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Keynote speakers

  • CreaTech Frontiers TBC

     

  • Chaithanya Sai

    Data Scientist, METCLOUD

    Chaithanya is a Data Scientist at METCLOUD with 6+ years of experience specialising in Applied AI and Data Science. He previously served as a KTP Associate at Birmingham City University (BCU), collaborating with METCLOUD and industry partners to deliver applied AI research and technology innovation. He holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence from BCU, and his professional interests include Generative AI, Responsible AI, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity. 

    Tuesday 19 May, KTP Associate Showcase, 10am - 12pm

  • Charlotte-Rose Kennedy

    Senso.cloud 

    Dr Charlotte-Rose Kennedy holds a PhD in Linguistics from Nottingham Trent University. Following a successful KTP between Senso.cloud and Birmingham City University, she joined Senso.cloud, where she applies her expertise in language analysis to strengthen the accuracy of the company’s safeguarding technologies and help protect children online. Charlotte is passionate about driving linguistics-led innovation in safeguarding. Her research has been published in leading academic journals and presented at international conferences. In recognition of her contributions to research and innovation, she was recently awarded the Innovate UK KTP Future Leader Award. 

    Tuesday 19 May, KTP Associate Showcase, 10am - 12pm

  • Ribesh Maharjan

    Digital & AI Transformation Leader | Former KTP Associate, BCU & Hockley Mint  

    Ribesh is a Digital and AI Transformation Leader based in Birmingham, currently working at Hockley Mint, one of the UK's established jewellery manufacturers. Originally from Nepal, he completed a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering before moving to the UK to study aMaster's in Big Data and Business Intelligence at the University of Greenwich, graduating in early 2023. Shortly after, he joined Hockley Mint as a KTP Associate in partnership with BCU, working on a digital transformation project covering ERP systems, data and manufacturing processes, his first real chance to take what he'd learned and apply it inside a real, fast-moving business. When the KTP concluded in January 2026, Ribesh was retained by Hockley Mint to continue driving that transformation forward, now leading the company's digital and AI agenda, modernising operational technology systems on the shop floor, integrating agentic AI workflows, and connecting data across the manufacturing operation through IoT-enabled infrastructure. Beyond his day job, Ribesh is an active researcher with a keen interest in Industry 5.0 and human-centred smart manufacturing and is passionate about growing the AI community locally, looking to connect with builders, learners, and anyone curious about where AI is headed in manufacturing and beyond.  

    Tuesday 19 May, KTP Associate Showcase, 10am - 12pm

  • Oriname Agbi

    Solution Architect and Digital Transformation Expert

    Oriname is a Solution Architect and digital transformation expert who builds intelligent platforms, data-driven systems, and AI-powered solutions that solve real business problems. With a strong background in architecture, data, automation, AI, and enterprise technology, he turns complex ideas into practical, scalable solutions that create real business value. He brings together solution architecture, product development, systems integration, automation, data, and AI to help organisations modernise operations, improve decision-making, and create measurable impact. He is also an AI researcher. 

    Tuesday 19 May, KTP Associate Showcase, 10am - 12pm

  • Vibhor Kaul

    Marketing and Change Management Lead | UK Global Talent | B2B Marketing Specialist 

    A dynamic marketing leader with over 12 years of cross-functional experience in driving brand equity, customer engagement, and revenue growth. Following a decade of success in India across graphic design, copywriting, and digital marketing, Vibhor moved to the UK in 2022 to pursue an MSc in Creative Advertising Strategy at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating with the Best Student Prize. Currently, as a KTP Associate at James Lister & Sons, Vibhor leverages a sophisticated blend of creative strategy and data analytics to spearhead marketing innovation for the 150-year-old SME. By embedding advanced digital tools, CRM capabilities, and structured training programs, he is modernising the company’s foundations and positioning the brand as a dominant thought leader within its core industries. 

    Tuesday 19 May, KTP Associate Showcase, 10am - 12pm

  • Stacey Kong

    Marketing and New Product Innovation Specialist 

    Stacey is a marketing and new product innovation specialist working at the intersection of traditional manufacturing and modern brand development. Currently part of the KTP programme at H.T. Brigham Group, she is leading the creation of a new British watch brand from concept to market. Her work focuses on product innovation, brand positioning, and market entry strategy, translating consumer insight into commercially viable products and brand propositions. She is particularly interested in how emerging brands build relevance and differentiate in competitive markets through strategic branding and storytelling. 

    Tuesday 19 May, KTP Associate Showcase, 10am - 12pm

  • Dilakshana Mayadunne

    Associate Director, BWB

    Dilakshana is a bridge engineer with over 14 years of experience delivering rail and highway infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. She currently serves as Associate Director at BWB, holding dual leadership roles as Discipline Lead for Bridges & Civil Structures and Regional Lead for the Infrastructure Division — overseeing bridges, highways, rail, geotechnical, and project management disciplines. Her expertise spans design management, structural design and assessment, and construction supervision, with a strong focus on technical quality, client coordination, and business development. An ICE Supervising Civil Engineer, Dilakshana is committed to mentoring early-career professionals on their path to chartership. She also has a keen interest in software development, having built in-house tools to automate design processes and developed RC Section, a mobile app on the Apple App Store for reinforced concrete design to Eurocodes. 

    Tuesday 19 May, 12pm

  • Osama Taleb

    Sub Agent at Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture

    Osama is a Civil Engineer with extensive experience delivering major infrastructure projects both abroad and, in the UK, including Hinkley Point C and HS2. He currently works as a Sub Agent with the Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture (SCS JV), where he leads site operations, manages engineering teams, and oversees day-to-day construction activities on high-profile structural and fit-out packages at one of the HS2 sites in London. He holds an MSc in Structural Engineering, along with a master's degree in construction project management from Loughborough University, awarded in 2020. Osama has worked with major companies and joint ventures across various contract types and delivery models, gaining valuable insights into how large-scale construction projects are planned and delivered.

    Tuesday 19 May, 12.30pm

  • Cavan Arrowsmith

    EMEA Director, Turnkey Consulting

    Cavan is a Director at Turnkey Consulting, a global specialist in Risk, Identity, and Cybersecurity, helping some of the world’s leading brands secure their critical SAP systems. Starting out in IT Support, Cavan has built a varied career across Business Analysis, Project Management, Pre-Sales, and Sales, ultimately achieving his goal of becoming UK Managing Director. Living and working with a disability, he has learned to balance the demands of leadership with the realities of a lifelong condition — an experience that has shaped his resilience, perspective, and approach to developing people and teams. 

    Wednesday 20 May, 10am 

  • Jan Domaradzki

    CEO and Co-founder, DroneCloud

    Jan is the CEO and Co-founder of DroneCloud. Known for his dedication to customer excellence and his ability to break complex problems into clear, actionable workflows, Jan brings extensive experience across technical leadership, IT project and programme management, and management consultancy within financial services. 

    Wednesday 20 May, 11am - 12pm 

  • Peter Shearman

    Industry Specialist Advisor, Purple Transform 

    Peter is an experienced corporate innovator and Industry Specialist Advisor at Purple Transform, where he leverages AI to enhance industry capabilities. He has been a guest lecturer on corporate innovation at Loughborough University London since 2016. Previously, Peter led co-innovation processes at Cisco, overseeing projects with a total investment exceeding £54 million and securing £35 million in external funding. His career spans policy, research, and strategic partnerships across sectors. He holds a BA in Politics from the University of Warwick.

    Wednesday 20 May, 11am - 12pm 

  • Gabrielle Crofts

    Chief Executive Officer, B13.ai 

    With over 16 years of experience supporting businesses to accelerate revenue growth and improve operational performance, Gabrielle is responsible for leading the next phase of growth at B13. She is passionate about empowering non-technical innovators to transform inefficient processes into revenue-generating or cost-saving digital products. Gabrielle champions inclusive leadership, innovation, and helping organisations de-risk how they embrace technology.

    Wednesday 20 May, Female Business Leaders and Founders: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth, 2pm - 3pm 

  • Anna Bright

    Chief Executive, Sustainability West Midlands 

    Anna has been Chief Executive at Sustainability West Midlands for over 10 years and has worked in sustainability her whole career. Anna has a private sector background and is on the Council for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Anna was a Trustee for the Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust for six years.

    Wednesday 20 May, Female Business Leaders and Founders: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth, 2pm - 3pm 

  • Minal Parmar

    Co-Founder and Director, Wellspace Architects

    Minar is the Co-Founder and Director of Wellspace Architects and a WELL Accredited Professional focused on creating spaces that enhance health, wellbeing, and sustainable living. Her work integrates research, human psychology, and the WELL Building Standard to design environments that support better living. Minar collaborates with developers, organisations, and communities to deliver innovative, wellbeing-focused design solutions. 

    Wednesday 20 May, Female Business Leaders and Founders: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth, 2pm - 3pm 

  • Koh Lee Ching

    Chief Executive Officer, CALMS Technologies SDN BHD & CALMS International Ltd

    Jinal completed an MSc in Big Data Analytics at BCU and graduated in 2024. Prior to undertaking her master's degree, she worked as a Data Analyst at Investec, the UK's top investment bank, and was based in Mumbai, India. Nowadays, she is working as an Analyst at Evri, where she contributes to data-driven decision-making across teams. Jinal loves to play with data and uncover patterns that drive smarter business outcomes and enjoys being part of fast-moving tech environments and collaborating with others.  

    Wednesday 20 May, Female Business Leaders and Founders: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth, 2pm - 3pm 

  • Didi Gan

    Founder, N&E Innovations Pte Ltd

    Didi is the Founder of N&E Innovations Pte Ltd, a biotechnology company developing sustainable solutions across food, medical, hygiene, and materials sectors. Through the company’s patented ViKANG technology, she is advancing antimicrobial innovations designed to improve safety and reduce environmental impact. Didi holds a background in biological and biomedical sciences from the University of Melbourne. 

    Wednesday 20 May, Female Business Leaders and Founders: Challenges and Opportunities for Growth, 2pm - 3pm 

  • Mohamed Dahir

    BCU Innovation Labs Programme Delivery 

    Mohamed Dahir, Mohamed is a Computer Science with AI student at Birmingham City University, with an incoming Data & Analytics placement at National Highways and has a passion for machine learning and data pipelines. Beyond his studies, he is the founder of Autoreviver, an AI-powered used car parts marketplace, and serves as Head of AI at the BCU Computer Science Society. When he’s not immersed in tech, you’ll find him on thBCU Innovation Labs Programme Delivery, a football pitch or exploring new destinations around the world. 

    Wednesday 20 May, 3pm 

  • Tanzila Mudassar

    BCU Innovation Labs Head of Partnerships 

    Tanzila is an international MBA student passionate about people, learning, and personal growth. Outside of her studies, she enjoys creating art, spending time in nature and reading.

    Wednesday 20 May, 3pm 

  • Hamzah

    Head of Community Engagement, BCU Innovation Lab

    A second year BSc Computer Science student at BCU. Hamzah is an upcoming technology developer intern at Barclays. 

    Wednesday 20 May, 3pm 

  • Tayyeb Nadeem Somro

    Founder & Programme Director,  BCU Innovation Labs  

    Tayyeb is a Cyber Security student passionate about technology and community building. He has founded and led multiple initiatives including: Unihack, BCU Computer Science Society, BCU Innovation Labs. 

    Wednesday 20 May, 3pm 

  • Taku Chiweshe

    Founder, MeTime Stories

    Taku is the Founder of MeTime Stories, a Birmingham-based creative technology startup building personalised children’s story experiences powered by AI and dynamic illustration. His work brings together storytelling, safeguarding and emerging technology to help children see themselves reflected as heroes in meaningful narratives. With a background in Psychology, SaaS and enterprise technology, Taku combines creative thinking with commercial discipline. He is currently developing a proprietary Dynamic Personalisation Framework designed to ethically and securely transform how stories are created, personalised and published at global scale.

    Thursday 21 May, 10am