Cambridge Tech Week 2025 to reinforce city’s reputation as Europe’s deeptech capital

Cambridge Tech Week 2025 is set to return from 15–19 September, with a focus on global collaboration and a bold ambition: to showcase Cambridge as the deeptech capital of Europe and a driving force behind some of the world’s most transformative technologies.

Building on the success of 2024, which drew over 5,000 delegates – including more than 50% in senior leadership roles and 30% from outside the UK – this year’s programme adopts the theme “Seizing the AI Advantage”. Organisers say 2025 will be the most internationally focused edition yet, reflecting the region’s growing global impact as well as an increasing demand for cross-border innovation.

A key feature of the programme is the expanded Innovation Alley where 50 of the most forward-thinking technology companies will be showcased over two days. These companies span all sectors, highlighting the region’s depth and breadth in next-generation technologies.

Rupert Baines, Chair of the Cambridge Tech Week steering committee and a well-known figure in the tech community, said: “Cambridge is home to one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. Our aim is to reflect that global standing, not just to celebrate it but to create a springboard for international recognition, connection and collaboration.”

Taking place across several iconic Cambridge venues – including the Cambridge Corn Exchange, The Guildhall, St Catharine’s College, and The Bradfield Centre on The Cambridge Science Park, the oldest science park in the United Kingdom – the event is designed to bring together innovators, investors, academics, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world.

The week will feature powerhouse keynotes, interactive sessions, and unrivalled networking. The standout speakers include:

Self-named ‘Whitehall Warrior’, Karen Mcluskie, Deputy Director Tech Adoption Review at the Department for Business and Trade, who will lead a session on accelerating innovation through leadership in AI

  • Globally recognised Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert, Dr. Daniel Hulme, CEO of Satalia and now Chief AI Officer at WPP, who will headline Startup to Scaleup Day, sharing his experience of navigating growth and acquisition in the AI space
  • Dr. Eben Upton CBE, founder of Raspberry Pi Holdings, who joins Michael Findlay, Chair of London Stock Exchange, in an exclusive fireside chat exploring the journey from startup to global success

Additional speakers include Prof. Sana Khareghani, AI Policy Lead for Responsible AI UK; Jakob Mökander, Director of Science & Technology Policy at the Tony Blair Institute; Victor Christou, former CEO of Cambridge Innovation Capital and serial investor; Prof. Sheng Qi of the University of East Anglia; and Dr. Daniel Marcu, founder of Virilitas Labs and 2024 CamTechWeek pitch competition winner. They will be appearing at regional preview events ahead of the main September programme.

The popular Big Tech Debate sees a welcome return and promises fresh insights following last year’s spirited discussion on the government’s role in the tech economy.

This year’s schedule also includes multiple networking sessions designed to deepen engagement between startups, investors, and established firms, as well as a ‘Tech Futures’ introduction into various careers in STEM, to inspire the upcoming generation. Another highlight of the main programme is a dedicated “Tech Deep Dives” day – Beyond the Horizon: Technologies Shaping the Future of Industry – which will explore developments in AI-driven sectors including medtech, healthtech, climatetech, agritech, quantum, and semiconductors, featuring expert panels and interactive sessions.

Rupert Baines added: “Across the technology landscape, the role of AI is becoming more and more important. With Cambridge at the epicentre of AI innovation – from climate change to health tech – we’re creating a global platform to connect, collaborate and catalyse the future. It’s an opportunity to connect Cambridge with the world – and to bring the world to Cambridge.”

Registration is now open at www.cambridgetechweek.co.uk for those wishing to attend, exhibit, or speak.

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