27 Sep 2021

Watch now: Innovation and the recipe for tech success - Does the UK have the right ingredients?

Watch the #techUKtalks session on innovation and the recipe for success from London Tech Week below.

This year at London Tech Week, techUK returned with its online series #techUKTalks, a series of conversations with UK tech leaders exploring the key digital technologies that are transformational for the UK economy.

This session explores Innovation and the recipe for tech success - Does the UK have the right ingredients?

Speakers include:

Sandra Sooläte, Head of UK Business Development, Starship Technologies
Zoe Webster, Director Data Science and AI, BT
Andy Nicholson, Director Technology and Innovation, Thales

You can watch the panel here:

The UK Government’s Innovation Strategy sets out a long-term vision and ambition to make the UK a global hub for innovation by 2035.  This follows the creation of the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) with the ambition to position the UK as a tech and science superpower, the UK’s R&D Roadmap which aims to build the foundations for the “industries of tomorrow” as well as the recent establishment of a new National Science and Technology Council chaired by the Prime Minister. 

As the UK looks to the future what is clear is that enabling and unlocking the power of technological innovation will be at the heart of what comes next.  While the identification and focus being given to strategically important emerging and transformative technologies will be welcomed by the digital industry, innovators and entrepreneurs across the UK, the question remains does the UK have what we need to be successful in the increasingly competitive, global race for tech innovation supremacy in emerging areas such as AI and Quantum.

Rory Daniels

Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK

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 Technology and Innovation activity, working with many of the UK's most innovative tech companies to convene key stakeholders, work through key challenges and opportunities for industry, showcase best practice, and shape Government's thinking around future technologies, sectors and industries.

Focus areas include Robotics, Immersive, Web3, Metaverse, Photonics, Space, Gaming, Creative, Innovation policy, university spin-outs, and Futures & Horizon Scanning.

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

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Ella Shuter

Junior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies, techUK

Ella joined techUK in July 2025 as Junior Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies.

In her role, Ella supports the design and delivery of four to six-month sprint campaigns. These identify emerging technologies of interest to members and Government, share industry best practice, champion relevant sectors and industries across the UK, and work through key challenges and opportunities to drive the development, application and commercialisation of these technologies.

Before joining techUK, Ella completed an internship at Digital Catapult, supporting across public affairs, policy and the organisation's programmes. She also has experience working in an MP's Parliamentary and Constituency Office.

Ella holds a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bristol.

Email:: [email protected]
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-shuter-264158244/

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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.