Real Futures: Cloud, Data and AI Architecture for Startups That Need to Scale
How you design your cloud, data, and AI architecture shapes your ability to scale long before growth becomes visible. Early infrastructure decisions influence performance, cost, speed of iteration, and the quality of insights you can generate.
This session focuses on building the right foundations from the start. It is designed to help founders make practical architecture decisions that support scaling without unnecessary complexity or technical debt.
Rather than focusing on abstract technical frameworks, this session centres on what works in practice for early-stage and scaling teams, how systems are structured, how data flows, and how AI capabilities are built into your stack from day one.
We will explore how to:
Design cloud architectures that support growth without overengineering
Structure data systems that enable reliable insight and decision making
Integrate AI capabilities in ways that are practical and scalable
Balance speed, cost, and performance in early technical decisions
Avoid common architecture mistakes that create bottlenecks later
Build systems that support rapid testing, iteration, and deployment
Participants leave with:
A clear approach to structuring cloud, data, and AI architecture
Practical guidance on choosing tools and designing systems
Stronger understanding of trade offs between simplicity and scalability
Better visibility on technical risks and how to manage them early
Increased confidence in building systems that grow with your product
Session Lead: Dewet Pretorius
Dewet Pretorius is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience driving complex, cross-functional transformation programmes across global organisations.
He specialises in translating product and technology strategy into actionable roadmaps, building high-performance global technology teams, and delivering enterprise-level impact at scale. His work has supported Fortune 100 companies to move from strategy to execution through clear operating models and disciplined delivery.
Real Futures: Catalyst Converge Accelerator
Real Futures: Catalyst Converge is CSRI’s accelerator for ventures building sustainable real estate and built‑environment solutions. The programme accelerates bold, scalable innovation by connecting founders with researchers, industry partners, and real‑world pilot opportunities.
Ventures receive guided diagnostics, expert mentorship, access to PGIM and UCL resources, and a collaborative ecosystem focused on real‑asset transformation.
What the accelerator offers:
Tailored workshops and matched mentorship
Access to researchers, industry leaders, and investors
Pilot opportunities with PGIM
Support for innovation grant applications
Real‑world validation and market‑readiness
The accelerator integrates with the wider CSRI ecosystem - from Bartlett Invents to executive education, hackathons, and thought leadership - creating a clear path from idea to pilot to scale.
👉 Register your interest in Real Futures: Catalyst Converge Accelerator