In his recent ‘pro-enterprise’ speech, David Cameron, Prime Minister, United Kingdom, outlined his vision for turning the years ahead into the most entrepreneurial and dynamic in the history of the UK. His plan to build a new economic dynamism in order to create growth relies heavily on innovation and start-ups alongside collaboration between universities and businesses. So, if we are to look to entrepreneurs and universities in order to drive economic growth, where do we start and who leads by example? 

In another recent speech, the Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University, Sir Leszek Borysewisz outlined how transformative solutions to really difficult problems come from great universities, like Cambridge putting the multidisciplinary brains of the university at the disposal of industry.

With opening remarks being delivered by the Vice Chancellor of the University, we ask 4 iconic Silicon Valley experts and 4 iconic Cambridge Alumni to outline what they believe will best improve the economies we operate in and to talk about upcoming "disruptive" technologies that will shape our futures.  We conclude the evening with the audience voting on what the most groundbreaking technologies will be. 

Opening Remarks:  Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice Chancellor of University of Cambridge:

Reid Hoffman, Greylock & Linkedin
Megan Smith, Google & MIT

Joi Ito, Creative Commons & advisor to Japanese & Singapore Governments
Nick Beim, Matrix Partners & Endeavor

Michael Liebreich, Bloomberg New Energy Finance

Rob Wylie, MD of Wheb Ventures  

Gavin Patterson, MD BT Retail 

Hermann Hauser, MP Amadeus