CW International Conference 2026

Sara Almahri

CEO, Mina AI

Sara AlMahri is the CEO of Mina AI, a Cambridge-based startup building AI-native workforce for enterprise operations. She recently completed her PhD in Engineering at the University of Cambridge, where she worked at the intersection of AI and supply chains, focusing on how large language models and agentic AI systems can improve visibility and decision-making in complex industrial environments. Prior to this, she worked across global industrial organisations including Boeing in the US, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, and ADNOC in the UAE. Sara was awarded the 2026 People’s #21ToWatch and has also won multiple entrepreneurship prizes including the Cambridge Parmee Prize.

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Kieran Arnold

Chief Technical Officer, SMCCL

Kieran Arnold started his career with the Royal Air force as an engineering officer working on mission critical and tactical communications systems. 
Over the past 40 years he has held several senior and executive roles in industry leading organisations, these included R&D Chief Technical Officer for Orange PCS, Head of Telecoms payload engineering for Airbus Defence & Space, Chief Architect for Satellite Applications Catapult and more recently Chief Technical Officer for Smart city consulting. all these roles focus on the development of advanced fixed or wireless communications system. 
His current work focuses on the exploitation of advanced cellular communications technologies that underpin and support collaborative and co-ordinated autonomous systems. 
 

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Ivana Bajović

Special Advisor to the CEO, Telekom Srbija Group

Ivana Bajović currently serves as Special Advisor to the CEO at Telekom Srbija Group, one of the largest and fastest-growing telecommunications and multimedia providers in Southeast Europe and a key driver of digital transformation across the Western Balkans and beyond. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles in Marketing, Public Relations, and Corporate Affairs, building a strong track record in strategic communications, executive advisory, and international positioning. In her current role, she leads Strategic Expansion Projects and oversees International Media Relations and Global Communications, supporting the Group’s growth in global markets while strengthening its reputation among international stakeholders and partners. She is also actively engaged in the global business community, contributing to cross-market partnerships, public diplomacy, and international representation.

As Special Advisor to the CEO, Ivana plays an active role in advancing the company’s transformation from a traditional telecommunications operator into a technology-driven “telco of the future.” This strategic evolution is centered on significant investments in 5G infrastructure, multimedia platforms, and next-generation digital services, including early-stage innovation and AI-focused initiatives. The Group’s forward-looking strategy prioritizes artificial intelligence and cybersecurity solutions, reinforcing its leadership position in Southeast Europe’s digital ecosystem.

With the launch of MTEL USA, Telekom Srbija Group continues its global expansion, now operating across 13 international markets in addition to its core presence in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Turkey, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Serving nearly 14 million subscribers and generating approximately €2.2 billion in annual revenue, the Group continues to strengthen its position as a major European telecommunications and technology player.               
Ivana Bajović | LinkedIn

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Dejan Bojic

Director, High Summits Consulting

Dejan is a senior consultant advising a range of clients across both public and private sectors. His particular focus is development of open and shared digital infrastructure to support product development and service transformation within complex innovation ecosystems. Until recently Dejan worked at the UK government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) where he led the technology advisory team within the Future Networks Programme. A firm believer in creating value through collaboration between public and private sectors and across technology layers, Dejan’s aspiration as a SIG Champion is to shine a spotlight on market innovation opportunities through CW’s uniquely rich network of experts and influencers.

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Commander Trevor Bradley

Ministry of Defence

Commander Trevor Bradley joined the Royal Navy in 2000 as a Weapon Engineer and has served on Frigates and Aircraft Carriers in addition to a number of multinational posts in the Middle East.  Whilst in the UK he has divided much of his career between Capability Development and C5ISR delivery with posts in Cyber Security, Deployed Information Systems and Dstl.

In 2021 as Deputy Commander of Erbil Airbase, Iraq Trevor gained operational experience in the challenges of blending and integrating crewed/uncrewed activity in a hostile environment.  On return to the UK as part of Defence Digital Operations he delivered services across the globe to meet rapidly evolving requirements before moving to the Royal Navy’s Develop Directorate where he led StrikeNet, a programme which will enable the hybrid navy, delivering disaggregated force level sense, decide and effect.

Trevor is currently the lead military adviser to the Dstl Comms and Nets programme as one of a suite of military personnel working hand in glove with all of Dstl to develop and deliver the future generations of capabilities.
 

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Chris Bruce

Board Member, Cambridge Wireless and NED for innovative technology companies

An international business executive with over 30 years experience of leading growth businesses in wireless, internet and cloud sectors.  Chris has spent 15 years in the Wi-Fi Service Provider business: CEO BT Openzone Wi-Fi; Chair of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (Board Director for 10 years); MD and Board Director, GlobalReach Technology (Wi-Fi roaming and authentication specialists). 

Chris is now a strategic consultant to wireless vendors and operators offering advice and delivering projects to enhance Go To Market results.  Chris is NED Chairman of Handshakr SAAS platform company, bringing together large corporates and smaller innovators to collaborate.

Chris’s career includes: Sales and Marketing Director Business mobile, Telfort (Dutch Mobile Operator); CEO BT Openzone Wi-Fi; VP Advise for Communications providing advisory and wholesale services to Telcos in Middle East, Africa, Asia, LatAm; VP Europe Channels BT Internet Hosting and NED at Inet Spa, Italian Internet Hosting market leader. Chris held leadership roles in BT Global, launching services to Enterprise and Wholesale customers.  Previously, Chris had Marketing and Product management positions at Ericsson, Ascom and CASE Communications.

Chris has a passion for innovation and growth and has supported start-ups and scale-ups as a mentor in accelerator programmes focused on Smart Cities, Blockchain and Authentication. Chris has a deep interest in Industrial IoT and Smart Cities.

Public sector experience includes a 12 month secondment to the Department of Trade & Industry, managing the UK Broadband Britain delivery programme and representing on BT’s East of England Regional Board.

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Joanna Cavan OBE

Managing Director, UK Telecoms Lab

Jo has 20 years’ experience working across the private and public sectors in the UK, including in government, policing, national security, arm’s length bodies and the tech industry. Throughout her career, Jo has worked at the intersection between technology and security. Jo is currently the Managing Director of the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL). UKTL delivers world-class security research and testing to secure the technology that underpins connectivity, drives innovation and economic growth. Prior to joining UKTL, Jo held Director roles at the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

UKTL – The National Telecoms Security And Research Facility

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Katy Davies

Managing Director, Cap Air Systems Ltd

Katy Davies is Managing Director of Cap Air Systems, a UK electronics manufacturer specialising in PCB assembly, cable assembly and box build. She is also National Chair of Citizen Hub, bridging industry, skills and community to create good work locally. With 20+ years’ experience in transformation and growth, Katy brings a practical, place-based lens to manufacturing, productivity and capability.

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Daniel Doll-Steinberg

Co-Founder and General Partner, EdenBase

Daniel is cofounder of EdenBase, a venture fund investing in frontier technologies, and QBase, the UK’s quantum adoption hub. He has built disruptive tech startups, managed large-scale corporate change and advised governments and supranational organisations on policy and regulation. Daniel invests at the convergence of AI, Quantum Computing, Smart Data protocols and Immersive Tech as they become general purpose. 

His book, Unsupervised (Wiley, September 2023), a Bloomberg Book of the Year focusses on how AI, Quantum Computing and other frontier technologies are impacting our lives, their impact on society, who controls them, and why action is needed now.

Daniel started his career in the global derivatives technology industry in the early 90’s, the first true disruption that technology brought to the financial industry. He led change management at a major global bank in New York, after which he founded a company that created one of the first global standards for Digital Rights Management (DRM). In 2017, he founded the Atari Token Project to build a metaverse-based new economy platform with Atari, an Ethereum founder and several gaming leaders.

Daniel was appointed by the European Commission as an expert advisor specialising in education, disruption and future of work. He was also advisor to the UK Government where he co-wrote the 2008 Smarter Regulation and 2011/2012 Innovation reports.

As a visionary speaker, Daniel brings together the investor, operator and adoption perspectives on how frontier technologies move and gain value, from breakthrough to real-world impact.

 

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Gavin Doyle

Senior Consultant, Technology Strategy, Cambridge Consultants

Gavin is a Senior Consultant at Cambridge Consultants, where he leads cross-disciplinary engineering teams to shape breakthrough innovation strategies across a wide range of industries. He advises clients on how emerging technologies can optimise operations, unlock new business models, and support long-term strategic goals, guided by the principles of technical feasibility, solution desirability, and commercial viability. 

Gavin brings over 20 years’ experience in technology solution design and delivery across consulting, telecommunications, and the energy sector, and his current focus areas include non-terrestrial networks and agentic AI, with applications spanning defence, energy, and ICT. 

Gavin is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET) and holds a BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Communications Engineering. He is driven by a commitment to harness innovation for human progress and is confident that active engagement and dicourse with the technology community and wider society is essential to that mission.

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Jessica Ellis

Director/Advisor, Digital Places

Jessica is an accomplished Director and Advisor with extensive experience in driving digital transformation initiatives within connected places. She collaborates with Government, local authorities and enterprises to improve operational efficiency and public services through advanced digital infrastructure. With a strong focus on IoT deployment and connectivity solutions, Jessica is committed to fostering economic growth and improving community engagement through innovative technology.

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Michaela Eschbach

CEO, Cambridge Wireless

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Simon Fabri

Product and Engineering Director, HMGCC

Simon Fabri is Product and Engineering Director at HMGCC (His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre), a post he has held since 2023. His role is part of the core leadership team at HMGCC, where he oversees hundreds of engineers, technologists and scientists carrying out vital work for national security. Based at the historic Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes, Simon’s time in leadership has positively transformed the way in which HMGCC delivers its engineering - creating vital tech to be used in national security work across the globe.

Simon has a strong background in academia and industry. After starting out as an engineering lecturer, his career took him across telecoms, energy and automotive industries and then to Amazon before joining HMGCC.

HMGCC creates tools and technologies for work within the national security community, creating, designing and testing them on site. This government organisation now increasingly works with outside innovators from academia and industry.

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Jouni Flyktman

Vice President, Defence and Security, IQM Quantum Computers

Jouni Flyktman is Vice President for Defense and Security at IQM Quantum Computers, where he leads the company’s engagement with international defense and security stakeholders. He has overseen customer deployments globally, entries to new markets, and quantum R&D projects, including Finland’s first quantum computers.

Prior to joining IQM, Jouni served for 20 years in the Finnish Defense Forces, advancing cyber defense, driving the development of next-generation defense capabilities, and contributing to strategic and operational planning.

He holds degrees in Engineering Physics (M.Sc.), Economics (M.Sc.), and an Executive MBA, as well as a General Staff Officer qualification, combining technical, defense, and business expertise to shape the future of quantum technologies.

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Peter Haigh

Deputy CTO, The National Cyber Security Centre

Peter is Deputy CTO at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the UK’s National Technical Authority for Cyber Security. He focuses on ensuring the organisation is technically prepared for the future. Peter oversees the NCSC’s relationships with external research communities, including academia and the UK Telecoms Lab (UKTL). His technical background spans mathematics, cryptography, telecommunications, and AI.

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Lesley Holt

Adoption Director, WM5G

Lesley Holt is Adoption Director at WM5G, where she leads major programmes that enable public and private sector organisations to adopt and scale advanced connectivity and digital technologies. A core focus of her work is developing the skills, talent pipelines and organisational capability required to move beyond pilots and embed technology successfully in real world operations.

With over twenty years’ cross sector experience, Lesley brings deep expertise in transformation, service improvement, and operational delivery. Her background spans public sector reform, business transformation, and the management of complex outsourced services, giving her a strong understanding of the workforce, cultural and leadership challenges that shape successful technology adoption.

At WM5G, Lesley has led the design and delivery of testbeds, accelerators and adoption programmes that combine technical innovation with skills development, capability building, and culture change.   Lesley played a senior role in WM5G’s delivery of the UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN), leading national skills and talent activity on behalf of the sector. Through UKTIN, she has shaped and delivered skills plans, market mapping, and ecosystem wide engagement to address critical workforce shortages, future proof telecoms and digital skills, and improve diversity, attraction and retention across the talent pipeline. This includes convening industry, government, academia, and training providers through the UKTIN Talent Advisory Group to align skills supply with emerging technology demand.

Lesley has played a central role in Technology Enabled Care programmes delivered through the 5G Innovation Region (5GiR), supporting councils and care providers to upskill workforces, redesign services and adopt digitally enabled models of care. These programmes have delivered measurable outcomes, including improved workforce productivity, enhanced citizen independence, and reduced pressure on frontline services. 

Her work blends strategic leadership with hands on delivery, ensuring that organisations invest not only in technology, but in the people, skills and confidence needed to sustain long term digital transformation across health, care, local government, and industry.

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Luke Ibbetson

Group R&D Director, Vodafone

Luke Ibbetson leads the Vodafone Group Research and Development organisation, fostering the adoption of disruptive and emerging technologies for the benefit of customers, efficiency and growth.

A telco industry professional with 30 years of experience, Luke is currently shaping Vodafone's thinking on Quantum technology, 6G, non-terrestrial networks, vehicle autonomy and advanced AI/ML.

Luke is Chair of the Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Board Strategy Committee, Vice Chair of GSMA Post QuantumTelco Networks Task Force, and Chairman of the TechWorks Board and serves as main Board member for the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), AST Space Mobile, and several venture backed technology companies. Luke is a proud pioneer of low power wide area IoT and a passionate supporter of innovative thinking – helping to create new opportunities for technology to change lives and society for the better.

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Tracey Jenkins

Head of Business Development for the Public Sector, Vodafone Business

Tracey Jenkins is the Head of Business Development for the Public Sector at Vodafone Business. With extensive experience across both public and private sectors, she leads a high performing team of sector specialists focused on developing strategic initiatives that address the evolving needs of government and public service organisations. Her leadership is underpinned by deep expertise in technology, telecommunications, commercial strategy, and complex transformation programmes, enabling her to drive meaningful and sustainable change.
At the heart of Tracey’s work is a commitment to closing the digital divide and championing inclusive, secure, and future ready technologies. She is passionate about expanding access to digital solutions and improving societal outcomes through innovation—supporting economic growth, advancing digital inclusion, and strengthening community resilience across the UK.
A long-standing advocate for women in STEM, Tracey actively mentors undergraduates and early career professionals, helping to inspire and develop the next generation of industry talent.

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Ivan Kadić

Founder & CEO, Reputeo

Ivan Kadic is the Founder and CEO of Reputeo, an AI company specialising in sovereign AI solutions built from the ground up — from data collection and analysis through to real-world deployment across sectors including telecoms, cybersecurity and beyond. With a deep background in technology and AI-driven innovation, Ivan is passionate about building robust, independent AI ecosystems that give organisations true ownership and control over their data and intelligence. He is a recognised voice on sovereign AI, data strategy and the practical application of AI across complex industries.

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Rana Kamill

Senior Network Architecture and Standards Manager, BT

Rana Kamill is a Senior Network Architecture and Standards manager at BT Group, where she plays a leading role in shaping BT’s network architecture, standards strategy, and technology roadmap, with a particular focus on the transition from 5G Advanced to 6G, AI native networks, and future spectrum policy.

Rana leads BT’s 3GPP RAN delegation and ITU-T/ ITU-R delegation where she influences international standards to ensure they reflect operator and societal needs. She holds several leadership positions, including Vice Chair of ITU T Study Group 20 Working Party 1, focused on IoT, smart infrastructure, and emerging network technologies.

Rana works closely with UK government departments and regulators, including DSIT and Ofcom, providing expert advice on 6G, spectrum policy, and international alignment and leading global collaboration initiatives with international governments.

Prior to working in standards, Rana worked as a Security consultant in BT, providing consultancy to projects across all customer facing units. She is a Distinguished Engineer within BT’s Tech Fellowship, and a frequent speaker and moderator at leading industry events and provides advice across government, industry, and academia.

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Seán Keating

Consultant

Seán has worked on wireless networks for over 25 years.  He has delivered projects across four continents. Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Australasia.  This involved building infrastructure for mobile operators, governments, investors, real estate companies, offshore wind developers and large industrials. 

As CTO for the UK and Ireland, Seán led an innovative technology team creating industry-leading technology for our customers, underpinning Boldyn Networks’s growth ambitions. Before Boldyn Networks's acquisition in 2021, Seán was CEO of Vilicom.  In this role, Seán executed a strategy to expand the company into new verticals, supporting digital transformation and launching Europe’s first cloud platform to deploy mobile and private networks faster and more efficiently. 

Seán holds an electronics engineering degree from Dublin City University and an MBA from Smurfit Business School.  He has completed a year-long leadership development programme with IMD Lausanne.
 

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Jonathan Legh Smith

Executive Director, UKQuantum

Jonathan Legh-Smith is Executive Director for UKQuantum, the association for the UK’s quantum industry. Jonathan represents the interests of UKQuantum members nationally and internationally. Jonathan is also a member of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme Strategic Advisory Board, the National Quantum Computing Centre Strategic Advisory Committee, UK coordinator for the NATO Transatlantic Quantum Community Industry Network, NPL’s Quantum Strategy Board and co-chair of the UK’s Responsible Quantum Industry Forum. Jonathan was awarded an MBE for services to science & technology in 2024.

: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-legh-smith-630

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Dr Leon Lobo

Head, National Timing Centre , National Physical Laboratory

Dr Leon Lobo is the Head of the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). He leads the strategic direction for national resiliency in Time, Frequency and Synchronisation and focuses on developing and delivering a national timing strategy. The NTC will be developing capability toward a national resiliency in timing for our expanding digital infrastructure, stimulating the development of an assured supply chain and addressing the skills gap for time and frequency technologies and dissemination solutions. A chartered engineer, with a PhD in high power laser material processing, he led the team developing NPLTime®, NPL’s certified fibre-delivered time dissemination solution to the City of London for high frequency trading systems and regulatory compliance. He also led a cross-government team developing the UK's first Timing Strategy, conceptualised and proposed the now developing National Timing Centre, recently embedded in UK PNT resilience policy to support the future resilience of the UK’s digital infrastructure. 

 

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Hamish MacKenize

Founder, Revolve Labs

Hamish Mackenzie is Founder of Revolve Labs, a Cambridge-based immersive training company specialising in virtual reality and 360 medical education. Hamish's background is formal education having spent 10 years as a teacher and lecturer. He now works with NHS organisations, universities, royal colleges and MedTech partners to develop engaging, high-quality training experiences that improve understanding, confidence and recall. His strong focus on practical implementation, and using immersive VR technology to support scalable workforce training, clinical communication and healthcare innovation.

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Sarah Marsh

Head of Digital Connectivity , Cambridgeshire County Council

As programme Director for Connecting Cambridgeshire, Sarah leads on the delivery of a future facing digital infrastructure for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region including broadband, mobile, innovation and digital inclusion. Sarah is passionate about using the power of technology and innovation with cross-sector collaboration to improve connectivity and local public service delivery. Before joining Connecting Cambridgeshire she was IT development lead for the County Council and delivered a number of successful IT transformation programmes including the countywide public sector fibre network.

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Jonathan McKenna

Senior Vice President, Business Development - Intelligent Services, Cambridge Consultants

Starting his career at Accenture and the Boston Consulting Group, Jonathan has spent more than 3 decades helping blue-chip business transform with information technology. There have been two strands to his career. Firstly, as a consultant and change agent, Jonathan worked with business leaders to initiate, plan and lead corporate transformation initiatives. Second, Jonathan has spent >10 years growing innovative B2B technology companies in roles encompassing  strategy, business planning, go-to-market, sales enablement and executive engagement. 

Currently Jonathan drives business development for the AI business of Cambridge Consultants, an organisation that works delivers innovation by helping its clients to help them build new products and services for their markets. Jonathan in intensely interested in helping blue-chip companies to exploit the latest in AI technologies to create more compelling products, much greater productivity and greater returns for their stakeholders.

Jonathan was educated in Natural Sciences at University of Cambridge. He has a PhD in Radio Astronomy from Jodrell Bank and published 4 papers in the journal Nature. 

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Enrique Munoz de Cote

CTO, Mutable Tactics

Enrique is a world leader in the field of multi-agent systems. He holds a MSc in distributed systems, a PhD in computer science with a specialty in machine learning and a post-doc on defense multi-agent robotic systems (as part of a BAE Systems, MBDA and Celex joint program). He has published over 80+ academic (peer-reviewed)  papers in all the top AI journals, 2 books and 3 patents.

Enrique is co-founder and CTO of Mutable Tactics, a Cambridge based startup building the orchestration layer for autonomous robotics: turning solo robots into cohesive teams that are smarter, faster, and cheaper to operate. Mutable Tactic's tech builds on Enrique's contribution to ALADDIN, a £10m+ project on robot-human teamwork led by BAE Systems and MBDA. This experience shaped Enrique’s opinion on how to think about complex systems in the real world, leading to being a top-voice in the sub-domain of adversarial machine learning

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Konstantinos Nikitopoulos

6G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey/ Noema Signal Labs Ltd

Konstantinos Nikitopoulos is a Full Professor in Wireless Communications and Signal Processing at the 6G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey, and Director of the Wireless Systems Lab. He is also a founder and director of Noema Signal Labs Ltd, a recent University of Surrey spin-out commercialising the award-winning NL-COMM technology.

His research focuses on advanced signal processing, next-generation computing architectures, and system-level wireless design. He has deep expertise in non-orthogonal transmission techniques, including MIMO and NOMA, and is the lead inventor of the NL-COMM technology (www.nl-comm.com).

Professor Nikitopoulos was named 2024 Innovator of the Year by the University of Surrey’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. He has also received the Tony Jeans Inspirational Teaching Prize and the School’s Teacher of the Year Award, and is a recipient of the prestigious EPSRC First Grant.

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Olu Orugboh

Chair, Cambridge Wireless

Olu is the CEO and Founder of Synergy Solutions, a specialist management consultancy practice, focussed on helping companies stay at the forefront of evolving technology and the ever-changing world of customer expectations, whilst remaining resilient and futureproofing their business.
As a senior leader and seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience, leading businesses through change, transformation and migration into digital environments, Olu has assisted a range of companies from start-ups, through to high growth scale ups to FTSE listed companies both in the UK and Internationally to embrace digital technology, safely, whilst remaining resilient and responsive to the rapidly changing environment. Olu has deep international experience, assisting enterprises to turnaround their failing operations through to putting in place infrastructures to support growth initiatives and introduce digital innovation. She has extensive business experience having had the opportunity, through both her own business and other executive level positions to shape the strategy for a wide array of businesses and introduce digital technology, providing a range of companies with the opportunity to speed up response and enhance the quality of that response, which she believes to be vital in the delivery of an agile business.
Olu is highly committed to assisting organisations to become resilient and future proofed. In addition to running a business, Olu is a mother to two wonderful children and is passionate about growing the impact of digital technology in underserved communities.

: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olu-orugboh-7a9ba9/

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Eda Ozunturk

Strategic Account Manager, UK, Ireland & South Europe & Eurasia, Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions

Eda Ozunturk is a Strategic Account Manager with 20 years’ experience of working in Telecom sector. Having worked with Vodafone, Motorola and Nortel in the past, she is now driving Ericsson’s growth in the UK, Ireland and South Europe and Eurasia in the Enterprise market. 

Eda has a history in helping organisations to drive transformational outcomes through 5G and Private Networks technology. This includes working both directly and with partners such as the MNO’s, Systems Integrators and Value-Added Resellers.
 

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Phil Pardoe

C4IS Capability Principal, DSTL

Phil has worked in Defence Communications for over 30 years, initially researching the use of ATM in military systems and novel methods of system management.  He subsequently became the Military of Defence’s Technical Authority for a complex Land Tactical Communication System.  More recently he has been DSTL’s Cyber Security Group Leader before taking up the role of C4IS Capability Principal.

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Ruth Redding

Assoicate, CMC

Ruth Redding is a coach and leadership development expert, working as an Associate at Cambridge Management Consulting. She has 25 years of experience in the global communications and optical networking sector. She previously spent several years at Infinera, where she served as VP of Sales for North and Central Europe, driving significant regional growth and navigating the complex commercial landscapes of the EMEA infrastructure market, as well as sales leadership role at Gartner, Ciena and Alcatel.

Currently, Ruth serves as a Board Advisor for the University of California, Berkeley Certificate in Global Digital Infrastructure, helping to bridge the gap between academic theory and the commercial realities of the subsea and data centre sectors. A dedicated architect of talent, she leads the Talent Track at Capacity Europe, which 150+ students to see the compelling reasons to join the industry. Ruth combines her deep commercial background with professional coaching to ensure the UK’s digital economy is supported by a diverse, resilient, and high-performing workforce."

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Dr Mike Short CBE

Chair, UK Telecoms Labs (NPL) and UKTIN Advisory Board

Dr Mike Short CBE is Chairman UK Telecoms Labs (NPL),  and AWTG (a UK based Technology solutions provider). He is a member of the National Quantum Technology Programme (NQTP) and advisor to 2 Quantum hubs (PNT at Glasgow; Health at UCL). Until recently, he chaired the UK Telecoms Innovation Network and its predecessor for 5G trials and testbeds . 

He had a 40-year career in Electronics and Telecommunications (BT / O2 / Telefonica) before appointment by DIT (now DBT) in 2017 as the Department’s first Chief Scientific Adviser. He is now pursuing a portfolio career around innovation and research largely in satellite and telecommunications, including as Chief Architect at the Satellite Applications Catapult and Distinguished Visitor at NPL. 

He has chaired the Mobile Data Association, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the global GSM Association and been a Board member of ETSI and Innovate UK. He is a Visiting Professor at UCL and Surrey Universities, and an advisor for the UK - India Future Networks initiative.
 

: https://sa.catapult.org.uk/

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John-Paul Szczepanik

Chief Technology Officer, ALL SPACE

John-Paul (JP) Szczepanik has been at the forefront of satellite communications technology for over 12 years, specialising in the development of phased array antennas. He began his journey in the sector with Phasor, before joining All.Space, where he has served as Chief Technology Officer for the past five years.

At All.Space, JP initially focused on advancing the company’s core antenna capabilities. More recently, his work has evolved to explore the cutting-edge applications enabled by All.Space’s multi-beam, multi-network platform. This includes innovation in areas such as Alternative PNT, RF sensing, and interference detection and mitigation - technologies that are shaping the future of dynamic satellite connectivity.

JP holds an MEng and MA in Engineering from the University of Cambridge.

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Shona Taylor

Business Engagement Manager, UCAS

Shona Taylor brings extensive experience across the education and skills sector, spanning further education teaching and management, careers education development, and strategic roles within education and charitable organisations. She specialises in strengthening collaboration between employers, educators, and key stakeholders, drawing on deep sector knowledge and practical insight. Shona regularly shares UCAS insights at national conferences to inform the future of apprenticeships, skills, and early careers. Passionate about equity and inclusive workforce pathways, she is committed to empowering young people and supporting organisations to engage effectively with the next generation.

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Lory Thorpe

Senior Quantum Ambassador, IBM

Lory is an executive technology leader and board advisor with 20+ years of global experience driving digital transformation, technology innovation, ecosystem partnerships and go to market across telecommunications and regulated industries. She has a background in engineering and cybersecurity, with in-depth expertise in connectivity technologies, IoT and data analytics applied across industry sectors. She is a Strategy Advisor within the IBM Quantum Safe team, a Senior Quantum Ambassador and Chair of the GSMA Post Quantum Telco Network Task Force, the first sector specific forum focused on preparation and implementation of post quantum cryptography for the telecommunication sector.

Lory is passionate about driving the use of technology for positive societal impact and is an advocate for increasing women’s representation in STEM.

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Professor Mike Wilson

Chief Automation Officer, MTC

Mike Wilson has over 40 years of experience in the application of automation to manufacturing across a broad range of industry sectors and is widely recognised as one of the leading authorities on the application of robot systems in the UK.

Mike is Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, leading the drive to increase the adoption of robotics and automation in the UK. He was awarded ‘The Manufacturer Top 100’ status as one of the top 100 people in UK manufacturing in 2018. He is also Visiting Professor of Robotics & Automation at Loughborough University, member of the Department for Science, Innovation, & Technology Robot Advisory Group, Council member of the British Automation and Robot Association, General Assembly member of the International Federation of Robotics and has previously been Chairman of the International Federation of Robotics. His book “Implementation of Robot Systems” was published in 2014.
 

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Andrea Wood MBE

Assistant Director Skills & Employment, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

Andrea is an esteemed and motivational senior leader with over two decades of experience in further education and local government, concentrating on skills, employment, and inclusive economic growth. Her career began in Human Resources before she transitioned to an Employment Consultant role, aiding long-term unemployed individuals and vulnerable groups in the Eastern region. Subsequently, Andrea entered the realm of further education as a qualified Teacher and Advanced Practitioner, leading various programs such as 14-16 education, post-16 study programmes, Apprenticeships, Adult Skills, and community learning. Her path led to her appointment as Head of Skills for Suffolk County Council and Principal of New Directions College in Reading. Andrea possesses extensive expertise in formulating and executing policies within the skills and employment sector. She has been instrumental in shaping policies related to work and health, post-16, SEND, youth unemployment, and adult skills. Presently, Andrea serves as Assistant Director for Skills and Employment at the CPCA, where she champions economic growth by enhancing human capital through skills development and addressing disparities across regional communities.

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