Day 1 Mainstage Highlights - 2025

Overcoming Obstacles to Bring AI to Life

Chris Barton, Founder & Creator of Shazam, Entrepreneur, Inventor, and Tech Investor

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.

AI and the Future of Child Safety: Confronting Online Exploitation in the Age of Intelligence

Baroness Joanna Shields OBE, Founder and CEO - Precognition

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.

Leadership Lessons from the Fast Lane: Claire Williams on High-Performance Teams, Defying the Odds and Enabling Tech for Good

Chairperson: Stephanie Hare, Researcher and Broadcaster

Speaker: Claire Williams OBE, Fortescue Zero Ambassador and former leader of the Williams Formula One Team

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.

Unlocking the Possibilities for A Modern Digital Government

Matt Briggs, Senior Responsible Officer for Service Modernisation Programme - Department for Work & Pensions

Helen Wylie, Director General and Chief Digital Information Officer - Department for Work & Pensions

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.

Powering Britain's AI Revolution: Unlocking the Opportunities in the Government's AI Action Plan

Stephanie Hare, Researcher and Broadcaster

Baroness Joanna Shields OBE, Founder and CEO - Precognition

Sue Daley, Director Innovation - TechUK

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.

Swipe Left on Romance Scams: Combating Romance Fraud Through Rthical App Design and Communication

Chairperson: Stephanie Hare, Researcher and Broadcaster

Speaker: Simon Newman, CEO - Online Dating and Discovery Association (ODDA)

Speaker: Becky Holmes, Author and Romance Fraud Expert

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.

The Digital Dilemma: Technology’s Impact on Youth Mental Wellbeing

Dr Tessy Ojo CBE, CEO - The Diana Award

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.

Reaching for the Stars - Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE

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?