Alexandra Forsyth reviews days one and two of the London Tech Show.
From studio to live events; who says podcasting is strictly behind closed doors, the art of capturing moments in real time is where the magic happens.
First, we explored creativity at The Podcast Show, now we turn our attention to the innovation of London Tech Week.
Alongside written words, Alexandra will be releasing a debrief podcast episode tomorrow (11 June) so make sure to tune into Take A Chance On You
Day 1
- Kicking off with a keynote address from the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, sharing his key message that British firms are the way forward and the next generation is in focus, drawing attention to tech firms needing to implement controls for child safety online. Starmer drew attention to tech firms needing to implement controls for preventing children sending and receiving explicit images, having three months to implement or face new regulations. Britain will become the first country in the world to stop children taking, sharing or viewing explicit images on devices.
- “Pace of change” became a staple phrase mentioned across conversations, Starmer moving through to suggest more opportunities and investment for startups and SMEs will be available. Britain is the place for growth and understanding where the ecosystem is going.
*The topic of AI safety remained central in most conversations I had and listened to across talks, regulations, guidance and the need for collaboration.
- What does success look like for your business? Using human capabilities + tech to solve the biggest challenges, it is an exciting time for many of us, Chair and CEO of AMD Dr Lisa Su reminded us that we are still in the early phases of AI, pushing for consistent teaching and partnerships.
- AI compliance is early, enterprise adoption is early, but we continue to push the boundaries in science and agentic acceleration.
- It is clear, entire ecosystems must come together to collaborate, including technologists; the “human side” means teaching AI tools to combat fatigue and creating “safe-to-fail” infrastructure.
- Calling all students, I spoke with the University of Edinburgh about its “Venture Builder Incubator” (open to founders across all Scottish Universities – applications open until July 20th, 2026); and “AI Accelerator” programmes, helping turn ideas into tangible businesses for founders internationally.
- Where is the future of creativity and music heading? I spoke with Epidemic Sound about its global soundtracking and royalty-free music licensing platform, tailoring sounds for independents, broadcasters, agencies and developers. Music and sound effects can be identified and used through its subscription model.
Day 2
- The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales homelessness programme, Homewards, has partnered with LandAid and Salesforce to launch the “Homelessness Data Lab” for predictive analysis. The programme focuses on helping individuals get ahead of the curve and find solutions. The launch has been marked in partnership with London Tech Week placing the role of data in homelessness prevention top of the agenda.
*This was very interesting for me to talk with the team about its mission to tackle this issue and raise awareness. A five-year roadmap starting 2023 through to 2028.
More information on the programme – homewards.org.uk
- Alex Kendall reigned supreme, detailing the harrowing journey from Cambridge PHD student to founder of Wayve driverless autonomous vehicles, newly partnering with Uber, with backing from big tech firms including NVIDIA, Microsoft and Softbank; running a tour across 500 cities in 2025, bringing “out of the box” thinking to Tokyo later this year.
- The UK Secretary of State for Science, Technology and Innovation Liz Kendall provided key insights into AI funding and investment for British startups, alongside risks of social media and misinformation online.
- UK-based Venture Capital firms outweighed many countries in Europe, while next generation thinking, access to global talent, “we have agency” and “choice to shape AI” ended the impressive keynote.
Despite technology dominating conversations, education, university offshoots, sustainable careers, human connection and partnerships remain key drivers in 2026.
Alexandra Forsyth is the host of Take A Chance On You and a speaker at The Podcast Show London. Her work focuses on experience-led podcasting, brand partnerships, and human-focused ROI across live and digital environments.
Website – https://www.alexandra-forsyth.com
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraforsyth
