Adnan Akbar, Head of Data Science and Innovation, Chief Technical Officer, The Open University

Adnan has a solid track record of impactful contributions to AI and data science. His ability to drive innovation and practical impact across diverse sectors has seen him recognised as an Upcoming Future Leader in Data Science by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Adnan’s recent work includes spearheading transformative AI initiatives that align with institutional goals and uphold rigorous ethical standards.

Adnan also co-founded an AI-driven property search platform in the PropTech sector, allowing him to blend his technical expertise with strategic leadership, helping people find ideal properties through intelligent, data-centric solutions. Furthermore, he consults for numerous start-ups, helping to implement robust, scalable, ethical AI roadmaps.