London Tech Week 2026 - Innovations: Land, Sea & Air

Innovations: Land, Seas & Air explores the cutting edge of the three physical frontiers. We are moving beyond theoretical tech to real-world application. From the deep-sea robotics of the South West coast to the aerospace clusters of Bristol and the AI-driven logistics of our automotive land corridors of the West Midlands, this half-day summit proves that the West is the engine room of UK innovation, including guest international innovators.
Why Attend?

• High-Level Networking: Connect with founders, investors, and policymakers.
• Expert Insights: Hear from industry leaders at the intersection of AI, Robotics, and Materials Science.
• Strategic Positioning: Understand why the Tech West England Advcoates region is the primary destination for R&D and tech investment in advanced manufacturing.

Agenda

09.00-09.30 - Registration and Networking over coffee

09.30-09.35 - Welcome - Jon Gill, Partner & Head of TMT M&A and Venture, Eversheds-Sutherland

09.35-09.40 - Welcome - Russ Shaw CBE, Founder of Tech London Advocates & Global Tech Advocates

09.40-09.45 - Opening Address - Richard Lowe, Founder, Tech West England Advocates, Managing Director, Hewlett Rand

09.45 -09.55 - Keynote Address: Ethical and sustainable innovation in an ever-complex world.

Keynote Speaker: Alderman Professor Emma Edhem, City of London

09.55-10.25 - Panel 1: AI The Intelligence Layer: How the West is scaling Applied AI across Land, Sea & Air.

• Silas Adekunle, Co-Founder & CEO, Reach Industries
• David Balson, Co-Founder & COO / CSO, Foundational
• Rob Harper, Founder, Rowden

Moderator: Chris Boultwood, Head of Technology, Workspace Group

10.25-10.55 - Panel 2: Robotics Autonomous Frontiers: From subsea exploration to automated aerospace manufacturing.

• Peter Richards, CEO, DEEP Manufacturing
• Curtis Anderson, Co-Founder & CTO, Maxres
• Rachel Eggington, COO, Q5D

Moderator: Helen Amison, Partner, Co-Head of the Aerospace & Defence Sector, Eversheds-Sutherland

10.55-11.15 - Networking Break: Interactive showcases and refreshments.

11.15-11.20 - Scaling with Workspace - Pete Evia-Rhodes, Customer Engagement Lead, Workspace Group

11.20-11.50- Panel 3: Sustainability: Next-gen materials and innovation driving sustainability in heavy industry.

• Kyle Pender, Principal Research Engineer, National Composite Centre (NCC)
• Naomi Heming, Chief Commercial Officer, Firefly
• Peter Stirling, Chief Commercial Office, Rho-C

Moderator: Tom Hunt, Managing Director, Antidote Communications

11.50-12.00 - Closing Remarks & Announcements

12.00-14.00 - Networking Lunch with Mini-Expo with Innovation Panellists and Exhibitors

About Tech West England Advocates

Tech West England Advocates is a not-for-profit organisation and one of forty-two Global Tech Advocates communities, forming an inclusive network of tens of thousands of tech entrepreneurs, investors, and experts worldwide.

We support startups, scaleups, and established tech companies, helping them connect across international tech ecosystems. As a community, we showcase the best tech innovations from West England, fostering growth and global expansion while strengthening connections with the wider UK and global Tech Advocates networks.

Our work relies on the generosity of our partners and community. If you are interested in sponsoring or partnering with us, please contact: [email protected]

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Tech West England Advocates Ltd