Day 1 Mainstage Highlights - 2026

Where Technology Meets Humanity: Power, Behaviour and the Systems We Build

Louis Theroux
Professor Hannah Fry, Mathematician, Broadcaster and Author

Technology & AI are dramatically changing what’s possible in our world. Our challenge as we create new things is to dislodge from the comfort of what we already know. Chris created Shazam after being told by every “expert” that his outlandish idea was impossible. It was an idea far ahead of its time – eight years before iPhone apps even existed. In this presentation, Chris helps audiences imagine and then create new visions for the future. He inspires with jaw-dropping stories about creating Shazam and shows how innovation comes from not just an idea, but from a series of insights to overcome obstacles along the way.

Building the Internet- Then, Now and The Next

Baroness Martha Lane Fox, Co-Founder - Lastminute.com, gov.uk and Lucky Voice

Artificial intelligence is transforming our world, but for millions of children, it is also opening new pathways to exploitation and abuse. Each year, over 300 million children fall victim to online sexual exploitation, with AI accelerating the scale, speed, and sophistication of these crimes. Algorithms designed to engage users can push children toward harmful content, while generative AI is being weaponised to create explicit material. As technology advances, so must our response. This session will examine AI’s impact on child safety and digital regulation, highlighting the urgent need for proactive solutions. Baroness Joanna Shields—tech veteran, founder of WeProtect, and former UK Minister for Internet Safety and Security— outlined how governments, tech companies, and civil society must work together to ensure AI prioritises child protection.

The Future with Hannah Fry: Stories from the Edge of Technology and Science

Professor Hannah Fry, Mathematician, Broadcaster and Author

Join us for an intimate fireside chat as we explore the parallels between the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing and the dynamic landscape of technology. Stephanie Hare, acclaimed journalist and broadcaster, sits down with Claire Williams, the former leader of the Williams F1 team, to uncover the secrets behind building high-performing, close-knit teams, leveraging cutting-edge technology, and driving innovation for the greater good.

Engineering for Scale: From Early Code to Enduring Infrastructure with the CTO & Founding Engineer of Reddit

Chris Slowe, CTO & Founding Engineer - Reddit
Sasha Qadri, Presenter & Former News Anchor

An insightful fireside chat featuring two prominent government leaders as they explore the transformative journey towards a modern digital government. This session will delve into how evolving citizen expectations are reshaping service delivery, highlighting innovative efforts to streamline engagement and make government services more accessible. Gain insight into the strategic goals and priorities that will guide the evolution of digital government in the coming years and learn about the critical role that civil servants and the digital and data industry play in realising these ambitions. This conversation promises to inspire and inform, showcasing the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for a more connected and efficient government.

AI Employees Are Here: What 24/7 Digital Teammates Mean for Every Team

Krish Ramineni, Co-Founder & CEO - Fireflies.ai

As the UK government rolls out its ambitious AI Opportunities Action Plan, businesses are eager to understand how they can capitalise on this historic initiative. This elite panel will provide a comprehensive overview of the plan's core pillars and the tangible benefits they offer companies of all sizes.

Human at the Core: How Mumsnet Is Adapting in the Age of AI

Sue Macmillan, CEO - Mumsnet
Sasha Qadri, Presenter & Former News Anchor

Romance scams are on the rise, costing victims billions each year. But technology can also be part of the solution. In this eye-opening session, we'll explore how dating app developers and tech leaders can design more ethical platforms and communication strategies to protect users from romance fraud. Join us as we hear from experts on the psychology of scammers, the latest fraud tactics, and innovative approaches to verifying identities, flagging suspicious behaviour, and empowering users to make safer choices. Discover practical tips and frameworks for building trust, enhancing transparency, and leveraging technology to outsmart the romance scammers. Together, we can swipe left on deception and create dating experiences grounded in authenticity and security.

Shaping UK Tech: Skills, Talent and Growth

Dr Claire Thorne, Co-CEO - Tech She Can

Resham Kotecha, Global Head of Policy - Open Data Institute & UK Government Social Mobility Commissioner
Dom Falcao, Founder - Deep Science Ventures

As technology transforms lives, it also poses significant challenges for young people's mental health - fuelling anxiety, cyberbullying, and digital overconsumption. Dr Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO of The Diana Award, will share how her organisation has led the charge in supporting youth resilience through a three-pronged approach: Protect, Prevent, and Participate. This session will challenge tech leaders to go beyond innovation, embracing their role as custodians of the digital age. Join us to explore how your organisation can support the Decade of Youth Wellbeing Campaign, turning responsibility into action. Together, we can ensure technology uplifts and protects our youngest citizens.

She Leads the Disruption: Mindset, Influence & Balance for Women in Tech

Sasha Qadri, Presenter & Former News Anchor
Sue Daley OBE, Director of Technology and Innovation - TechUK
Ana Reiley, Europe Chief of Staff - Visa
Rav Bumbra, Advisor, Diversity Consultant and Founder - Cajigo & Structur3dPeople

Fuelled by the Moon landings and imaginary worlds of science fiction (especially Star Trek and The Clangers) Maggie always dreamt of journeying into space. But going to 13 different schools and struggling with undiagnosed dyslexia meant the classroom was a difficult place. However, when you have a big, wonderful, powerful dream, Maggie believes anything is possible. Now a celebrated scientist, engineer and communicator, passionate about spreading her enthusiasm for space and science, Maggie speaks to people across the world about how exploration and experimentation is helping us tackle some of our biggest challenges here on Earth.

As well as taking the audience on a journey across space and time, Maggie will discuss her own life and the lessons she has learned along the way; she credits her deep passion for science as the tool that allowed her to break through many barriers. Maggie will also explore some of the deep philosophical questions that we humans have always asked: are we alone in the universe? How did it all begin? And will we ever, literally, reach the stars?