St John’s Innovation Centre is pleased to host Tech for Good: Past Lessons; Future Choices, an inspiring morning panel discussion exploring how past technological innovation can help shape more responsible, ethical, and sustainable decision making in the future.
Bringing together founders, researchers, innovators, and community leaders, this event will examine the real-world impact of technology, its benefits, its unintended consequences, and its role in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
In partnership with the Centre for Computing History, this event forms part of the Cambridge Wide Open Day 2026 programme.
Discussion topics will include:
- What lessons from past technological innovation should we be more mindful of as we design the future?
- Where has technology delivered early efficiencies that later revealed hidden costs?
- The energy appetite of modern computing and the limits of current chip technologies
- The lifecycle and recyclability of new technologies
- Whether technology can genuinely help solve the climate crisis before tripping over its own footprint
- How “green” green tech really is, and whether greater regulation has a role to play
Whether you are building the next generation of technology, investing in innovation, researching sustainability, or simply interested in the future of responsible tech, this session will provide valuable insight and discussion alongside opportunities to connect with the wider Cambridge innovation community.
Confirmed Panellists
Gareth Marlow Former COO, Redgate Software
Martin Rigby — ET Capital
Nadirah Hussain — Broken Tech Broken Earth
Additional speakers to be announced.
Agenda
10:30–11:00 — Refreshments and The Centre for Computing History interactive exhibition on the mezzanine
11:00–12:00 — SJIC Panel Discussion: Tech for Good — Past Lessons, Future Choices
Including welcome & introductions, panel discussion, and audience Q&A.
Who Should Attend?
- Tech founders and entrepreneurs
- Investors and innovation leaders
- Researchers and academics
- Sustainability and climate-tech professionals
- Policy makers and ecosystem partners
- Anyone interested in ethical and responsible technology
Booking
Attendance is free, but places are limited and must be booked in advance.
Register via Eventbrite
