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This webinar took place on 19 May 2022. Click here to read the event round-up.

techUK is excited to bring you the first event in its new Future Visions series - The series explores the next-generation technologies at the cutting edge of research and development that are set to disrupt industries, challenge incumbents, and act as a catalyst for growth. It offers the opportunity to learn about the latest advances in technology from those at the heart of its development, and what this might mean for your business.


The concept of a metaverse – a virtual world in which we experience the life of our digital twin – may soon be a reality for UK businesses and consumers.  However, recent hype around the concept and increasing investment in the development and deployment of metaverse platforms raises several important questions, including how we define the term “metaverse” and what this emerging technology could mean for the UK tech sector.

In this webinar, we will convene technology leaders dedicated to the development of the metaverse to answer the burning questions about this new, complex, and exciting opportunity.

This event will explore the role the UK tech sector will play in the development of a metaverse; the different forms a metaverse could take, and what are the key technologies driving this hybrid virtual and physical environment. We will also look at what has driven the emergence of the metaverse, from the movement towards web 3.0, the ubiquity of a connected world exacerbated by the global pandemic, and the expected technological innovations that will enable a metaverse.  

Of course, a more complex and connected virtual world, particularly one fed by IoT data from homes, factories, sports stadiums, and even our own bodies, will need to be built around the principles of interoperability, data portability, responsible and ethical innovation and cyber security.  Furthermore, with environmental sustainability a key concern for businesses and consumers, building the metaverse with the environmental, social and ethical values of its end users will be crucial. As such, this webinar will also address some of the key and justifiable concerns raised around a metaverse and how we can mitigate these.

Speakers include: 

Christopher Hay, Global IBM iX CTO, IBM

Jamie Allan, Media and Entertainment Industry Lead, NVIDIA

Sue McLean, Technology Partner, Baker McKenzie

Theo Priestley, CEO, Metanomic

This webinar will address:

  1. What are the different models a metaverse can take?
  2. What has driven the emergence of a metaverse?
  3. What technologies will underpin a metaverse? Are these technologies ready to support the convergence of our virtual and physical worlds?
  4. What exciting innovations and opportunities could a metaverse could create?
  5. How can we build a metaverse based on responsible, sustainable and ethical principles?

Click below to view our other Supercharging Innovation series:

Elis Thomas

Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on AI, 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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Laura Foster

Laura Foster

Head of Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Head of Programme 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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Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

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, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.

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

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