Meet the Mentors: Industry Experts Guiding Your Journey
Discover the industry leaders shaping the Digital Futures Accelerator. These experts are ready to inspire and guide the next generation of tech innovators.
Empowering Future Innovators
Real-World Expertise
Our mentors bring cutting-edge industry knowledge to students. They share practical insights that textbooks can't provide.
Career Guidance
Students gain invaluable advice on navigating tech careers. Mentors illuminate pathways in AI, product management, and more.
Inspiration
Through personal stories, mentors ignite passion for innovation. They demonstrate the impact of technology on society.
Mary Kemp: AI Innovator
Founder Director at AI Potential
What I specialise in:
I help people and businesses use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to make life simpler and more creative. Instead of replacing people, I show how AI can highlight what makes us unique, freeing up time for teams to focus on what they do best. I love breaking big, complicated challenges into easy steps that help people achieve their goals. It’s all about working together, building strengths, and making things better for everyone!
How I can help you with your Digital Project
I focus on hands-on learning, challenging students to think critically about AI applications. I encourage ethical considerations in AI development, fostering responsible innovation among young minds.
What I am passionate about
I'm passionate about demystifying AI for business and leaders to be more productive, save time and be more effective
Will Callaghan: Product Management Expert
Director at Tech Resort and Friendly Digital
What I specialise in:
I have extensive experience in product management, developing innovative solutions, and bringing products to market. I specialize in turning ideas into actionable plans while fostering collaboration within teams
How I can support you
I will support your team by helping you structure your ideas, plan your digital product’s development, and think critically about your project goals to ensure success
What I am passionate about
I’m passionate about transforming ideas into successful products, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. I focus on clear strategy and critical thinking to solve real-world problems.
James Byford: Digital Business and skills
Founder at Adventures and Wisdom Institute
What I specialise in:
II specialise in combining creativity and technology to make exciting and impactful projects. I’ve worked in areas like digital innovation, virtual reality, art and design, and business, creating solutions that bring education, arts, and technology together. My focus is on helping teams come up with great ideas, learn by doing, and turn their ideas into real-world results that make a difference
How I can support you
I can help your team think creatively and strategically, blending design thinking with innovative approaches to problem-solving. Whether it’s refining your product idea, improving user experience, or developing a strong narrative for your pitch, I’ll support you in connecting the dots between creativity, technology, and practical execution to deliver a standout project.
What I am passionate about
I’m passionate about blending creativity with technology to create impactful projects. I love helping teams think outside the box, turning innovative ideas into real-world solutions that make a difference in education, art, and technology.
Kitty Newman: Marketing Expert
Founder Trapeze Media
What I specialise in:
I’m all about helping businesses and ideas grow by using digital marketing to connect with the right people. I specialise in using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Google to create campaigns that grab attention and get results. My focus is on helping brands stand out and tell their story in ways that make an impact.
How I can support you
I’ll help your team think like real marketers! Whether it’s coming up with a strong brand, planning social media posts, or creating content that grabs attention, I’m here to guide you. I can share tips on how to communicate your ideas clearly and show you ways to promote your digital product to reach the right audience.
What I am passionate about
I’m passionate about creativity, problem-solving, and using digital platforms to make ideas come to life. I love helping people explore new ways to tell their story and reach their goals. Seeing young people come up with unique ideas and turning them into something real is what excites me most!
John Haynes: Product Designer and Founder
Strategic Alliances Lead
What I specialise in:
I specialise in user experience (UX) design, helping create digital solutions that are intuitive, human-centered, and impactful. My approach focuses on ensuring that technology serves its users effectively and provides a seamless experience
How I can support you
I can help your team think critically about how users will interact with your digital product. From functionality to design, I’ll guide you in making user-friendly, accessible, and visually appealing solutions.
What I am passionate about
I’m passionate about creating user-centered digital solutions that are intuitive and impactful. I focus on ensuring technology serves its users effectively, providing seamless experiences that enhance usability and accessibility
Carlotta Zorzi-Chapman: Global Partnerships Leader
Strategic Alliances Lead
What I specialise in:
I work in the exciting world of partnerships and technology, helping big companies like Shopify team up with others to create amazing projects. My background includes working in media, advertising, and tech, where I’ve helped businesses grow and launch new ideas.
How I can support you
I can help you think creatively about how to solve problems and turn ideas into reality. Whether it’s figuring out how to promote your product, making connections with your audience, or creating a clear plan, I’m here to guide you and share real-world tips to make your project stand out.
What I am passionate about
I’m passionate about inspiring young people to think big and dream about what they can achieve. I love helping teams come up with new ideas and find innovative ways to make them happen. I also enjoy sharing what I’ve learned from working around the world to show how teamwork and creativity can lead to success.
Kev Jones: Technical Innovation
Freelance Innovation Consultant
What I specialise in:
I've worked as an engineer, technical architect, founder, lecturer, product owner, project manager and business consultant.
I work with UK and US companies with cutting-edge innovations to help them secure funding to develop and launch products. Current clients include companies across AI, edtech, biotech and fintech.
How I can support you
I can help you refine your ideas, define your target market and suggest ways to make your idea become sustainable
What I am passionate about
I thrive on helping people with big ideas to solve big problems using innovative technology. I’m passionate about the use of technology to improve access to opportunities, help people meet their potential and create a better and more equitable world.
Brian Drinkwater: Media and Entertainment Specialist
Consulting Partner at Kyle Partnership
What I specialise in:
I’m a consultant and project manager in the media, entertainment, and live events sectors. I advise and collaborate with companies on creative and technical projects of all types and size including content distribution, EDI, AI, and Educational Technology. 
How I can support you
I help teams create better versions of themselves through supporting them in thinking about working collaboratively to drive improvement, by considering the use of practical operational models and processes. 
What I am passionate about
I am passionate about working with others to drive innovation through new products, services, and business ideas, particularly where there is an opportunity to improve other people’s lives from these. 
Diverse Expertise, One Mission
Innovation
Our mentors drive cutting-edge advancements in their fields. They inspire students to think beyond boundaries.
Collaboration
Team projects mirror real-world tech environments. Mentors guide students in effective teamwork strategies.
Creativity
Problem-solving skills are honed through creative challenges. Mentors encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
Growth
Personal and professional development is key. Mentors help students chart their career trajectories.
The Mentor Experience
1
Group guidance
Mentors will meet three times with the group, either online or in person, to provide guidance and support to the group, helping you to plan and shape your projects
2
Project-Based Learning
The mentors will help you think about the whole project, how you will work together on the project and deliver your goals.
3
Network Building
Students connect with industry professionals. These relationships can lead to future opportunities
Join Our Mentor Network
1
Apply
Fill out our online application. Share your expertise and passion for mentoring.
2
Connect
Connect with our team. Discuss your vision for empowering young innovators.
3
Onboard
Complete mentor training. Learn best practices for guiding students effectively.
4
Inspire
Start mentoring! Shape the future of tech through your guidance.
Register interest in becoming a mentor here