As a Non-Executive Director, staying ahead of emerging technology is essential to effective oversight. The third session of the 'IBM NED Talks' series will explore how Quantum Computing and Agentic AI are reshaping enterprise risk, opportunity, and governance - expanding the board’s role in building secure, sustainable, and future-ready organisations.
As businesses transition to a digital-plus-human model, boards must balance innovation with accountability.
Learn how IBM is enabling responsible transformation through quantum leadership, trusted AI, and open innovation - insights every board needs to navigate the next wave of disruption.
This IBM NED Talk will open with a keynote on the Quantum Advantage and will showcase 3 key spotlight sessions:
Keynote: Quantum Advantage – How Boards Can Lead in an Era of Exponential Technology
Quantum computing will be foundational to solving the world's most complex business and societal challenges - from accelerating sustainable materials discovery to unlocking efficiencies across energy and supply chains. This keynote will explore the potential of quantum computing in addressing sustainability challenges. Quantum algorithms are being developed to optimise energy consumption, improve resource management, and accelerate clean technology development. By leveraging quantum computing, we can create a more sustainable future where technology and environmental stewardship coexist. The quantum era is no longer distant.
Spotlight 1: Secure your enterprise for the Quantum Era
Cryptography touches every corner of the digital world - from internet protocols and enterprise applications to critical infrastructure and financial systems. To manage cryptography effectively in the quantum era, organisations are transitioning to post-quantum encryption algorithms and modernising their cybersecurity practices. IBM Quantum Safe™ provides the technology, services, and strategy needed to execute an end-to-end quantum-safe transformation and build cryptographic agility.
Spotlight 2: Agentic AI – Enabling Trust and Accountability at Scale
In this session, delegates will examine Agentic AI from a board-level perspective: how it reshapes enterprise risk, redefines accountability, and creates new value streams. Discover IBM and Palo Alto's approach to building AI that is safe, explainable, and trustworthy - enabling boards to confidently steward responsible AI adoption and oversight in a rapidly evolving regulatory and stakeholder environment.
Spotlight 3: The Human Shift – Empowering People in a Digital-Plus-Human Future
IBM’s vision for the future of business is not just digital - it’s digital plus human. As organisations accelerate transformation, the role of people - employees, customers, and society - must remain central to the board’s agenda. This session explores how IBM helps enterprises embed human-centered design, upskilling, and inclusive innovation into their technology strategy. Learn how boards can lead with purpose, ensuring technology enhances human potential while driving sustainable performance and organisational resilience.
Speakers:
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| Ame Stuart - Senior Partner, Strategic Partners Leader UKI, IBM Consulting |
Dr Nicola Hodson - Chair, IBM UK & Ireland |
Nick Levy - Partner, Client Partner Consulting, IBM |
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| Adam Hammond - IBM Quantum Distinguished Ambassador |
Scott McKinnon - Chief Security Officer, UK&I, Palo Alto Networks
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Jez Bassinder - Partner, UKI Generative AI and watsonx leader, IBM
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Elaine Parr - Vice President, Consumer Industries - EMEA, IBM
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Agenda:
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM ~ Registration & Coffee
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM ~ Introduction to the day
10:10 AM - 10:35 AM ~ Keynote: Quantum Advantage – How Boards Can Lead in an Era of Exponential Technology
10:35 AM - 10:55 AM ~ Spotlight 1: Secure your enterprise for the Quantum Era
10:55 AM - 11:15 AM ~ Spotlight 2: Agentic AI – Enabling Trust and Accountability at Scale
11:15 AM - 11:25 AM ~ Break
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM ~ Spotlight 3: The Human Shift – Empowering People in a Digital-Plus-Human Future
11:45 AM - 12:20 PM ~ Panel Discussion
12:20 PM - 12:30 PM ~ Wrap Up and Close
12:30 PM - 12:40 PM ~ Quantum Experience
12:40 PM - 1:40 PM ~ Lunch