AI as a Sovereign Capability

The UK has world-class talent, universities and companies.
But a critical question remains: how do we turn that advantage into sovereign AI capability?
This evening brings together a focused group to cut through the noise on what "AI as a Sovereign Capability" actually means for the UK and Europe.
We'll be examining:
🔹 Technical readiness · Where do we actually stand? 🔹 Industrial strategy · What's working and what's missing? 🔹 Investment priorities · Where should capital flow next? 🔹 Operational integration · How does this get into the hands of those who need it? 🔹 Ethics & governance · What trade-offs are we willing to make?
The honest conversation: where we're winning, where we're slipping behind, and the practical steps to close the gap.

🎤 AGENDA
6pm - open doors & networking
7pm - Welcome by Critical Mass
7.05pm - Panel - AI as a Sovereign Capability with Dr. Manjari Chandran-Ramesh (Partner, Amadeus Capital), Andrew Weber (Chief Partnership Officer, Whitespace) and Mike Potter (Former Chief Digital Officer UK Government) moderated by Toby Call (Critical Mass).
Mike Potter, Senior Advisor and former Chief Digital Officer for the UK Government, led digital strategy and transformation across the Civil Service, shaping how services are designed and delivered at scale. Mike has held senior roles at Thames Water, HMRC and NHS Blood and Transplant, where he led award-winning transformation programmes across complex organisations. With a strong focus on AI adoption, service improvement and efficiency, Mike is known for building high performing teams and driving meaningful change, and is recognised as a Global CDO100 leader.

Dr. Manjari Chandran-Ramesh is a Partner in Amadeus Capital Partners and her investment focus is on AI, Robotics and Quantum Technologies. In more than a decade in Venture, she has experience raising several £100m for her portfolio companies, exiting 3 companies and operational experience as acting CEO. She is the Amadeus representative on several boards including Ravelin (acquired by WorldPay), NuQuantum, Seldon, Photonic, Tenzo and Safe Intelligence. A Rhodes Scholar and a Kauffman fellow, Manjari started her career in academia, after a PhD in Autonomous Vehicles, as a researcher and college lecturer at Oxford University, later moving to technology transfer at the University where she was responsible for commercialising intellectual property.

Andrew Webber is Chief Partnerships Officer at Whitespace, building strategic alliances that deliver value across the UK and international markets. Previously, as Chief Revenue Officer, he led go-to-market strategy and revenue expansion for advanced AI platforms in highly regulated environments. Earlier in his career at Microsoft, he held multiple leadership roles spanning marketing, developer engagement, and startup acceleration, earning recognition for impactful growth and industry influence.
🍕🍷 Drinks and pizza included with your ticket. Come for the debate, stay for the company.
📍 Hosted by Critical Mass at Techspace Goswell Road, London.

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🎟️ Concession Rates
A nominal ticket fee is charged to cover refreshments and help confirm attendance. If the cost of a ticket poses a barrier, please contact us directly to request a complimentary ticket.