Grow London at London Tech Week: Day 1

...And we’re off ???

Yesterday, we kicked off London Tech Week 2024 at Olympia – the week-long celebration of tech and talent in our world-class hub of innovation.?

Bigger and better than ever, Grow London | London & Partners are here to welcome all at stand 860, as we showcase how our business support programs can help supercharge the growth of international and domestic businesses.?

Welcome to London Tech Week 2024?

London Tech Week 2024 started with an opening speech from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan , who highlighted London’s reputation as a global hub for AI and innovation, a city at the forefront of the tech revolution.?

When discussing what makes London a tech superpower, Sadiq Khan noted the city’s talent pool, home to world-leading universities; the cities connectivity, citing examples of planned mobile coverage for 80% of the tube before the end of the year; and London’s collaborative business environment, as the city’s openness to innovation, collaboration and partnerships on an international level set the scene for a thriving leading tech hub.

Sadiq Khan: “London is a city that is diverse, dynamic and daring - a place that is pulsing with energy, ideas and imagination and that’s what gives us our competitive edge.”?

Next up, our Managing Director of Grow London, Janet Coyle CBE . A founding member of London Tech Week, Janet spoke of the range of content available through London Tech Week, both on the main stage and across the city throughout the many fringe events. Janet also had a message for everyone looking for where to grow their business – London is the place to be!?

Janet Coyle: “We [London & Partners] provide tailored support to help you connect into this ecosystem, we connect you with investors, corporates and help you access the talent you need.”?

London as an AI hub

While London Tech Week covers an array of different themes, this year the discussion of AI definitely took centre stage. On the back of London & Partners’ and Tech Nation research unveiled this week, the spotlight is on London as it stakes its claim as the world’s most supportive AI hub.??

The hot topic of Day 1 of London Tech Week delved deeper into conversations of how AI can be used for positive social impact, as well as ensuring regulation and governance implements the proper safeguarding needed.?

During his fireside chat on “Minimise the Risk, Maximise Value of Emerging Technology,” our own Head of Fintech & Cyber, David Butcher questioned the panel on London’s roles in regulating AI.?

On the panel, we heard from Hans-Petter Dalen , AI for Business – AI for Governance Europe – IBM , on the abundance of investment in the UK for AI, and commented on how the UK is far ahead of Europe in this regard.??

We also heard from Chris Gibson , Co-Founder/CEO of Recursion , on how they recently expanded their presence to London to access the incredible talent available.??

Chris Gibson: “Even from the US, we have employees who want to transfer to work in our London office.”?

The UK capital’s geographical connectivity and esteemed talent pool were also frequently cited as reasons for its success in AI development throughout the day.?

Danielle Belgrave , Vice President of AI/ML at 荷商葛蘭素史克藥廠 : “I see London very much at the crossroads of technology and AI. Geographically, London is very much the centre of AI researchers, innovators, and universities which allow for deep research.”?

Sustainability was another big topic on the London Tech Week stages, with our own Pru Ashby , Director of Sustainability at London & Partners, taking to the stage to discuss on-demand mobility and how travel is moving away from car ownership in the capital and throughout the UK thanks to technology solutions.??

London's international pull

Following a Meet the Sector session where we created new international connections, we wrapped up day one with a welcome reception for our international delegates.

We were delighted to welcome those who travelled from all over the world to attend London Tech Week - taking advantage of the opportunity to plug into London's unrivalled tech ecosystem and open up the opportunity of international collaboration and development right here.??

As highlighted by the Mayor, collaboration and partnerships on an international level are what makes London such a hub of tech advancement – and it was fantastic to see the multitude of countries and regions represented throughout the exhibition hall.?

Let's go day 2 ??

Follow us throughout the week on our Instagram @GrowLondonBusiness for on the ground updates.

Visit Grow.London to find out how we can help your business grow in London ??