Shaping the Future of Workforce Training Through Innovation: Evren Emre, SANLAB
Evren Emre, co-founder of SANLAB, is a visionary technologist whose work is redefining vocational education on a global scale. Through his leadership and innovation, SANLAB has become a trailblazer in simulation technology, empowering thousands of individuals with practical skills essential for today’s rapidly evolving industries.
Founded with a mission to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, SANLAB develops advanced simulation systems for vocational training, robotics, and motion-based platforms. Under Emre’s guidance, the company’s technologies are now in use across educational institutions, industrial training centres, and defence organisations around the world.
Recognising early on that many education systems fail to adequately prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce, Emre focused his efforts on creating intelligent, immersive training environments. SANLAB’s simulators replicate real-life scenarios - from welding and CNC operation to robotic handling and heavy machinery use - enabling learners to gain hands-on experience in a safe and cost-effective way. These tools significantly accelerate the learning curve while reducing operational risks and costs.
What makes Emre’s contribution so impactful is not just the innovation behind the technology, but the philosophy driving it. He sees technology as an enabler, a way to unlock human potential, rather than replace it. His work emphasises inclusivity and accessibility, helping individuals of all backgrounds gain the skills they need to succeed in increasingly automated industries.
Under Emre’s leadership, SANLAB has expanded its reach far beyond its home base. The company’s solutions are now being used in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where they are helping modernise vocational training systems and address skills shortages. Particularly in underserved regions, Emre’s technologies provide access to sophisticated training that might otherwise be out of reach. Through collaborations with governments, NGOs, and educational institutions, SANLAB is playing a key role in building resilient, future-ready workforces across continents.
In addition to transforming technical education, Evren Emre is also driving social and economic development. His work directly supports the upskilling of workers and the closing of opportunity gaps, two critical challenges in the global labour market. By aligning innovation with human-centred values, he is helping shape a more equitable and capable world.
As the nature of work continues to shift, and as automation becomes more widespread, the need for adaptable, technically proficient workers is more pressing than ever. Evren Emre’s contributions through SANLAB are not just a response to this challenge, they are a forward-looking blueprint for how education, technology, and opportunity can come together to create lasting impact.
In a world navigating rapid change, Emre stands out as a leader using innovation to empower people, not just for today, but for generations to come.
To read more about the techUK President's Awards, visit our page here. Winners will be announced at the techUK Annual Dinner on 1 July.
Read more about our President's Award finalists:
People Award
- Transforming Healthcare through Impactful Leadership: Lynette Ousby, CEO, ReStart
- A Quiet Force for Good in Cybersecurity: Randall Mason, Fortinet
- Shaping the Future of Workforce Training Through Innovation: Evren Emre, SANLAB
Society Award
- Harnessing Technology to Protect Survivors of Domestic Abuse: Razi Hassan, Domestic Abuse Alliance
- Building a Better Public Sector Through Digital Innovation: Dr. Doug Guthrie, Digital Modus
- Driving Digital Skills and Diversity in STEM: Elizabeth Barr, Cisco
Economy Award
- Accelerating Innovation to Power the UK Economy: Adam Turner, The Data Lab Innovation Centre Centre
- Redefining Digital Trust for UK Businesses: Cindy van Niekerk, Founder of Umazi.
- Transforming Commercial Conflict into Economic Opportunity: Fayola-Maria Jack, Resolutiion
Planet Award