26 Nov 2021

Blockchain basics episode one: Blockchain and the UK tech landscape

techUK is launching the blockchain basics series – a collection of short webinars by industry leaders within the blockchain ecosystem. In the first episode, Kate Baucherel, Co-Founder of Sphere Network and Lecturer at Teesside University talks us through Blockchain and the UK tech landscape. Part of the Blockchain Re-imagined Campaign

techUK believe the development of blockchain, which is already in use in many sectors and companies such as supply chains, energy and central government, could foster greater collaboration and efficiency for UK businesses. We are also aware that key challenges need to be discussed – from sustainability to security in deployment- and that representation of blockchain in recent years has meant that long-term industry adoption of blockchain is not fully understood, and potentially mistrusted.

This is why techUK is launching the blockchain basics series – a collection of short webinars by industry leaders within the blockchain ecosystem. This series will help set the foundations of what blockchain will mean to the UK tech sector and equip listeners with the knowledge and understanding of utilizing blockchain for innovation in the UK.

In this episode, Kate Baucherel, Co-Founder of Sphere Network and Lecturer at Teeside University talks us through Blockchain and the UK tech landscape. You can watch here:

You can read more about techUK’s Blockchain Re-imagined campaign here

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse.

This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Laura Foster

Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies, including Quantum Computing, High-Performance Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies, across the UK. As part of this, she works alongside techUK members and UK Government to champion long-term and sustainable innovation policy that will ensure the UK is a pioneer in science and technology

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.