Innovate UK

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Sep 2025

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About the show

Innovation does not happen in isolation. Turning ideas into commercial success requires the right partners, funding and support at the right time. Innovate UK Business Connect is a strategic delivery partner to Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). We build and activate the UK’s innovation networks, connecting businesses, researchers, investors and partners to accelerate innovation. Across priority sectors and emerging technologies such as AI, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing and net zero, we identify opportunities, scout high-potential businesses and create clearer pathways from idea to market. Through our network, we combine sector expertise with data and insight to help organisations navigate the innovation system and access the support they need. For more information on how you can get support or join us at one of our events, visit our website https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk or contact us on enquiries@iukbc.org.uk .

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60 recent

September 29, 2025Episode 8820 min

Battery Caffè Series 2 Episode 6: Batteries for Off-Highway

In the final episode of the Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we explore how batteries are transforming the off-highway sector from agriculture and mining to construction. Our expert guests discuss the unique demands of these applications, the challenges of durability and thermal management, and the innovations and investment needed to drive solutions forward. We hope you enjoy the series! Please feel free to share it with your network. Guests Maria Morera | Operations Director and Co-founder | Global Nano Network Matrishvan Raval | Head of Product | Turntide Technologies Hosted by Neelam Mughal | Knowledge Transfer Manager ‑ Advanced Materials | Innovate UK Business Connect Debra Jones | Knowledge Transfer Manager - Chemistry | Innovate UK Business Connect Click here to download the episode transcript .

August 12, 2025Episode 8721 min

Battery Caffè Series 2 Episode 5: Batteries in Rail

Episode 5: Batteries in AI In Episode 5 of the Battery Caffè Podcast Series 2, we delve into the use of battery technology in the rail sector, exploring its potential to decarbonise rail transport, improve efficiency, and support the transition to electrified mobility. Our expert guests discuss current applications, technological challenges, policy drivers, and the at-scale trials shaping the future of battery-powered rail. We hope you enjoy the series! Please feel free to share it with your network Guests Matthew Prosser | Asset Management Director | Angel Trains Limited Robert Hay | Technical Advisor | Railway Industry Association Hosted by Nikoleta Piperidou | Knowledge Transfer Manager ‑ Energy & Infrastructure | Innovate UK Business Connect Debra Jones | Knowledge Transfer Manager - Chemistry | Innovate UK Business Connect Listen to previous episodes . Click here to download the transcript .

June 18, 2025Episode 8642 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 8: Structuring the unstructured

Buying a home can be stressful—especially when it comes to legal enquiries. Hear how AI and machine learning are helping conveyancers manage chaos and speed up transactions. Wondering how AI supports legal pros? This episode is a must-listen! Participants of this podcast: - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect - Gemma Fulbrook-Felstead, Director of Operations, Collaborative Conveyancing - Jonny Palmer, Data Science Lead, Collaborative Conveyancing - Robert Firth, Senior AI Research Scientist, STFC Hartree Centre Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript

June 18, 2025Episode 8543 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 7: Investing with intent

How can AI help pensions match personal values? Discover how conversational AI and sustainability data are helping savers align their investments with what matters most. Interested in values-driven investing? Tune in! In this episode, we hear from these participants: - Andrew Tucker, Co-Founder and CEO, Mettle Capital - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect - Benjamin Winter, Lead Machine Learning Engineer, Wyser - Mark Pearce, Founder and CEO, Wyser Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript

June 18, 2025Episode 8431 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 6: Cracking crypto tax

Crypto taxation can be complex and confusing. Dan Howitt of Recap explains how his startup is making crypto tax calculations secure and manageable for accountants and investors alike. If you want to understand crypto tax better, this episode is for you. Participants of this podcast: - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect - Daniel Howitt, CEO and Co-Founder of Recap Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript

June 18, 2025Episode 8319 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 5: Insurance for the real world

When insurance meets the gig economy, flexibility and tech matter. Janthana Kaenprakhamroy of Tapoly shares how AI is reshaping insurance for freelancers and small businesses. Curious about inclusive, tech-driven insurance? Listen now! Participants of this podcast: - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect - Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, CEO and Founder, Tapoly Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript

June 18, 2025Episode 8232 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 4: Making It Work: Innovation in practice

What does innovation look like in small accounting firms? Learn how hands-on training and simple tech tools help firms modernise without being tech experts. Ready to update your practice? Don’t miss this episode! In this episode, we hear from these participants: - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead at Innovate UK Business Connect - Dr. Tzameret Rubin, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Management at Oxford Brookes Business School and lead of the TiPS Innovation Adoption Accelerator - Rebecca Trudgett, Director & Founder, Switchfoot Accounting Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript

June 18, 2025Episode 8136 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 3: Innovation, actually

How do firms overcome the barriers to innovation? Hear from academic leaders on how training and peer support help financial and professional firms embrace new technology. Facing challenges in innovation? This episode is for you. In this episode, we hear from these participants: - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead at Innovate UK Business Connect - Dr. Tzameret Rubin, Senior Lecturer in Innovation and Management at Oxford Brookes Business School and lead of the TiPS Innovation Adoption Accelerator - Jack Stanbury, Senior Project Manager, University of Bristol - Jonathan Beaverstock, Principal Investigator Future Finance , Deputy Dean University of Bristol Business School - Ketch Adeeko, Lecturer in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, University of Bristol - Martin Spring, Principal Investigator TiPS, Professor of Operations Management, Lancaster University Management School Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript

June 18, 2025Episode 8037 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 2: Let’s talk about money

What does real financial inclusion look like? Tynah Matembe shares how lived experiences inspired her mission to make financial education accessible and practical for all. If you want to understand what inclusion means in practice, tune in! Participants of this podcast: - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect - Tynah Matembe, Founder and CEO, MoneyMatix Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript

June 18, 2025Episode 7949 min

AI for Services 2025 Podcast Series 2 Episode 1: Making sense of the small print

How clear is the fine print you sign? Minesh Patel of Amplified Global shares his journey from dyslexia diagnosis to creating tech that makes legal and financial info easier to understand. If you have ever skipped the small print, this episode is for you. Participants of this podcast: - Astrid Ayel, AI for Services Lead, Innovate UK Business Connect - Kevin Still, Director, Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA) - Minesh Patel, Founder, Amplified Global - Richard Hyde, Professor of Law, Regulation and Governance, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) have invested £26.5 million in the Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme to help professional service sectors (accounting and law) and the financial service sectors (insurance, lending, advisory and payment services) to develop and use digital technologies. For monthly news, funding and event updates in your sector, subscribe to the free Innovate UK AI for Services Network newsletter . Join the AI for Services community on LinkedIn . Download the transcript