Connected Places Catapult

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
About Erika Lewis :
Erika Lewis joined the Catapult from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in March 2024 as Chief Executive Officer. In July 2023, Erika was appointed the CEO of the AI Safety Summit. This was a world first event and brought together international governments, leading AI companies, civil society groups and experts in research to consider the risks of AI, especially at the frontier of development, and discuss how they can be mitigated through internationally coordinated action. The Summit was the culmination of a busy 5 years in central government, Erika joined the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2018 to deliver the National Data Strategy. In October 2019, she moved to the role of Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, where she led on the economic support for the cyber sector, the development of security approaches for consumer IoT, the government work on Secure Connected Places and Digital Identity in the economy. In 2020, she also led DCMS on the Covid-19 response package for the Voluntary Sector and in 2023, led the initial transition programme for the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Before moving into central government in 2012, Erika became a Project Director at the Competition and Markets Authority, where she was responsible for both merger and market investigations. Most notably, she ran an Energy Market Investigation and a Private Motor Insurance Market Investigation. Erika was a part of the set-up team for the London Development Agency (LDA) in April 2000. Staying for 12 years at the LDA, she delivered regeneration programmes across London and was subsequently the Director of Strategy.
Day One Learnings & Closing Remarks
5:25 PM
Grand Challenges
5m
Speakers:

Erika Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
Connected Places Catapult
Add to Calendar
Networking Drinks Reception
5:30 PM
90m
Event Venue: Convene, Sancroft, Paternoster Square, London, EC4M 7DQ
Nearby Bus Stations:
St. Pauls Station – King Edward Street – 8,25,56,133,N8,N25,N242
Nearby Underground Lines:
Underground Stations St. Pauls (Central Line) Bank (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City Lines) Moorgate (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern) Monument (Circle, District)