Redefining web 3.0: Emerging economies, metaverse technologies, and the new age of the internet (with Shoosmiths)

Prakash Kerai (PK)

Partner, Shoosmiths

Prakash Kerai (PK) co-heads the fintech service line at Shoosmiths and has been advising on technology, outsourcing, and FinTech arrangements for nearly two decades. His ‘in-house’ experience includes acting as the General Counsel of a FinTech organisation (a digital challenger bank).  As a member of the Shoosmiths’ Technology Sector Executive team, PK also helps lead on the Blockchain & Digital Assets sub sector. In 2023, PK was appointed as a member of techUK’s Financial Services Council.

 

: https://www.shoosmiths.com/people/cvdetails/prakash-kerai

Dr Christina Yan Zhang

CEO and Founder, The Metaverse Institute

Dr Christina Yan Zhang is a metaverse pioneer and award-winning business leader with 17 years of experience shaping the future of technology. She holds a PhD in digital twin technology. The Metaverse Institute is made up of a group of pioneers of metaverse-related technologies including AI, digital twins and smart cities. They advise the UN, governments, investors and institutions on the use of cutting-edge technologies to improve the real world.

She has sat on 20+ committees for UNESCO, World Bank, Commonwealth, EU, and UK Governments. She is currently Vice Chair of the UN ITU Metaverse Working Group and Co-chair of the Citiverse Task Group, where she plays a key role in shaping the global standards on inclusive digital future and people-centered future cities for all. She regularly meets with top leaders, is a frequent keynote speaker at high level events, and is interviewed by top media. She recently spoke at UN High-Level Political Forum, WIPO summit, UN STI Forum.

Robby Yung

CEO, Animoca Brands

Robby Yung is the CEO of Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based mobile game developer and publisher listed in Australia. He was previously the Co-founder and CFO of Redgate Media, a venture-backed Chinese television and outdoor media holding company sold to Inno-Tech Holdings Limited (HK.8202). Mr Yung was also Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of One Media Group (HK.426), a Hong Kong-based magazine group. Prior to that, he was the Founder and CEO of One Studio, a venture-backed web development company in Hong Kong, and OSMedia, a Chinese television advertising sales company. He began his career at Metromedia (AMEX: MMG) building wireless telecom networks in China and Indonesia.

Rory Daniels

Chair and Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, techUK

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, semiconductors, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.

: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

Miquel Vidal

Head of Extended Reality Solutions, CBRE

Miquel Vidal is Head of Extended Reality Solutions for CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions, Digital and Technology Team. He has been an evangelist and a leader on XR (Extended Reality) within CBRE for the past six years, working transversely across the business as an ambassador for the value and benefits of disruptive technology. He has successfully run “proof of concept” projects, pilots and recently has productised and soft-launched CBRE XRS (Extended Reality Solutions) for CBRE frontline workers to use at their respective client sites. In addition to this, he has also been actively involved in all things metaverse for the last two years. Having worked with CBRE now for ten years, he has moved from being an Innovation and Programme Manager into leading Extended Reality Solutions for the global company, with a goal to create, productise and deliver XRS across CBRE.

Gina Nelson

COO / Art Director aka Boss Witch, Oxalis Games

Gina is a self taught artist who has been in the games industry for over 15 years, having worked with several studios and major IPs (including Relentless, Hasbro, Disney and Lionsgate to name a few). She was previously the Art Director at The Secret Police, and most recently led the art teams on Gears POP! and Temple Run for Mediatonic before co-founding Oxalis Games with Ric Moore. Oxalis Games is being funded by the likes of Supercell, Animoca, Griffin Gaming Partners, Pantera and Blocore. Gina runs the day to day operations of the studio and is responsible for directing the Art for their original IP- Moonfrost.

Rajesh Sadhwani

Managing Director - Banking & Capital Markets, DXC Technology

Rajesh Sadhwani is a Managing Director in DXC Technology's Banking and Capital Markets practice in London. He has over 20 years consulting, programme management and business development experience working with financial services firms to structure and deliver digital transformation programmes that bring innovation, regulatory compliance and achieve sustainable cost reduction. Rajesh is passionate about helping clients navigate the strategic, data and execution-related challenges and opportunities created by emerging technologies such as blockchain/DLT, AI, the metaverse and the wider web 3.0 ecosystem

Sam Tyfield

Partner, Shoosmiths

Sam is co-head of the Blockchain & Digital Assets at Shoosmiths. He advises principal trading firms, market makers, wholesale and retail brokers and recognised investment exchanges, multilateral trading facilities and organised trading facilities across multiple asset classes and jurisdictions, including in cryptoassets and cryptoasset derivatives. Sam and his team also act for firms in the traditional and decentralised financial services sector which are suppliers to these firms and token issuers. He has been involved in a variety of industry (non-legal) working groups focusing on best practice and industry guidance on matters such as senior management responsibilities and regulations in areas such as algorithmic trading, artificial intelligence/machine learning, clock synchronisation, trade transparency and reporting issues and potential regulation of DeFi businesses and assets.

: https://www.shoosmiths.com/people/cvdetails/sam-tyfield

Laura Foster

Head of Programme - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Head of Programme for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies across business, including Geospatial Data, Quantum Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies.

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally in London, Singapore and across the United States as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Teddy Keefe

Senior Business Development Manager, Tencent

Teddy Keefe is a member of the Business Development team at Tencent Games where he specializes in scouting, signing, and supporting Tencent's investments across Europe. His prior experience includes roles in the Stadia and YouTube divisions at Google, as well as the Xbox team at Microsoft.

Charlie Neuner

Immersive Technologies, Strategy Lead, PwC

Charlie Neuner works within PwC UK’s EmTech Centre of Excellence focusing on Immersive Technologies and has been with the firm for over 6 years. Charlie helps clients demystify the concepts and understand the enterprise value of metaverse and immersive technologies, working cross industry to deliver these solutions. His experience transcends into B2C where he has worked on a VR entertainment platform to bring content to consumers with live co-sync. Charlie also has vast experience using immersive tech for training and collaboration, deploying programmes internally and for clients.

Erika Bosch Ramirez

Product Designer, Volta

No bio provided

Tom Fiddian

Head of Artificial Intelligence and Data Economy Programmes, Innovate UK

Tom is a seasoned innovation strategist with a distinguished track record in orchestrating and overseeing funding programmes for Innovate UK within the expansive realm of the creative and digital economy. At present, he spearheads the management of a £100 million R&D fund, with a primary focus on fostering innovation in the creative industries, online safety, and future telecoms.

Tom is overseeing three of the UK Government’s paramount innovation and growth programmes for the creative industries; the Creative Catalyst, the Create Growth Programme and the Circular Fashion Programme. As well as this he is the lead consultant on the creative industries for all of Innovate UK’s programmes which support the sector including: BridgeAI, regional Launchpads and Smart grants.

Laura Foster

Head of Programme - Technology and Innovation, techUK

Laura is techUK’s Head of Programme for Technology and Innovation.

She supports the application and expansion of emerging technologies across business, including Geospatial Data, Quantum Computing, AR/VR/XR and Edge technologies.

Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally in London, Singapore and across the United States as a conference researcher and producer covering enterprise adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the strategic team at London Tech Week.

Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University, focussing on regional social history. Outside of work she loves reading, travelling and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.

Rory Daniels

Chair and Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, techUK

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, semiconductors, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.

: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

Prakash Kerai (PK)

Partner, Shoosmiths

Prakash Kerai (PK) co-heads the fintech service line at Shoosmiths and has been advising on technology, outsourcing, and FinTech arrangements for nearly two decades. His ‘in-house’ experience includes acting as the General Counsel of a FinTech organisation (a digital challenger bank).  As a member of the Shoosmiths’ Technology Sector Executive team, PK also helps lead on the Blockchain & Digital Assets sub sector. In 2023, PK was appointed as a member of techUK’s Financial Services Council.

 

: https://www.shoosmiths.com/people/cvdetails/prakash-kerai

Miquel Vidal

Head of Extended Reality Solutions, CBRE

Miquel Vidal is Head of Extended Reality Solutions for CBRE’s Global Workplace Solutions, Digital and Technology Team. He has been an evangelist and a leader on XR (Extended Reality) within CBRE for the past six years, working transversely across the business as an ambassador for the value and benefits of disruptive technology. He has successfully run “proof of concept” projects, pilots and recently has productised and soft-launched CBRE XRS (Extended Reality Solutions) for CBRE frontline workers to use at their respective client sites. In addition to this, he has also been actively involved in all things metaverse for the last two years. Having worked with CBRE now for ten years, he has moved from being an Innovation and Programme Manager into leading Extended Reality Solutions for the global company, with a goal to create, productise and deliver XRS across CBRE.

Dr Christina Yan Zhang

CEO and Founder, The Metaverse Institute

Dr Christina Yan Zhang is a metaverse pioneer and award-winning business leader with 17 years of experience shaping the future of technology. She holds a PhD in digital twin technology. The Metaverse Institute is made up of a group of pioneers of metaverse-related technologies including AI, digital twins and smart cities. They advise the UN, governments, investors and institutions on the use of cutting-edge technologies to improve the real world.

She has sat on 20+ committees for UNESCO, World Bank, Commonwealth, EU, and UK Governments. She is currently Vice Chair of the UN ITU Metaverse Working Group and Co-chair of the Citiverse Task Group, where she plays a key role in shaping the global standards on inclusive digital future and people-centered future cities for all. She regularly meets with top leaders, is a frequent keynote speaker at high level events, and is interviewed by top media. She recently spoke at UN High-Level Political Forum, WIPO summit, UN STI Forum.

Rajesh Sadhwani

Managing Director - Banking & Capital Markets, DXC Technology

Rajesh Sadhwani is a Managing Director in DXC Technology's Banking and Capital Markets practice in London. He has over 20 years consulting, programme management and business development experience working with financial services firms to structure and deliver digital transformation programmes that bring innovation, regulatory compliance and achieve sustainable cost reduction. Rajesh is passionate about helping clients navigate the strategic, data and execution-related challenges and opportunities created by emerging technologies such as blockchain/DLT, AI, the metaverse and the wider web 3.0 ecosystem

Sam Tyfield

Partner, Shoosmiths

Sam is co-head of the Blockchain & Digital Assets at Shoosmiths. He advises principal trading firms, market makers, wholesale and retail brokers and recognised investment exchanges, multilateral trading facilities and organised trading facilities across multiple asset classes and jurisdictions, including in cryptoassets and cryptoasset derivatives. Sam and his team also act for firms in the traditional and decentralised financial services sector which are suppliers to these firms and token issuers. He has been involved in a variety of industry (non-legal) working groups focusing on best practice and industry guidance on matters such as senior management responsibilities and regulations in areas such as algorithmic trading, artificial intelligence/machine learning, clock synchronisation, trade transparency and reporting issues and potential regulation of DeFi businesses and assets.

: https://www.shoosmiths.com/people/cvdetails/sam-tyfield

Charlie Neuner

Immersive Technologies, Strategy Lead, PwC

Charlie Neuner works within PwC UK’s EmTech Centre of Excellence focusing on Immersive Technologies and has been with the firm for over 6 years. Charlie helps clients demystify the concepts and understand the enterprise value of metaverse and immersive technologies, working cross industry to deliver these solutions. His experience transcends into B2C where he has worked on a VR entertainment platform to bring content to consumers with live co-sync. Charlie also has vast experience using immersive tech for training and collaboration, deploying programmes internally and for clients.

Rory Daniels

Chair and Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, techUK

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, semiconductors, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.

: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

Tom Fiddian

Head of Artificial Intelligence and Data Economy Programmes, Innovate UK

Tom is a seasoned innovation strategist with a distinguished track record in orchestrating and overseeing funding programmes for Innovate UK within the expansive realm of the creative and digital economy. At present, he spearheads the management of a £100 million R&D fund, with a primary focus on fostering innovation in the creative industries, online safety, and future telecoms.

Tom is overseeing three of the UK Government’s paramount innovation and growth programmes for the creative industries; the Creative Catalyst, the Create Growth Programme and the Circular Fashion Programme. As well as this he is the lead consultant on the creative industries for all of Innovate UK’s programmes which support the sector including: BridgeAI, regional Launchpads and Smart grants.

Robby Yung

CEO, Animoca Brands

Robby Yung is the CEO of Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based mobile game developer and publisher listed in Australia. He was previously the Co-founder and CFO of Redgate Media, a venture-backed Chinese television and outdoor media holding company sold to Inno-Tech Holdings Limited (HK.8202). Mr Yung was also Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of One Media Group (HK.426), a Hong Kong-based magazine group. Prior to that, he was the Founder and CEO of One Studio, a venture-backed web development company in Hong Kong, and OSMedia, a Chinese television advertising sales company. He began his career at Metromedia (AMEX: MMG) building wireless telecom networks in China and Indonesia.

Teddy Keefe

Senior Business Development Manager, Tencent

Teddy Keefe is a member of the Business Development team at Tencent Games where he specializes in scouting, signing, and supporting Tencent's investments across Europe. His prior experience includes roles in the Stadia and YouTube divisions at Google, as well as the Xbox team at Microsoft.

Gina Nelson

COO / Art Director aka Boss Witch, Oxalis Games

Gina is a self taught artist who has been in the games industry for over 15 years, having worked with several studios and major IPs (including Relentless, Hasbro, Disney and Lionsgate to name a few). She was previously the Art Director at The Secret Police, and most recently led the art teams on Gears POP! and Temple Run for Mediatonic before co-founding Oxalis Games with Ric Moore. Oxalis Games is being funded by the likes of Supercell, Animoca, Griffin Gaming Partners, Pantera and Blocore. Gina runs the day to day operations of the studio and is responsible for directing the Art for their original IP- Moonfrost.