London Tech Week is one of my favourite weeks of the year, a renowned event that brings together tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators worldwide. Being back this year at the QEII was great. Yet, given the explosion of AI this year, a real highlight during the week was the AI Summit held at Tobacco Dock, where experts discussed the advancements and implications of artificial intelligence.
The AI Summit at Tobacco Dock was a platform for insightful discussions on the traction of AI and its impact on various industries. Speakers explored how AI is revolutionising sectors such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and us in general, “Will our jobs become obsolete?”, “Will the robots take over?”. The talks delved into the potential of AI to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and create new business opportunities.
Among the participants was Invest in Canada, the alternate direction for our Osedea UK office but a real eye-opener for our focus this year. We are Osedea, a renowned technology company. I spoke with many companies emphasising the direct working opportunities available for UK-based businesses interested in working with the experts in a global AI hub. By highlighting the prospects of working with our team in Montreal, we can leverage the expertise and ecosystem of the city to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions.
What surprised me about London Tech Week was the UK emphasis on the global aspect of the event allowing for diverse perspectives and a reduced influence of major EU countries, what some may call the single market. While European tech powerhouses often dominate the tech landscape, the event aimed to showcase the contributions of emerging tech ecosystems worldwide.
The event welcomed participants and speakers from various countries, such as Dubai/UAE, Canada, India, Israel, and Taiwan. This international presence brought a unique perspective and a global outlook to the discussions and networking opportunities. Attendees could engage with representatives from different tech ecosystems, exchange ideas, and learn about the latest advancements and trends worldwide. The new start-up and investor networking lounges significantly enhanced the event.
I must include a special mention to the Royal Academy of Engineering for running a small networking event, bringing together alumni with sustainability products and geographically focused technology enhancements, to showcase how Osedea UK as a global software service provider, can connect our services across boarders and solve fundamental global problems.
By featuring a diverse range of international participants and emphasising collaborations with AI hubs outside major EU countries, London Tech Week provided a platform that showcased the global nature of the event. This approach broadened the conversation, challenged traditional tech discourse, and encouraged attendees to explore new avenues for innovation and collaboration beyond the usual European tech powerhouses.
Overall, London Tech Week served as a global meeting point for tech enthusiasts, industry leaders, and innovators, offering valuable insights into the traction of AI, direct working opportunities with Osedea in Montreal, and the diverse contributions of tech ecosystems from around the world.
During London Tech Week, several standout moments and experiences left a lasting impression on me and other attendees. Here are some additional highlights:
Favourite Talk: Oliver Yonchev, Co-Founder of Flight Story, delivered one of the standout talks. He shared his insights in a captivating presentation (full of memes) titled "Technology is changing faster than ever – pay attention or die." Oliver's talk captivated the audience with his compelling narrative and provided valuable perspectives on the future of technology and its impact on various industries. Although we are at the beginning of the AI journey, don’t be left behind. Even if it is scary that 1 in 10 AI experts are increasingly afraid of what they're creating.
Favourite Stand: The Invest in Canada stand garnered attention and appreciation from attendees. Their presence showcased the opportunities and incentives available for tech companies and investors in Canada. The stand provided valuable information and resources for those interested in exploring the Canadian tech ecosystem. Contact me today to learn more!
Best Takeaway: The true beauty of London Tech Week lies in the people you meet and the genuine desire to collaborate. The event fostered a vibrant networking and knowledge-sharing atmosphere, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and partnerships. The enthusiasm and willingness to cooperate among participants were key takeaways, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the tech community.
Best Event: The Cornerstones VC event held at Google HQ was a remarkable highlight. The event focused on backing diverse founders in technology and demonstrated a commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the industry. This event provided a platform for underrepresented founders to showcase their innovative ideas (check out Sticky) and gain support from the tech community.
London Tech Week offered a rich tapestry of experiences, with Oliver Yonchev's captivating talk, the Invest in Canada stand, the emphasis on collaboration and networking, and the impactful event by Cornerstones VC at Google HQ. These moments underscored the event's commitment to fostering innovation, diversity, and collaboration within the tech industry.
