Panel Discussion and Interactive Exhibition at St John’s Innovation Centre
St John’s Innovation Centre is pleased to host Tech for Good: Past Lessons; Future Choices, an inspiring morning panel discussion and interactive exhibition exploring how lessons from past technological innovation can help shape more responsible, ethical and sustainable decision making in the future.
Delivered in partnership with the Centre for Computing History (CCH) as part of Cambridge Wide Open Day 2026, the event brings together founders, researchers, innovators, sustainability specialists and community organisations to examine the real-world impact of technology its benefits, its unintended consequences, and its role in addressing major global challenges such as climate change.
Alongside the panel discussion, visitors can explore a special mezzanine exhibition featuring interactive displays from the Centre for Computing History, historic Cambridge technology prototypes, and Cambridge Online’s Tech Amnesty initiative, highlighting the importance of sustainability, reuse and community engagement in technology.
Discussion Topics
The panel discussion will explore:
- 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 technology really is, and whether greater regulation has a role to play
- The balance between innovation, environmental impact and responsible growth
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 Speakers
- Gareth Marlow – Chair and Former COO, Redgate Software
- Barnaby Perks – Introductions
- Martin Rigby – Managing Director, ET Capital
- Dr Katherine Gobey – PhD Research Scientist, University of Cambridge
- Nadirah Hussain – Project Coordinator, Broken Tech: Broken Earth, Centre for Computing History
- Jason Mashinchi – Founder, Cambridge Kinetics
Mezzanine Exhibition
Running throughout the day, the mezzanine will serve as the event’s public-facing activity space, showcasing how technology’s past can inform a more sustainable future.
Centre for Computing History Interactive Exhibition
Visitors will be able to explore interactive exhibits, retro technology displays and objects from the Broken Tech: Broken Earth project, examining the environmental and social impact of modern technology.
Prototypes Showcase
A curated display of rare prototypes and experimental technologies will offer a unique insight into the culture of innovation that helped shape the Cambridge Phenomenon.
Featured exhibits include:
- Hermann Hauser’s Active Book board
- Early Raspberry Pi prototype
- Acorn RISC PC 600 prototype
- Items from the Chris Wilding Sinclair Collection, including a Microdrive Development Model
- NewBrain demonstration computer with clear case
- Pre-production ICL One Per Desk
- Xbox 360 prototype
These artefacts reveal the realities of innovation in practice, experimentation, iteration, problem solving and ideas that were often ahead of their time.
Cambridge Online Tech Amnesty
Throughout the day, Cambridge Online will host a Tech Amnesty collection point, encouraging visitors to donate unwanted digital devices for reuse, refurbishment or responsible recycling.
The initiative supports digital inclusion while helping reduce electronic waste, demonstrating practical ways technology can deliver positive community impact.
Networking and Community Activity
The exhibition space will also include:
- Refreshments and cakes
- Informal networking opportunities
- Interactive demonstrations
- Open office activity around the Innovation Centre
- Opportunities to engage with representatives from the Centre for Computing History and Cambridge Online
Agenda
10:30–11:00 — Refreshments and interactive exhibition on the mezzanine
Explore the Centre for Computing History displays, Cambridge technology prototypes and Cambridge Online Tech Amnesty activities.
11:00–12:00 — Tech for Good: Past Lessons; Future Choices Panel Discussion
Including welcome and introductions, panel discussion and audience Q&A.
10:30–15:00 — Exhibition, Tech Amnesty and networking activities continue throughout the day.
Who Should Attend?
- Tech founders and entrepreneurs
- Investors and innovation leaders
- Researchers and academics
- Sustainability and climate-tech professionals
- Policymakers and ecosystem partners
- Anyone interested in ethical, responsible and future-focused technology
Booking
Attendance is free, but places are limited and must be booked in advance.
Register via Eventbrite
