Ben Jonhnson | The People Behind Tech for Good??

Meet ? Ben Johnson , a dynamic technologist dedicated to making things faster, easier, and more impactful. As the co-founder of Uptitude, Ben combines his passion for problem-solving with his love for teamwork, championing efficient, innovative ways of working that create lasting change. With a background in physics and a fascination for data-driven solutions, Ben now leads Uptitude’s technical strategy, driving approaches that enhance business efficiency and democratise software development in the UK.

We spoke with Ben to hear more about his journey, his motivations, and his vision for tech as a force for good!

?? Ben, introduce yourself. What makes you uniquely you?

My journey has always been one of challenge and improvement, making things faster and easier. Since my first graduate job, I have been involved in a variety of tasks and activities, always looking for new opportunities. When I co-founded Uptitude, I discovered a way to bring others with me and create impact beyond myself. I could promote and champion better ways to work, and I could work with a team to make those promises a reality.

I am a dog father, so I spend a lot of my free time outside; I enjoy having a team of furry companions with me. They have been there for all of the highs and lows, without judgement and always ready to hug. It is easy to say I would not have gotten as far as I did without their silent support.

??Fun fact: I used to be a rocket scientist & quantum mechanic.

?? What can you tell us about your early years?

My father gave me extra home lessons in primary school, making it fun and motivating me to advance to the next year of math. This was a major factor in my acceptance to grammar school and subsequent transfer to university to study physics. Problem solving has always piqued my interest, and it has proven to be a universally beneficial skill in my professional journey.

I left the defence industry to work in business because I wanted to help more people, and I could do that at the enterprise level. I am fascinated by software, data, and spreadsheets, which touch on almost every aspect of modern business. This universal bond is great to connect with anyone—most people would love to have something automated or optimised at work. Less manual work = more interesting work.

?? Tell us more about the work you are currently doing...

I deliver Uptitude's technical strategy while also engaging in high-level discussions with clients about architecture and data problem-solving approaches. We promote the use of low-code platform development to increase business efficiencies while also lowering the entry barrier for developers, addressing the UK's skill shortage. I do not believe we will ever reach a final state; we are constantly improving, but technological advancements will accelerate.

We have already seen the productivity benefits of generative AI, and we are only scratching the surface of its potential. The internet democratised knowledge, and AI will democratise intelligence.

One initiative I have launched is Xush.ai, a non-profit virtual vet trained to triage and advise on the most common illnesses in dogs and cats. We lost our baby Xusha (a white staffie) earlier this year; if we can use our skills to help people and animals, we do not want to profit. Everyone in the world can access it for free on their phones. A vet for every pet.

?? Let’s talk tech for good. What does tech for good mean to you?

Tech should be something that everyone can benefit from. Initiatives such as providing as many people with internet access as possible are similar to global efforts to eradicate diseases such as malaria and polio. We see the benefits as a global civilisation, with future growth dependent on continued efficiencies. Using technology to treat illness, relieve stress, predict disasters, and feed more people demonstrates the true human impact of advancements.

?? Who or what is currently serving as a source of inspiration for you?

I see ChatGPT OpenAI as an amazing force for tech for good, creating one of the biggest and most rapid human experiments in history using generative AI. Only by putting technology into the hands of everyone will we find out what exactly this kind of tech could be used for. Good or bad, these early insights will help us put the right regulations in place—which keeps people safe but doesn’t slow them down.

Another example of this would be Tesla , which opened it’s patents to the public in 2014, promoting the acceleration of ideas.

?? Looking into the future, what aspects worry and excite you the most, and why?

I am excited to be here at the pinnacle of public consumption of artificial intelligence, as it brings a significant shift in focus and research funding. I am both concerned and excited about the inevitable development and application of quantum computers, which will force us to reconsider how much of our security systems are designed. In some fields, such as physics simulation and real-world scenarios, it will act as a catalyst to speed up AI. I think it would be cool to witness generative virtual reality.

?? How do you feel about being shortlisted for techUK's #PresidentsAward 2024?

Being shortlisted for the president's award mostly confirmed to me that we are on the right track, that people care about doing more with less and putting technology in the hands of more businesses and people. If it has even slightly moved us closer to a better scenario as a group, it will be well worth it.

I will continue on my journey, promoting the use of cutting-edge technology, creating an amazing work environment for my team, and encouraging people to keep problem solving.

?? About our Tech for Good work ??

At techUK, our mission is to champion our members and their technologies, preparing and empowering the UK for what comes next. We believe that by doing so, we can deliver a better future for people, society, the economy, and the planet. We are committed to supporting emerging social innovators who are tackling today's most pressing challenges through technology while also demystifying tech for all. "The People Behind Tech for Good" is a series of interviews that aim to spotlight rising social innovators who are addressing today's most pressing challenges through technology.

?? Find out more how to get involved with our #TechForGood work - email Tania Teixeira ([email protected]).

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