Dr. Nicola Thorn is managing director of AND Technology Research, an all female-led design and development consultancy. Trained as a system architect and software engineer, Nicola has established expertise in embedded software, low-powered devices, design for scale and medical compliance. Founded in 1980, AND Technology Research have delivered high-quality design services in medtech, consumer electronics, and green tech to over 350 customer worldwide. Beyond professional accomplishments, Nicola has a passionate commitment to innovation, with a special focus on advancing technology and actively promoting increased diversity, particularly advocating for the inclusion of more women in the tech sector.

Appointed Chairman of (afdec) in 2005 Fletcher led the organisations transition to support electronic components ‘from cradle to grave and then re-birth’ within the Electronic Components Supply Network (ecsn). Fletcher was appointed Chairman of the International Distribution of Electronics Association (IDEA) an ‘association of local country electronic components industry associations’ that shares and promotes industry best practice...

Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya, PhD SMIEEE, FIETE, MIET, has over 36 years of experience in engineering and signal processing. He has significantly contributed to international space research and radar technology, serving as the Principal Designer for ISRO’s satellites, BAE Systems and the ESA Solar Orbiter. Currently, he is a Principal Engineer at CMR Surgical, specializing in signal processing and FPGA designs for medical robots. A passionate STEM ambassador, Dr. Bhattacharya mentors students in electronics, robotics, and machine learning. He founded the Cambridge Innovation Foundation and actively judges national STEM competitions, inspiring future innovators.

Karen is the CEO of XCAM (www.xcam.co.uk), a small business which designs and manufactures customised digital camera solutions for science, industry and spaceflight. After graduating with a BSc Hons Physics degree, Karen spent several years developing fibre optic transceiver technology for military and commercial applications for the Plessey company in the UK. During a career break with her family, Karen was a founder member of XCAM, and later took over as CEO. During the 20 years that Karen has run XCAM, it has grown from a 1 person business operating out of a spare room at home, to a business which operates from a 6000 square foot factory in Northampton, complete with ISO 6 class cleanrooms where cameras are made, which are subsequently launched into space or installed in world-class science facilities.

Meet Paulette Watson, a trailblazing force in the digital revolution, passionately driving the charge for inclusivity in the era of Web 3.0. As the Founder and Managing Director of Academy Achievers and STEM Academy Achievers Ghana, Paulette aims to empower women, particularly those of black and diverse backgrounds, to excel in STEM-related fields. Her commitment to dismantling oppressive algorithms is deeply rooted in her journey of overcoming biases and discrimination. Paulette, an educated black woman, has faced and conquered challenges, and now she shares her experiences to educate and empower others. With expertise in software development, AI, Web 3.0, and digital transformation, Paulette is a leader and an Ambassador for Mission Impact in WEB3 and Metaverse. Recognized as 50 Most Influential Women in UK Tech 2023, one of 100 global Tech | Web 3 Women leaders, she is a G100 Engineering Global Advisor council member, contributing to digital and technology advancement. Paulette's forthcoming book, "She, DISRUPTS!" set for pre-release on November 30, 2023, promises to inspire. Join her in the #BeMedigitalinclusion program, aligned with the United Nations' sustainable development goals, as she strives to bring one million global majority women into STEM | AI | WEB3-related careers by 2030.

A veteran of 37 years in the Analog Integrated Circuit Design industry, Ash Madni continues to contribute to the rapidly changing world of Microelectronics. Ash has worked for a number of big companies, such as Ferranti, STL, GEC Plessey Semiconductors, Maxim Integrated, Dialog Semiconductors, to name a few. He has also worked in startups, such as Phyworks. During his tenure at GEC Plessey Semiconductors, Ash raised over 20 patents, including Synthesis Exploiting Algebraic Design, which was used successfully in a number of products. Ash is currently running his consultancy, Madni Technologies (UK) ltd. For relaxation, Ash enjoys walking, spending time with his wife, daughters, grandchildren and friends. Ash is an active composer in Chamber and Orchestral music. Inspired by the works of Shelley and Stoker, Ash is working on his first SciFi novel Transmutation – the rise of Hemonra. Passionate about the Semiconductor industry, Ash is an active blogger for the Electronics Weekly website.

Dr. Awai Collins-Harrison is a distinguished Systems Engineering Consultant and Systems Architect with an illustrious career spanning over 12 years in industry. Holding a Ph.D. in Control Systems Engineering, Awai possesses a comprehensive understanding of complex systems, control theory and a remarkable aptitude for innovation. She is a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council UK. Her expertise lies in various domains including systems requirements, architecture specification, integration, verification, and validation, all critical components in ensuring the seamless operation of systems across various industries including power, automotive, aerospace and defence. With a specialization in model-based systems engineering and digital twins, Dr Awai has been instrumental in pioneering advanced methodologies that optimize system performance and enhance operational efficiency. Throughout her career, Awai has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, leading teams to deliver groundbreaking solutions that have reshaped the landscape of rail operations. Her leadership roles reflect his commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate multifaceted projects with finesse and precision. Her contributions extend beyond technical domains, as she actively engages in stakeholder management, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated into the system architecture and design. In addition, Awai is the co-chair of the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers UK (AFBE-UK) where she works with the Executive Board and Chairs to promote attraction, retention and progression of black and minority ethnic engineers within the UK. Through various initiatives such as mentoring, career progression initiatives, leadership and schools initiatives, young people of BME backgrounds are encouraged to pursue a career in engineering and are mentored throughout their journey up to getting a role in industry and beyond.

Richard Fletcher BEng (Hons) MSc CEng MIET is the CEO and founder of 3 times Elektra Design Team of the Year winners Ignys Ltd based in Nottingham. He has worked in a variety of industries including fibre optic communications, grant funded R&D, fire and intruder alarm systems in roles including Hardware Design Engineer, Competency Lead, Technical Director and Managing Director and is passionate about making high quality engineering skills available and accessible to companies of all sizes. Richard believes in using engineering as a force for good in the world and has been involved in numerous product ideas and development projects. As a result, he documented a readily observable phenomenon which relates the number of early prototypes manufactured to the quality of those prototypes which he called Fletcher’s Law. (https://ignys.com/blog/fletchers-law/)

Calum is a C&I Engineer at Drax, the leading provider of renewable electricity in the UK. With extensive experience in industrial IT and OT technologies, Calum specialises in ensuring the cybersecurity of critical control systems that support the nation's power generation infrastructure. Previously, he completed an apprenticeship as an Electrical & Mechanical Engineer at Nestle UK&I where over a decade of continuous development, he advanced to the role of Process Engineering Manager for the York and Girvan factories. Calum is passionate about the latest advancements in digital automation and cybersecurity technologies within the power and manufacturing industries, and he is dedicated to leveraging these innovations to further enhance business performance. Through his work, Calum aims to drive the industry forward, ensuring a secure and sustainable energy future for the UK.

Andy serves as Strategic Development Director. He is a highly regarded expert in the UK semiconductor industry, and frequently provides expert evidence to government and parliamentary inquiries. Andy was appointed by Innovate UK to develop the business case for CSA Catapult and subsequently led the start-up phase. Andy co-chairs the Semiconductor Expert Working Group for the UK Telecom Innovation Network (UKTIN) and chairs the Industrial & Scientific Advisory Board for the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre at Southampton University. In August 2023, Andy was appointed to the Government’s Semiconductor Advisory Panel. Andy holds an Executive MBA from Glasgow University, a research doctorate from Strathclyde University and is a Fellow of the IET.

Roger Thornton is Director of Applications Engineering at Raspberry Pi where his team helps customers take advantage of the low cost, high performance computing products designed by Raspberry Pi. Previously working as hardware design engineer, he has designed several iterations of the iconic Raspberry Pi Computer.

Jessica is an operations management graduate excelling in a graduate scheme with bet365, which she joined after earning a first-class honours degree in Control and Automation from the University of Salford. Her role has included working on a variety of exciting and rewarding projects, including an 8-week secondment in Malta. Alongside this, Jessica is also a mathematics lecturer at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), where she passionately advocates for apprenticeships and STEM careers, inspiring and mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Scott White is an experienced serial entrepreneur, with direct involvement in 9 technology ventures. At Pragmatic Semiconductor, he led the company as founding CEO for 12 years in the development of a unique flexible electronics platform able to connect everyday objects to the Internet of Everything, backed by over $400 million in funding. Past successes span the fields of telecommunications, photonics, and machine learning, and he was named Deep Tech Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2022 Enterprise Awards, and Lifetime Fellow of the Bessemer Society in 2023. Currently, Scott is Board Chair at robotics company Q5D Technology and quantum processing leader QuantWare. He is also an Advisor at venture fund Deeptech Labs, a Mentor with Intel Ignite, and sits on the UK Government’s Semiconductor Advisory Panel.

Born and raised in the UK, Paul received his Master in Chemical Engineering with Energy from the University of Sheffield in 2020. He now works in London as a Low Carbon District Energy Design Engineer, designing heating and cooling networks for both high density urban applications and the low density rural market. Paul is President of European Young Engineers, Deputy Chair of the Institute of Chemical Engineering’s National Early Careers Committee (IChemE NECC, UK&I) and a founding member of the European Federation of Chemical Engineers Early Career ChemEng’s group (EFCE EC). He is also active at YOUNGO leading the E-Learning Capacity Building team and coordinating the Energy Working Group's capacity building activites. He strives to empower the voice of young engineers to help society drive towards a more sustainable and resilient society.