AI Sovereignty in the Era of Strategic Competition

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, industries and societies around the world. As AI capabilities accelerate, questions of sovereignty, resilience and strategic advantage are becoming increasingly important. Countries are now asking what it will take to develop, deploy and benefit from AI while maintaining long-term competitiveness in an AI-driven world. From access to talent, compute and investment, to trusted supply chains, adoption and innovation, AI is becoming a strategic capability that will shape economic prosperity, national resilience and global influence for decades to come. As part of Gloucestershire Tech Week, this event will bring together leaders from technology, national security, research and industry to explore what AI sovereignty means in practice, and how the UK can build and maintain strategic advantage in an era of increasing global competition. Hosted by Jo Miller, Chief Security Officer at Microsoft UK, the panel will feature a Senior Leader within National Security, Gaven Smith, former Director General for Technology and Chief Technology Officer at GCHQ, Sam Soares, Chief Revenue Officer at CultureAI and adviser to cyber and AI startups, Tom Coates, Founder and CEO of Bessemer AI and Tim Dodwell, Founder and CEO of digiLab. Together they will explore the future of artificial intelligence, the rise of agentic AI, the realities of building sovereign capability, and the choices facing governments, investors, industry and innovators. Drawing on perspectives from national security, technology leadership, scientific research, AI adoption, commercialisation and sovereign capability, the discussion will examine what the UK must do now to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven world. Taking place in Cheltenham, home to one of the UK's leading cyber and national security ecosystems, this event offers a unique opportunity to hear from leaders shaping the future of AI and innovation, while connecting with senior decision-makers, founders, investors, researchers and policymakers from across the UK. (Alternative registration: If you are unable or would prefer not to register through Luma, please contact Sarah Pye at [email protected] and we can arrange registration separately). Event Agenda 6:30 PM to 7:00 PMArrival drinks & canapés 7:00 PM to 8:15 PMConference Welcome from Plexal Opening ReflectionsJo Miller, Chief Security Officer, Microsoft UK Panel Discussion: AI Sovereignty in the Era of Strategic CompetitionJo Miller in conversation with Gaven Smith, a Senior National Security Leader, Sam Soares, Tim Dodwell and Tom Coates. Audience Q&A 8:15 PM to 9:00 PMNetworking and drinks