Our Associate Director of Reporting, Kay Kayachith, was there - here are her five key takeaways.
- The UK is betting big on AI – but it needs cultural change too
The government’s commitment to invest £1 billion in AI infrastructure and train 7.5 million workers in AI signals a major step forward. But speakers argued that funding alone isn’t enough – the UK and Europe also need to embrace risk, foster entrepreneurialism and build a more confident innovation culture.
- Agentic AI is the next frontier
Beyond generative AI, the conversation is shifting to agentic AI – intelligent systems that can make autonomous decisions, act on behalf of users, and reshape how businesses operate. Companies that want to lead must start preparing for this shift now.
- Every company will be a tech company – whether it likes it or not
As Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang put it, we are entering an era where “every company will become an AI-first company”. Those that don’t integrate AI into their operations risk being left behind. Businesses must now adopt an AI-first mindset, regardless of sector, in a way that makes sense for the company.
- Europe’s complexity is a challenge – but also a strength
Multiple languages, borders, and regulations can make scaling harder in Europe. But this complexity can also fuel innovation and force smarter, more adaptable solutions. Embracing this reality – rather than resisting it – is key to building tech that works globally.
- Purpose and conviction must guide AI leadership
The week’s discussions reinforced that AI adoption isn’t just about speed – it’s about values. As governments and companies rush to embed AI, there’s a need for clear purpose, long-term conviction and policies that support responsible innovation and ethical AI.
As AI reshapes the business landscape, staying informed is just the start. If you’re thinking about how these trends may impact your organisation, or how to turn insight into action, we’d love to chat.