Judging panel 2027
Jonathan Easton, Group Editor, National Technology News
Alice Iles, Head of Tech Acceleration, Future Worlds
Chidiebere Njoku, Data Scientist, UK Department for Education
Dr. Anjali Subburaj, Governance and Digital Transformation Leader
Alice Iles, Head of Tech Acceleration, Future Worlds
Dr Alice Iles completed her PhD in Point-of-Care Diagnostics at the world-renowned Optoelectronics Research Centre at the University of Southampton. Working with University of Southampton spinout Highfield Diagnostics on their multiplex sensing platform, she focused on rapid tuberculosis testing.
She joined Future Worlds, the startup accelerator at the University of Southampton in 2022 and is now Head of Tech Acceleration, where she focuses on enabling researchers at the university to get their groundbreaking innovations out of the lab and to market, where they can make real impact.
Additionally, Dr Iles leads the annual Future Worlds Cohort programme, where a small group of University of Southampton startup founders are given intensive support from the Future Worlds team and a network of experts and investors in the UK and Silicon Valley to rapidly accelerate their startups - culminating in a live pitching event before a capacity audience as part of London Tech Week.
In the past four years, startups supported by Future Worlds have gone on to raise more than £60m in investment and grant funding.
You can find out more about Future Worlds, their startups and what they do, by watching the Future Worlds Podcast Series.
Chidiebere Njoku, Data Scientist, UK Department for Education
Chidiebere Njoku is a Data Scientist at the UK Department for Education (DfE) and a member of the Government Operational Research Service (GORS) and the British Computer Society (BCS). He specialises in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), data science, and advanced analytics, developing data-driven solutions that support evidence-based decision-making.
He holds a Distinction MSc in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science from the University of Hull, United Kingdom, and is Microsoft certified in Azure AI, Azure Data Science, and Power BI Data Analytics.
Chidiebere is a published AI researcher, technical writer, regular speaker at AI, data and technology events, mentor, and open-source creator. He has authored research papers and technical publications covering AI, data science, Generative AI, and emerging technologies. He also mentors aspiring professionals in AI, Data Science, Data Analytics, GitHub portfolio development, interview preparation, and career advancement.
Through his work in government, research, public speaking, mentoring, open-source contributions, and technology evaluation, Chidiebere champions innovation and the responsible adoption of AI. He is passionate about recognising emerging talent and advancing the practical application of artificial intelligence to solve real-world challenges.
David Price, Principal, Scala Advisors
David has driven advanced technology adoption in the TV and media industry since the transition to digital technology. Currently he holds a number of board and advisory positions in the industry and is principal at Scala Advisors. Previously he held the position of vice president, for strategic business development at Ericsson, based in Silicon Valley, and was a member of the executive team at Harmonic Inc., helping grow revenues from less than $50 million to over $500 million. David was also a founder of the Ultra HD Forum, the VR Industry Forum and the DASH Industry Forum, and is past-president of the MPEG Industry Forum. More recently he has been an advisor to the FCC’s plans to free up spectrum for utilization by 5G operators.
Dr. Anjali Subburaj, Governance and Digital Transformation Leader
Dr Anjali Subburaj is a governance and digital transformation leader with extensive experience shaping technology, data and AI strategy across organisations in the UK and globally. Currently, she serves as a Trustee at Balance Support, where she has strengthened governance maturity, established structured risk management frameworks and provides oversight to digital, data and AI transformation initiatives.
Anjali is Director of AnjaliSR Consultancy, advising boards and executive teams on responsible AI adoption, digital modernisation and enterprise architecture. Her earlier career includes senior architecture leadership roles at Mars, NTT Data and Salesforce, influencing global technology strategy and modernising operating models for major international brands. A PhD‑trained physicist, ILM Level 7 Executive Coach and TOGAF‑certified architect, she is recognised for her ability to simplify complexity, provide independent strategic challenge and champion safe, ethical and human‑centred digital and AI innovation. She has also contributed sector‑wide thought leadership as an Advisory Board Member of the MACH Alliance."
