Chris Perkins is a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator with a career dedicated to solving complex challenges at the intersection of technology, value creation, and community. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, Chris has led transformative initiatives across renewable energy, biotech, and healthcare. He co-founded Dropworks, a groundbreaking startup simplifying research through advanced PCR technology, later acquired by Bio-Rad Laboratories. Previously, he founded Copernican Energy, where his visionary approach helped pioneer solar-based biofuel solutions. Chris also served as an Executive-in-Residence at the Rocky Mountain Innosphere, mentoring startups and driving advancements in energy and biotech.

Andy Palmer is a renowned automotive leader with over 45 years of experience shaping the industry. Formerly COO of Nissan and President and Group CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, he is now the Founder & CEO of Palmer Automotive Ltd. and Palmer Energy Technology Ltd., specializing in interim CEO roles and company turnarounds.

Andy is also a prolific entrepreneur and board leader, serving as Chairman of PodPoint plc, Inobat, HiLo Ltd., Ionetic Ltd., and Executive Chairman of Brill Power Ltd. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is the founder of The Palmer Foundation, an advocate for innovation in the automotive and energy sectors, and an Honorary Group Captain in the RAF.

A visionary and commentator on automotive innovation, Andy brings unparalleled expertise in leadership, sustainability, and transforming businesses for future success.

Dr David Cleevely CBE FREng FIET is a celebrated entrepreneur, investor, and tech innovator. He is the Chairman of Chemify, Focal Point Positioning, and the Cambridge Science Centre, and has founded or co-founded several successful companies, including Abcam and 3WayNetworks. A prolific investor in over 35 companies, David also chairs ventures such as Bocca di Lupo and Gelupo.

He has been a driving force behind Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem, co-founding Cambridge Network, Cambridge Wireless, and Cambridge Angels, and advising on communications policy for Ofcom and the Ministry of Defence.

A Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the IET, David has held prominent academic roles, including Founding Director of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge. 

With a career blending technology, policy, and entrepreneurship, David brings unparalleled insight into innovation and leadership.

Priya Perumal is Chief Scientific Officer at C2CA, a position secured through Deep Tech Leaders. An accomplished researcher, Priya specialises in converting industrial sidestreams into sustainable construction materials to address growing infrastructure demands and reduce natural resource depletion.

With expertise in recycling mine tailings, urban mining waste, and demolished concrete, Priya develops innovative solutions for supplementary cements, granulated aggregates, and alkali-activated materials. Her recent work includes exploring CO₂ sequestration, eco-friendly materials, and circular construction methods.

Priya also excels in project management, IP management, business development, and transitioning research from concept to commercialisation. Her leadership and dedication are driving sustainable innovations in construction.

Eric Mayes is the CEO of Endomag, a company that spun out from University College London and the University of Houston in 2010. Under Eric's leadership, Endomag developed innovative solutions in the healthcare sector, culminating in a significant acquisition by Hologic for $310 million last year. Eric is a unique figure in the UK startup scene, bringing a wealth of experience from founding two advanced materials companies, Nanomagnetics and Apoclara, as well as contributing to the growth of Cambridge Display Technologies, one of the first Cambridge spin-outs to float on NASDAQ. His extensive background and strategic vision have been key to Endomag’s success, making this episode a special opportunity to hear from a CEO who has navigated the startup journey from inception to exit.

Kevin is the Managing Director of Lam Capital, the venture capital arm of Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ: LRCX), a $100B semiconductor materials engineering and manufacturing equipment company. In this role, Kevin invests in and supports entrepreneurs creating innovative solutions in advanced materials, manufacturing, compute hardware, and Industry 4.0. He is passionate about helping innovators tackle complex challenges, especially in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Kevin’s career spans high-growth sectors such as Sustainable Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and Additive Manufacturing. He has led product development and business development for diverse technologies, including energy storage, photovoltaics, and IoT sensors. With experience as CEO of a venture-funded hardtech company and as a startup co-founder, Kevin thrives in entrepreneurial environments. He also mentors entrepreneurs through the MIT Venture Mentoring Service in Silicon Valley.

Marc Singer
Marc Singer has nearly three decades of experience in venture capital, starting his career in the early '90s when the venture and entrepreneurial ecosystems were vastly different. Over the years, he has co-founded two venture firms, including Osage University Partners (OUP) in 2009. 

OUP is dedicated to investing in companies that transform groundbreaking university research into market-leading products, offering hands-on support at every stage, from seed to growth rounds. With investments spanning over 70 companies across software, hardware, cleantech, life sciences, and more, Marc brings deep expertise and a mission-driven approach to advancing the university entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Paul Mascarenas OBE is a leader in the automotive and engineering sectors, serving on the boards of onsemi (NASDAQ: ON), United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X), and the Shyft Group (NASDAQ: SHYF). He is also a Venture Partner at Detroit-based Fontinalis Partners, advising several startups and early-stage companies.

Previously, Paul held significant roles at Ford Motor Company, where he rose to Corporate Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, overseeing global research and engineering and founding the Palo Alto Research and Innovation Center. He chaired FISITA (UK) Ltd from 2018 to 2021 and was President from 2014 to 2016.

Paul holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from King's College, University of London, and an Honorary Doctorate from Chongqing University. He is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. In recognition of his contributions to the automotive industry, he was appointed an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II.

Peter J. Nieuwenhuizen PhD is a passionate advocate for sustainability in the chemical industry. With a PhD in chemistry, he has worked in various roles including lab research, sales & marketing, strategy consulting, executive leadership, venture capital, and in collaboration with green chemistry startups. Peter has served as CTO of AkzoNobel and Enerkem and is currently the Board chair of Itaconix Plc. He believes the chemical industry, central to many aspects of modern life, must evolve from its linear, fossil-based model into a circular, sustainable future. His work emphasises collaboration across technology, business, and creativity to address climate challenges and resource scarcity.

Tony Cochrane is a seasoned commercial executive and current Chief Commercial Officer at Nexeon, a role secured through Deep Tech Leaders. With a robust technical and operational background, Tony has extensive experience in strategic marketing, business development, manufacturing, and technology management.

His career spans building and leading commercial teams across North America, Europe, Asia, and Brazil, with a focus on clean energy, green hydrogen, and technology commercialization. 

Tony is an expert in technology licensing, executive management, and developing channel partnerships, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision to drive business growth.