Panel: How can space technologies help unlock a sustainable future?

Join us for an engaging panel discussion where we will examine the potential of emerging space technologies to support our efforts towards tackling the most pressing environmental and climate challenges.

Rhian Wade (moderator): Rhian is an investment manager at Deloitte Ventures, where he focuses on forming partnerships with startups and scaleups in various verticals, including SpaceTech and Climate & Sustainability. His role involves leveraging innovation and new technologies to assist organizations in solving their most pressing challenges and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Rhian has a background in sustainability consulting, and has an MSci in Physics and Astrophysics from the University of Bristol.

Avantika Gupta: Avantika is a VP for UK & Europe at Type One Ventures. She has spent several years leading deep-tech investments in London, focusing across a broad range of sectors - AI/ML, cybersecurity, med-tech, clean-tech and space-tech. She also led investments for a UK government matched funding initiative, matching both angel and fund investments into deeptech companies. At Type One, she focuses on deal diligence and building the firm’s UK presence and leads the firm's deals in AI/ML and biotech. Looking at the future of humans both on earth and in space, critical innovation is needed to ensure humanity can live longer, healthier lives. She has an BSc in Biomedical Sciences and a Master in Bioscience Enterprise from the University of Auckland.

Darren Cadman: Darren is an experience research and development manager, having worked in the electronics and semiconductor sectors for over 20 years. He holds a PhD in microwave engineering from the University of Leeds and has worked at Filtronic, Loughborough University and the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult. He is currently in the role of Business and Bid Development Manager at Space Forge, a company that is developing capability to grow semiconductor crystals in space. Doing this, we aim to deliver improved device and systems performance within terrestrial applications and significantly improve their operating energy efficiencies.

Sadia Ahmed: Sadia leads Deloitte’s Sustainability & Climate Innovation Capability, and is a member of the IoD, Chatham House and several advisory boards She has a background specialising in Innovation and Business development in Sustainability and Technology, covering a diverse range of topics including- climate change, carbon capture/credits, biodiversity, corporate ESG/sustainability agendas/programmes and traceable/sustainable supply chains. Having completed her PhD in Computational Ecology and PGC in Business she has spent the last decade working with large organisations and Start-ups, in leadership roles focussing on strategy, innovation and developing viable commercial solutions.