The Artificial Intelligence SIG is excited to announce the return of Byte Size – our popular series of compact, technical events designed to fuel minds and appetites! Join the Artificial Intelligence SIG for an insightful session exploring how we can build powerful AI systems that are also safe, reliable, and aligned with societal values.
The capabilities of modern AI are advancing at a rapid pace. However, leveraging these systems safely is a complex challenge, one that must navigate appropriate system design and safeguards in both software and hardware, alongside data governance, ethics, and regulatory constraints.
In this session, you will hear from speakers giving different technical perspectives on the central question: Can AI and safety truly go hand-in-hand? From engineering principles to operational considerations, the discussion will explore how we can build AI systems that are not only powerful, but also safe, reliable, and aligned with societal values.
We are delighted to welcome:
These diverse perspectives will come together in a panel discussion, moderated by a representative from TTP, with plenty of opportunity for audience questions.
Come for the insights, stay for the networking (and pizza!).
Senior Test Engineer, Cambridge Consultants
Senior Test Engineer, Cambridge Consultants
Darendra is part of the Systems Engineering & Test department, where he applies his expertise in Digital Security Testing to various technologies, including Machine Learning and AI. He has a background in Software Test Automation of wireless communications protocols, such as satellite communications and LTE. He enjoys defining and developing testing strategies for cybersecurity challenges and ensuring the quality and reliability of innovative solutions.
Founder, Mandrel Systems
Founder, Mandrel Systems
Phil Claridge is a ‘virtual CTO’ for hire within Mandrel Systems covering end-to-end systems. Currently having fun and helping others with large-scale AI systems integration, country-wide large scale big-data processing, hands-on IoT technology (from sensor hardware design, through LoRa integration to back end systems), and advanced city information modelling. Supporting companies with M&A ‘exit readiness’, due-diligence and on advisory boards. Past roles include: CTO, Chief Architect, Labs Director, and Technical Evangelist for Geneva/Convergys (telco), Arieso/Viavi (geolocation), and Madge (networking). Phil’s early career was in electronics, and still finds it irresistible to swap from Powerpoint to a soldering iron and a compiler to produce proof-of-concepts when required.
Partner, Appleyard Lees IP LLP
Partner, Appleyard Lees IP LLP
Parminder is a patent attorney based in Appleyard Lees’ Cambridge office, and helps companies to protect their technological innovations. She has built a substantial reputation working with high-growth start-ups, spin-outs and SMEs in Cambridge, and has in-house experience. She specialises in writing and prosecuting patent applications for computer-implemented inventions. Her work includes patenting AI-based technologies, including new machine learning frameworks and applications of machine learning in image classification, human-computer interactions and text-to-speech. Parminder also writes her own AI blog on LinkedIn, and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys’ Computer Technology Committee.
Head of AI, ML & Data Science, GFT Financial Ltd
Head of AI, ML & Data Science, GFT Financial Ltd
Simon leads a team that develops AI and ML solutions for large financial institutions. Before joining GFT he was the Principal Investigator for BT’s AI program. Before that he was the Head of Practice for Big Data and Customer Experience at BT and BT’s lead for collaborations with MIT, and the first industry fellow at the Alan Turing Institute. Simon is interested in practical application of AI technology and the practice and process of AI and ML projects. His book “Managing Machine Learning Projects” was published by Manning Books in 2023.
Head of Autonomous Technologies, TTP plc.
Head of Autonomous Technologies, TTP plc.
Vidhya leads the Autonomous Technologies team at TTP. Her team works with ambitious clients in markets ranging from aviation to farming to bring novel technologies that expand human capabilities, empower human efficiency and enhance human safety. Vidhya has a background in digital signal processing and physical layer design and development. In her PhD at Imperial College London, she carried out research on array signal processing techniques with applications in 5G and defence.
Programme Manager, UKTIN, Founder, Vision Formers
Programme Manager, UKTIN, Founder, Vision Formers
Peter is Founder & CEO of Vision Formers, the specialist consultancy that supports and mentors leaders of visionary technology businesses get product to market and turn ideas into reality. Vision Formers works with start-ups and scale-ups, providing significant expertise in accelerating business growth through a focus on developing a robust product strategy, growing and coaching product and development teams, and providing operational excellence. Peter has a long track record of conceiving, developing and marketing successful technology-based solutions, deployed at scale, globally. Innovative products Peter has brought to market in digital, cloud, AI, consumer electronics and telecommunications have been used by countless millions of people on a daily basis globally, badged by the world’s leading digital and technology brands. Peter also works with Digital Catapult as Programme Manager for UKTIN, working with partners and stakeholders to deliver UKTIN’s mission to transform the UK telecoms innovation ecosystem, capitalising on the country’s strengths in technology, academia, and entrepreneurialism, while positioning it for growth as new opportunities emerge in the industry. Peter is a board member of CW (Cambridge Wireless), a Fellow of the IET, a Chartered Engineer, and a member of the Association of Business Mentors.
Entrepreneur in Residence, Cambridge Innovation Capital
Ignas Budvytis is an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Cambridge Innovation Capital. He is working on the investment thesis on the topics related to multi-modal Agentic AI Systems and Robotics.
Ignas is also a researcher and former academic specialising in computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. He is dedicated to developing advanced technologies that enhance how machines perceive and interpret the world.
Ignas holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a PhD in Computer Vision from the University of Cambridge. He recently served as an Assistant Professor of Computer Vision and Robotics in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge.
Can AI and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand? Engineering Responsible Intelligence at Speed Tuesday @ 6:00 PM
Exploratory Research Team Lead, NATS
No bio provided
Can AI and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand? Engineering Responsible Intelligence at Speed Tuesday @ 6:00 PM
TTP
No bio provided
Can AI and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand? Engineering Responsible Intelligence at Speed Tuesday @ 6:00 PM
Lead Software Engineer, Nquiring Minds
Dr. Ash Setter is the Engineering Lead at NquiringMinds, a UK deep-tech company specializing in secure AI agents. He holds a Ph.D. in quantum physics from the University of Southampton, bringing rigorous analytical expertise to advanced systems design. At NquiringMinds, he leads teams developing cutting‑edge AI-driven solutions and cybersecurity infrastructure. For example, he spearheaded TrustNetZ – an open‑source zero‑trust networking security stack – and has driven his company’s contributions to the UKRI‑funded TAIBOM (Trusted AI Bill of Materials) initiative. The TAIBOM project is designed to accelerate the UK’s adoption of trustworthy and responsible AI by increasing transparency across the AI supply chain.
Can AI and Safety Go Hand-in-Hand? Engineering Responsible Intelligence at Speed Tuesday @ 6:00 PM