Over the course of this two-day conference, participants will meet, talk, and connect with people who are creating and nurturing ecosystems where new and growing businesses can thrive.

Ecosystem Exchange 2025 will discuss and challenge three key areas of ecosystem building:

Ecosystem Builders & the Future of UK Tech

AI powers 85% of today’s innovation, but the UK’s tech future depends on more than AI alone. We’ll explore how to support AI-native startups, update outdated frameworks, and strengthen the wider ecosystem.

Universities as Engines of Innovation

From research labs to venture builders, are universities evolving fast enough? This session looks at how academia can drive talent, policy, and commercial impact while making limited resources go further.

Building a Cohesive National Tech Strategy

Are the UK’s innovation goals fit for reality? This session will compare the national agenda against what’s happening on the ground and explore how to align funding, talent, and governance for long-term success, while keeping an eye internationally.

Speakers shaping the 2025 conversations include:

• Adam French – Partner, Antler – England
• Ana Stewart – Chief Entrepreneur, Scottish Government – Scotland
• Andrea Taylor – CEO, Edinburgh Innovations – Scotland
• Andrew Elphick – Director of Business Clinic & Senior Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University – England
• Chris Neumann – Associate, Creative Destruction Lab – Canada
• Claire Cockerton – Managing Director, Cockerton & Co – England
• David Herbada – Founding Partner, Fikra Ventures – England
• Dex Hunter-Torrike – Head of Global Communications & Marketing, Google DeepMind – England
• Elizabeth Scott – Chief Executive Director, Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester – England
• Emilio Cuevas – Ecosystem Innovation & Growth Specialist, Innovate UK – England
• Henry Whorwood – Managing Director – Research & Consultancy, Beauhurst – England
• Jane Kennedy – Chief Business Officer, Discovery Park – Scotland
• Jennifer Craw – Chief Executive, Opportunity North East – Scotland
• Jennifer Forbes Iannolo – VP Business Acceleration, CodeBase – Scotland
• Michael Rovatsos – Dean of Research & Innovation, University of Edinburgh – Scotland
• Mike Jackson – Head of Venture Cafe UK, Venture Cafe – England
• Nadine “Noodles” Groves – Co-founder & COO, Natural Velocity – Australia
• Rob Kenedi – Founder, Decelerator with Rob Kenedi – Canada
• Rose Luckin – Founder & CEO, EDUCATE Ventures – England
• Sarita Runeberg – CEO, Maria 01 – Finland
• Siobhan Clarke – Chair, Supercritical – England
• Stephen Brown – Head of Barclays Eagle Labs, Barclays – England

Ecosystem Exchange 2025 is an exclusive event featuring thought-provoking panels, curated networking, and an evening mixer designed to spark new connections and fresh ideas across the UK’s evolving business ecosystem.