Event Four – Reindustrialising the North through Technology, Investment, and Social Mobility
Not just recordings — a curated record of ambition, insight, and real industrial momentum.
Opening Keynote
Round One Pitches Presented at The Foundry
Dr Rob Ward is the CEO and Co-Founder of DigitalCNC, a digital manufacturing software company dedicated to transforming the industry. Previously an Industrial Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC, he brings a unique perspective on digital manufacturing, including advanced control of manufacturing processes (subtractive and additive). Rob is the Founder and Director of the Robotics & Autonomous Manufacturing Systems Lab at the University of Sheffield and is known for his dedication to translating fundamental research into practical industrial applications, collaborating with companies from SMEs to OEMs. His work has been nationally recognised, including a nomination for Digital Twin Machine Tool Control at the National Manufacturing and Engineering Awards.
Specialising in additive manufacturing (AM) with over seven years of research experience. He has worked extensively with metals, ceramics, polymers, and advanced materials like lunar regolith and bulk metallic glass. His PhD with Johnson Matthey focused on developing silver brazing alloys, building on degrees in Metallurgy (Sheffield) and Physics (Durham). Rob’s published work on defect analysis is widely cited, and he regularly reviews for leading journals including Nature Communications. He is a pioneer in AM-produced metal optics, collaborating with UK and international observatories on cutting-edge space and astronomy technologies.
Fireside Chat
Head of the Technology Media and Telecoms team at Edison, Europe’s leading independent investment research and engagement company. Leading the growth of Edison’s TMT franchise on a global basis and across all of our product lines – Equity Research, Investor Access, Edison TV and Due Diligence.
Panel - The Northern Engine: Driving Growth with Grit
Round Two Pitches Presented at The Foundry
Dan Lord is a former IP Manager at TWI, home of Friction Stir Welding (FSW), with over 20 years’ experience in innovation, patent strategy, and commercialisation across advanced manufacturing. He led global IP licensing, infringement actions, and industrial partnerships in FSW. He is now co-leading StirLight, a commercial-stage startup developing StirSense — a real-time quality control system combining AI, edge-deployed 5G, and weld signature capture to enable scalable FSW for aerospace, EVs, and clean manufacturing.
With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing research, Robert specialises in hybrid additive manufacturing approaches and the translation of academic research into real-world applications. His work has led to multiple patent applications, spinouts, and licensing activities. Robert’s collaborative, multidisciplinary approach crosses both academia and industry, covering a broad range of sectors. At Hydra Manufacturing, he now leads the commercialisation of advanced hybrid 3D printing technologies for high-performance materials including ceramics, continuing his commitment to bridging research and industry to drive technological progress.
Closing Keynote - Rt Hon Richard Caborn
Born in Sheffield in 1943, he began his career as an apprentice engineer, rising through the trade union movement before entering politics. He was a Member of the European Parliament (1979–84) and later held several ministerial roles, including in Trade, Regions, and Planning. As Minister for Sport (2001–2007), he played a key role in securing the London 2012 Olympics and delivering the Olympic Legacy. Post-politics, he has served as Strategic Advisor to the University of Sheffield AMRC, Chair of the Olympic Legacy Park, and President of the Youth Hostel Association. He holds honorary fellowships from several institutions and was awarded the Freedom of the City of Sheffield in 2022.