Reflections from London Tech Week 2024

Alex Bigham was on the ground at LONDON TECH WEEK 2024 . Here are his key highlights from the event.

Cybersecurity

Chatting to a panel of speakers including former US Intelligence / Darktrace / DeepCytes Cyber Labs (UK) , they were very diplomatic about who the biggest state actor threats are (Russia / North Korea etc). But the CEO of DeepCytes Cyber Labs (UK) told me of refugees acting as ‘cyberslaves’ on borders of countries including India who have specific ££ targets to bring in cash for cyber gangs in return for help getting out of refugee camps / across borders. Real Netflix stuff. Also if you get a message you don’t recognise on your iPhone be concerned - you don’t even need to click on a link for the malware to execute. Gulp!

Government

There were many discussions on sidelines of what more an incoming Labour Government (if it happens) could do to support manufacturing jobs in tech - and what they will do about the £1bn National Semiconductor Strategy given the importance for growth and national security.

Tech and Manufacturing

Getting more young people into robotics and AI was a common theme. It was very interesting chatting with Serai and Richard Waterstone about this (they provide school outreach via universities in Leeds and surrounding areas to inspire school children about tech using models of Mars Rover etc).

Women in Tech / Women in Defense

We know the stats about male / white dominance in tech but what’s the answer? Mentoring of course and access to quality education and career opportunities. Plus tackling macho cultures. Really interested to hear about initiatives such as Tech She Can in UK and Wonder Women Tech in US.

E-Mobility

Last but not least, improving cities and e-mobility and tackling congestion was certainly a hot topic. The panel event with Forest and Cuvva, discussing challenges such as how to provide specialist insurance to community car clubs, was a highlight.

I look forward to seeing what the rest of the event has too offer.