Large-scale computing is a key enabler of science, research and innovation and sits at the heart of value chains that extend deep into the economy. LSC is essential to R&D in a range of sectors, including healthcare and drug discovery, engineering and manufacturing, financial services and risk analysis, particle physics, materials science and more.
It is understandable, then, that LSC is viewed as a key part of the UK’s ambition to remain a world leader in science and innovation and should be seen as strategic national infrastructure, as important to our economic future in an information age as steel was in the industrial age.
Yet despite the UK’s global leadership in data analytics, cybersecurity, AI, machine learning and quantum technologies, the UK is falling behind in compute infrastructure when compared to other leading nations. Furthermore, the window for the UK to remain competitive in LSC is quickly closing: Whilst the EU, USA, China, and Japan are all pushing forward with exascale systems, the UK’s share of global LSC capacity has decreased by three-fifths over five years, falling to 2.0% in 2019. Lack of investment in this vital infrastructure will make the UK less competitive in both academia and key industries like life sciences, aerospace, and energy.
This event, kick-starting techUK’s new supercomputing campaign, will deep-dive into the UK’s current compute ecosystem, where the UK is positioning itself as a leader, and where we are falling behind. In particular, we will look to address:
- From HPC, quantum to cloud, what is the UK’s computing ecosystem?
- Where are these technologies converging, and how do we encourage this convergence?
- How will demand for compute in the UK to change over the next decade, and can the UK meet this demand?
- How can the UK Future of Compute review leverage UK compute as a key national asset?
- Where should we look internationally to support UK resources and what are these nations getting right?
Speakers include:
- Dave Snelling, Director Artificial Intelligence, Fujitsu
- Alison Kennedy, Strategic Advisor, STFC
- Vasilis Kapsalis, EMEA Business Leader, SambaNova Systems
- Hannah Cooke, Co-Chair, Future of Compute Review Secretariat, DCMS
- Laura Foster, Head of Tech & Innovation, techUK
Rory Daniels
Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies, 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 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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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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/elis-thomas-49a1aa1a1/
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