Panel Discussion - Dual Use By Design: How can innovation maximise impact across sectors

Dual-use technologies—those designed to serve both civilian and defence purposes—are reshaping the boundaries of innovation. These versatile solutions, often rooted in the space sector, have the potential to drive transformative change across industries, from telecommunications and transportation to energy and healthcare. By embracing a "dual-use by design" approach, businesses can create groundbreaking products that generate value across multiple markets, while fostering resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving global landscape. 

This engaging panel discussion brings together thought leaders and industry experts to explore how dual-use technologies can maximise impact, unlock new markets, and catalyse innovation across sectors. Panellists will share insights into real-world applications, the challenges of navigating diverse regulatory and commercial landscapes, and the strategies needed to overcome barriers to adoption. 

Whether you’re a business looking to expand your market reach, a policymaker aiming to support cross-sector collaboration, or an innovator keen to explore the untapped potential of dual-use design, this session offers actionable insights and practical strategies to harness the power of innovation for multi-sectoral impact. 

Speaker Information

Chair - Alun Williams is the Deputy Director for Space at ADS, having joined in 2024 from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)’s Space Directorate. Prior to his time in DSIT, Alun was the Head of External Comms and Stakeholder Engagement for UK REACH at Defra, and the Head of Operations for a healthcare science regulator. 

Diana Luncă is leading the Unlocking Space for Dual Use (USD) Programme at the UK Space Agency (UKSA), developing interventions to improve collaboration for national security across UKSA and the Defence community, and to support organisations working across civil and defence space. Having been in the Agency for over three years, Diana has worked on a range of priority programmes including Launch and Skills/Educations. Prior to her role in the UKSA, Diana’s experience includes working in the BEIS Hydrogen for Heating programme, the Houses of Parliament Restauration and Renewal programme, and the DIT High Potential Opportunities programme. 

Yuri Andersson has over 20 years’ experience as a scientist, manager, director and investor. He is the Executive Director and co-founder of ANGOKA, a cyber security start-up with solutions for securing the digital infrastructure for smart and connected systems. He has held a number of Board and Executive roles, including as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the UK’s Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre where he helped spin out over 40 companies. 

Yuri studied PhD-level physics and engineering at CERN and Stanford, and holds an Executive MBA from London Business School. 

Dr Hina Khan is the Head of Commercial at Craft Prospect, a space engineering practice delivering next generation Smart Secure Space capabilities in-orbit backed by an employee owned and partner led approach to development.  Craft Prospect delivers mission enabling products using emerging technologies in onboard intelligence and quantum technologies initially targeting small satellites, and leverages these into novel mission applications, like space-based quantum secure communications.  Hina leads a team focussing on commercial opportunities through the development of technology and mission services with partners, customers and clients. 

Hina was previously the first Executive Director of Space Scotland, a not for profit organisation galvanising the Scottish space sector, working with industry, government and academia.  She has an extensive background in space science research with a PhD in Space Science resulting in research positions at NASA and the European Space Agency.  She has a portfolio of leadership roles that have resulted in strong partnerships and industry relationships that have helped developed the space sector in Scotland and the UK. 

She also led the Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications, and has worked closely with the Space and non-space cluster networks across the UK.  She is a Board Director for the Scottish Chamber of Commerce and has contributed on a number of Scottish Government Leadership groups, promoting the space capability.