Tech Hub At Labour Conference
Sunday 28th September - Tuesday 30th September
Madre, 6, Atlantic Pavilion Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4AE
Below is our list of events just minutes from the Secure Zone at Labour Party Conference - we look forward to seeing you there.
Any questions? Please use our contact form on the homepage.
Sunday 28th September
12.00 - 13.00
Green Light? Climate Innovation After 15 Months of Labour
Roundtable
Hosted by Startup Coalition
15 months into government—how is Labour delivering on climate innovation? This roundtable brings together leaders across transport and mobility, energy, housing, and food to reflect on wins, missed chances, and what comes next for Clean Power 2030 and climate-led growth.
Get in touch with Charlie@startupcoalition.io for more info.
This is part of ClimateTech Day, in partnership with Trip.com
13.30 - 14.30
The 99% Opportunity: Scaling UK Climate Innovation Across the Globe
Panel
Hosted by Startup Coalition
It’s time to go big. This panel event is on the need to scale and export UK ClimateTech innovation across the planet to accelerate decarbonisation and ensure the UK benefits from the low-carbon economy of the future.
This is part of ClimateTech Day, in partnership with Trip.com
Speakers:
Chair: Charlie Mercer, Policy Director at Startup Coalition
Tone Langengen, Senior Policy Advisor, Climate & Energy Policy at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
Richard Kemp-Harper, COO of AirEx Technologies
Alyssa Gilbert, Director of Undaunted
Andy Washington, General Manager for UK & Europe at Trip.com
15.00 - 16.30
The Real Price of Power: Why Market Reform Is Essential for Low Cost, Low Carbon Energy
Panel
Hosted by Startup Coalition and Tem
Is Labour seizing the opportunity of regulatory reform on energy prices, emancipating data, and unlocking new innovation to accelerate its Clean Power 2030 Mission? Join Startup Coalition and Tem to discuss how we can transform the energy system to lower bills, bring price transparency to the fore, back British businesses, and win votes in 2029.
Speakers:
Chair: Charlie Mercer, Policy Director at Startup Coalition
Luke Murphy MP for Basingstoke
Sarah Edwards MP for Tamworth
Joe McDonald, Co-founder and CEO of Tem
Izzy Woolgar, Director of External Affairs at Centre for Net Zero
Guy Newey, CEO at Energy Systems Catapult
15.00 - 16.00
Thinking Machines: AI for Growth
Roundtable
Hosted by Startup Coalition
AI is here and moving fast. Join us for a private roundtable on Labour’s vision for artificial intelligence: how to keep a competitive edge, harness innovation and turbo-charge economic growth. We'll explore opportunities, risks and what the UK needs to lead on AI.
Get in touch with vinous@startupcoalition.io if you want to join.
17.00 - 19.00
Tech Hub Party Conference Kick-Off Party
Party
Hosted by Startup Coalition and HSBC Innovation Banking
Join Startup Coalition & HSBC Innovation Banking as we kick off 2025 Labour Party Conference. There will be great drinks and an even better crowd!
Speakers:
Steve Race MP for Exeter
Simon Bumfrey, Head of Banking at HSBC Innovation Banking
20.30 - 22.30
Labour in the City Conference Reception
Party
Hosted by Labour in the City and SEC Newgate
Join Labour in the City for a special reception focused on the relationship between business and Labour, and the future we can build together.
23.00 - 01.00
Clean Power Hour Drinks
Party
Hosted by Startup Coalition and Trip.com
Wrap up a full day of panels and roundtables with the perfect finale—a lively mixer hosted by the Startup Coalition and Trip.com! Connect with fellow attendees, unwind with great conversation, and keep the momentum going into the evening.
Monday 29th September
8.15 - 9.15
Plugged In: Digital Inclusion in the Age of AI
In an age of Artificial Intelligence, millions remain disconnected. Join Good Things Foundation and Startup Coalition for a breakfast panel on how closing the digital divide can drive growth and why Labour must plug everyone into the UK’s tech-powered future.
Speakers:
Chair: Helen Milner, Group Chief Executive at Good Things Foundation
Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Andrew Finlayson, North West UK Region Lead at Accenture UK
Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2
Vinous Ali, Deputy Executive Director at Startup Coalition
George Robinson, Head of Government Affairs at VodafoneThree
Panel
Hosted by Startup Coalition and Good Things Foundation
9.30 - 10.30
Mobility for All: The Role of AVs in an Inclusive Transport Future
Roundtable
Hosted by Labour Digital and Waymo
After recent Government announcements, autonomous vehicles could be on UK roads by Spring 2026. With them comes the promise of 38,000 jobs and £2bn for the economy. Ensuring their benefits are felt fairly across society is crucial. Labour Digital and Waymo will explore how AVs can boost access, mobility, independence and safety in our communities.
By invitation only
11.00 - 12.15
Fintech and Furious: Is Labour Driving Fintech Forward?
Panel
Hosted by Startup Coalition and Revolut
A year into the first Labour Government since the Fintech revolution, how have they performed? Join Revolut and Startup Coalition for a panel discussion on Labour’s financial services ambitions, and progress to date. From Open Banking to financial literacy; green finance to payments innovation, we’ll reflect on the last year of financial services policy.
Speakers:
Chair: Charlie Mercer, Policy Director at Startup Coalition
Dame Meg Hillier MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch & Chair of the Treasury Select Committee
Francesca Carlesi, CEO of Revolut UK
Sarah Pritchard, Deputy CEO, Financial Conduct Authority
Claire Lewis, CEO and Co-Founder of Baltic Ventures
11.00 - 12.15
Labour Women in Tech Roundtable
Roundtable
Hosted by Labour Women in Tech
Join Labour Women in Tech to explore the structural barriers, cultural shifts, and strategic changes needed to create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry.
By invitation only
12.30 - 13.30
Open to Growth: Unlocking the Next Chapter of Open Finance
Panel
Hosted by Startup Coalition, Truelayer and Open Banking Limited
Labour’s manifesto set out a bold ambition to drive forward the next chapter of Open Banking. Join TrueLayer, OBL and Startup Coalition to explore why smarter financial infrastructure and solutions can drive innovation, improve inclusion, and how Open Finance can support Labour’s mission for a fairer economy.
Speakers:
Chair: Charlie Mercer, Policy Director at Startup Coalition
Luke Charters MP for York Outer & PPS for the Department for Business and Trade
Megan Coulson, UK Public Policy Lead at TrueLayer
Luke Ryder, Director of Standards, Strategic Policy and Public Affairs at Open Banking Limited
Sacha Sadan, Director of Sustainable Finance, Financial Conduct Authority
14.00 - 15.00
Beyond Compliance: Towards a More Responsible Online World, Together
Panel
Hosted by Labour Digital and Online Responsibility Network
As digital harms grow in scale and complexity, policy and regulation alone can’t keep us safe. Policymakers, industry, civil society and users all want safer, more secure online experiences. Join Labour Digital and Online Responsibility Network for this vital discussion about collaborating to create a safer, more trustworthy digital future for all.
14.00 - 15.00
Code Red: How HealthTechs Can Support the NHS
Roundtable
Hosted by Startup Coalition
Can smarter tech fix a stretched NHS? Join us to explore how Labour can back innovation in HealthTech from diagnostics and data to digital delivery and ensure the health system is fit for the future.
Get in touch with Vinous@startupcoalition.io if you would like to join this private roundtable.
15.30 - 16.30
The Doorstep Value of AI
Panel
Hosted by Labour Digital and Infosys
Join us to explore how the power of AI can deliver real, local impact—improving lives, boosting jobs, and driving growth in every corner of the UK. This panel will ask: how do we ensure AI’s benefits aren’t just felt in labs or boardrooms, but on doorsteps across the country?
15.30 - 16.30
Meeting the Al Skills Challenge
Roundtable
Hosted by Labour Digital and Google and Multiverse
Labour Digital's exclusive roundtable, in partnership with Google and Multiverse, 'Meeting the Al Skills Challenge - how can we train 7.5 million people to use Al by 2030'
RSVP to teekay.brown@fleetwoodstrategy.com to confirm your attendance.
17.00 - 18.00
Making the UK’s “AI Maker” Ambitions a Reality
Panel
Hosted by Labour Digital and NVIDIA
For 21st-century national success, AI is key. Developing a robust British AI ecosystem, including infrastructure, is an economic, social, and security imperative. Sovereign AI capability must be a core government objective. Join Labour Digital and NVIDIA to discuss sovereign AI and its role in achieving Labour’s government missions.
17.00 - 18.00
How to ensure UK is most AI-aware government in the world
Roundtable
Hosted by Labour Digital and Infosys
Whilst using AI in public services should be ‘plug and play’, it does not need to be ‘cut and paste’. This Labour Digital and Infosys roundtable will bring together key voices to discuss how we encourage those delivering public services to innovate and explore AI creatively.
By invitation only
18:30 - 20:30
Labour Tech Party
Party
Hosted by Startup Coalition, Labour Digital, Labour Women in Tech, and Revolut
We are bringing the best of the Tech Ecosystem together for our annual Labour Tech Party - Startup Coalition, Labour Digital, Labour Women in Tech and Revolut.
Speaker:
Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Lucy Rigby MP, Economic Secretary to HM Treasury
Samantha Niblett MP for South Derbyshire
20:30 - 22:30
Red, White and Brews
Party
Hosted by Startup Coalition and Progressive Policy Institute
The last few weeks have shown how strong the UK-US relationship is. To celebrate we are coming together with our friends from across the Atlantic. Join us for a some red, white and brews!
Speaker:
Kanishka Narayan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Lindsay Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI)
23.00 - Late
Labour Tech Lates
Party
Hosted by Startup Coalition , Labour Digital and Checkatrade
Join Startup Coalition, Labour Digital and Checkatrade for Labour Tech Lates: the unofficial official afters of conference. Expect a great crowd, from across the tech and policy worlds and a few punny surprises from behind the bar!
Tuesday 30th September
09.30 - 11.00
Reform vs. Renewables: The Battery Backlash and Needs of Communities
At this year’s Labour Party Conference, Zenobē is partnering with Lockton to host a focused panel discussion on how the BESS industry can strengthen public and political engagement. We’ll explore practical steps for:
Building trust through community outreach and benefit programmes
Collaborating with local fire services and councils
Developing flexible, industry-led safety frameworks that evolve with the technology
Speakers:
Jack Abbott MP, Ipswich
Adam Bell, Director of Policy at Stonehaven
Michael Bogdan, Partner at Lockton Companies
Ana Musat, Executive Director, Policy and Engagement, RenewableUK
11.00 - 12.30
Confidence & Capital: Fintech and the Future of Retail Investing
Panel
Hosted by Startup Coalition and Moneybox
How can Labour unlock wealth for the masses through fintech? How do we make people more financially confident and really drive a culture shift towards investing? Join Moneybox and Startup Coalition to explore how technology is democratising investment, helping people build wealth with confidence, and powering inclusive economic growth.
Speakers:
Chair: Charlie Mercer, Policy Director at Startup Coalition
Kanishka Narayan MP for the Vale of Glamorgan & Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Callum Anderson MP for Buckingham and Bletchley & PPS at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology
Karen Kerrigan, COO at Moneybox
Emad Aladhal, Director for Retail Banking at the Financial Conduct Authority
Tanisha Aggarwal, Chair of Labour in the City
11.30 - 12.30
The Digital Future: How can the UK drive digital adoption to build an inclusive economy?
Roundtable
Hosted by techUK and Visa
By invitation only. For more information, please reach out to Alice.Campbell@techUK.org.
12.30 - 13.30
Fireside Chat with Business Secretary, Rt. Hon Peter Kyle MP
Tech and Tacos
Hosted by Startup Coalition
Join Startup Coalition for Tech & Tacos, as we sit down with the Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, Rt. Hon. Peter Kyle MP for an intimate fireside chat.
We are looking forward to hearing his reflections on the successes of Labour’s tech agenda over the past twelve months and the critical role it plays in accelerating Labour’s missions across the country.
Come grab a taco and connect with the builders and technologists driving innovation forward.
14.30 - 16.30
Leader’s Speech Watch Party
Party and Panel
Hosted by the Startup Coalition and Milltown Partners
Join Startup Coalition & Milltown Partners for the Leader’s Speech Tech Watch Party and reflection panel. We will be hosting a watch party for the Leader’s Speech at our Tech Hub, immediately followed by a panel event to reflect on what was shared. We are excited to discuss the key impacts on the high-tech, high-growth economy and the role of innovation in the plan laid out by Keir.
Speakers:
Chair: Ben Greenstone, Partner at Milltown Partners
Dame Meg Hillier MP for Hackney South and Shoreditch & Chair of the Treasury Select Committee
Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West & Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Dom Hallas, Executive Director at Startup Coalition
17.00 - 18.30
Scaling the Heights: Driving the Rapid Growth of the UK’s Thriving Space Economy
Panel
Hosted by UKspace
Join UKspace and Satellite Applications Catapult for a dynamic discussion on the rapid growth of the UK space economy, underpinned by the Modern Industrial Strategy 2035 and a four-year, £240 million Advanced Communications Technology (ACT) research programme. This panel will explore how industry and academia are collaborating to commercialise emerging technologies in defence, transport, and next-generation telecoms networks, including satellites. Learn about the pivotal role of the satellite applications sector, innovation, resilience, and the scaling up of successful SMEs. The discussion will address meeting customer demand from civil and defence sectors and opportunities for international collaboration.
18.30 - 20.30
Electrifying Everything Reception: Unlocking an Upgraded Future for Britain’s Homes and Businesses
Party
Hosted by Startup Coalition and Electrify Britain
Join Startup Coalition and Electrify Britain for drinks and to hear how UK-made, low-carbon tech can power a cleaner, cheaper economy. With world-leading innovation, we must ensure tech is affordable and accessible. That’s Electrify Britain’s mission. Join us for some fun and electrifying conversation.
Speaker:
Alistair Strathern MP Hitchin & PPS for HM Treasury