Join us on Wednesday, 22 April for techUK’s Tech and Nature Summit 2026, bringing together tech industry, civil society and policymakers to discuss important aspects of the interrelation between nature and technology.
We will explore evolving nature considerations for businesses, as well as how digital innovation can be deployed effectively to accelerate nature recovery and biodiversity protection. This will be through the lens of domestic and international policy, including reporting requirements; navigating the business case for nature-positive outcomes; and emerging applications of technology for nature and biodiversity.
As part of the Summit, we are integrating our popular Nature and Biodiversity Showcase, during which members, partners and experts are invited to give a 10-minute presentation showcasing solutions in areas such as conservation, restoration, monitoring, and how tech can help meet our nature goals.
Please see below for more information, and sign up via the booking link to the right. Speaking slots are now full for this event but if you are interested in getting involved with the nature and biodiversity work at techUK, please get in touch with [email protected].
Agenda
9:00-9:25 | Registration and networking
9:25-9:30 | Opening remarks
9:30-9:45 | Keynote: Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh MP
9:45-10:35 | Panel discussion: Nature as a UK policy objective
The UK government is increasingly recognising nature and biodiversity as fundamental to national security and resilience, recently confirming that nature recovery is a “national priority”. How are these linked, and what do the emerging standards, national policies and corporate requirements mean for businesses, and the tech sector in particular?
Further, given that nature does not adhere to national borders, what role is the UK playing on the international stage to further our global nature and biodiversity objectives, and what policies or trends are emerging in the EU and amongst wider partners that we might see at Biodiversity COP 17, or COP31 this year?
Speakers
- Nicky O’Malley, CEO, 30x30
- Antonia Doncila, Sustainability Manager: Climate and Nature, Openreach
- Lesley Wilson, Policy and Engagement Lead, ISEP
- Additional speakers TBC
10:35-10:45 | Coffee break
10:45-10:55 | Showcase: Nature Projects Assessment Framework (NPAF), Ecologi
10:55-11:05 | Showcase: Ai4Nature, Arup
11:05-11:15 | Showcase: GreenCubes, R-evolution, Hexagon
11:15-12:05 | Panel discussion: Financing the nature-positive economy
Understanding nature and biodiversity interdependencies and investing in resilience is no longer a “nice to have”, but an increasing consideration for investors and customers, and a strategic necessity for businesses. At the same time, sustainability can struggle for cut through against other business priorities.
To what extent, and how quickly, are we transitioning away from carbon, towards nature? What does it mean to be “nature positive”, and how can this work in practice – including the role of nature markets? How can sustainability professionals best employ standards, frameworks and metrics to execute a nature strategy – or even make the case for one – in order to contribute to wider climate objectives?
Speakers
- Valerie Pinkerton, UK TNFD and Transition Plan Lead, Green Finance Institute (GFI)
- Bryony Widdup, Partner, Co-Head of Sustainable Finance & Investment, Hogan Lovells
- Nicolas Heath, Sustainability Strategy Partner, ERM
- Sam Jackson, Director of Climate Science and Impact, Ecologi
- Carlijn van Dam, Manager ESG Advisory, KPMG
12:05-12:45 | Lunch
12:45-13:05 | Fireside chat: Designing and implementing a nature strategy
Organisations of all sizes are increasingly looking to demonstrate that they are taking steps to minimise exposure to nature-related risks and to contribute to the ongoing transition to a nature-positive economy. This is essential for two reasons – to ensure we create a more resilient future, and to remain competitive to investors and customers.
What are some key considerations for companies looking to design a nature strategy, and what are some first steps they can take to start implementing effective actions? Further, what is the role of standards, data and measurement, and how are these evolving?
The conversation will aim to break down the how of a corporate nature strategy, offering practical insights into opportunities for companies to engage positively with the climate and nature transition.
Speakers
- Phil Birch, Senior Programme Manager, Sustainable Buildings, Amazon
13:05-13:55 | Panel discussion: Tech for nature: balancing innovation and responsibility
Emerging digital tools and data visualisation have significant potential to accelerate nature and biodiversity objectives. Technologies for measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) such as satellites, IoT sensors, and AI allow us to more accurately gather and utilise environmental data, contributing to improved outcomes.
How is emerging tech transforming our ability to observe, understand, and restore natural systems? What are some real examples and use cases for these technologies, and how can the UK government best support this ecosystem to grow? On the flip side, how can we ensure that nature is adequately considered from a sustainability perspective when it comes to developing these technologies?
Speakers
- Chair: Gilad Goren, Executive Director, NatureX Foundation
- Shashin Mishra, Senior Vice President, AiDash
- Luisa Doughty, Mission Manager – Resilient Earth, Satellite Applications Catapult
- George Caterer, Business Development Manager, Wilder Sensing
- Dr Katie Dawson, Technical Director, EcoSpatial
13:55-14:00 | Closing remarks and networking
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Visit our Climate Action Hub to learn more or to register for regular updates.
By 2030, digital technology can cut global emissions by 15%. Cloud computing, 5G, AI and IoT have the potential to support dramatic reductions in carbon emissions in sectors such as transport, agriculture, and manufacturing. techUK is working to foster the right policy framework and leadership so we can all play our part. For more information on how techUK can support you, please visit our Climate Action Hub and click ‘contact us’.
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