GenZ Immersive Technologies Summit
The GenZ Immersive Technologies Summit is the world’s first summit dedicated entirely to empowering Generation Z as leaders, innovators, and creators in the future of AI, Blockchain, XR, and emerging technologies.
Taking place on 27 October 2025 at the Ivy Arts Centre, University of Surrey, and hosted by the Surrey Academy for Blockchain and Metaverse Applications (SABMA), it is a curated gathering with carefully selected participants, bringing together students, startups, employers, and industry professionals to co-create solutions, showcase innovations, and set the direction for the next decade of technology and work through a Gen Z lens.
What to expect:
Keynotes and panels featuring senior professionals and Gen Z leaders
Lightning talks and Tech Community Forum sessions amplifying Gen Z voices
An all-day ideathon tackling real-world challenges
Reverse mentoring and speed networking in Gen Z style
Immersive demos, creative installations, and a showcase of startups and recruiters
Exclusive guest speakers and surprise sessions revealed only on the day
We value quality, diversity and innovation. Access will be granted to selected participants only. This Summit is your opportunity to join an exclusive community at the forefront of emerging technologies.
Venue A: Main Auditorium – Speeches & Voices
09:30–10:00 | Registration & Networking
10:00–10:30 | Opening Remarks
Session 1: Future Tech Foundations & Global Transformation
10:4–11:10 | Keynote
Shijimol A K (Google) – Ethical AI & Future Leadership: Architecting a Culturally Aware and Secure Digital Future
11:15–11:45 | Panel Discussion
How Gen Z Can Lead Large-Scale Change for Global Transformation
Sebastian McConnell (KPMG)
Omar Abi Issa (OVHcloud)
Gemma Penson (EY)
Dr Fabio Dias (Surrey Business School)
Moderator: Rushab Shah (oneHive)
11:55–12:15 | Keynote
Dr Aisha Naseer (Huawei / WAI) – Global Technology Paradigm Shift: The Next Era of AI and Transformation
12:15–12:30 | Keynote
Gemma Penson (EY) – The Architecture of Intelligence: Understanding & Leveraging Your AI Chatbot
12:30–12:45 | Luffa
12:50–13:10 | Keynote + Workshop
Enrique Sanchez-Lozano (Samsung AI Centre) – Vision-Language Models, Deepfakes, and Emotion AI: Creativity and Trust in the Generative Era
13:15–13:30 | Symbiotic Labs
13:30–14:00 | Lunch & Networking
Session 2: Entrepreneurship & the Immersive Economy
14:00–14:20 | Keynote + Workshop
Ondrej Bohdal (Samsung R&D Institute UK) - Personalising GenAI: Fine-Tuning Models to Understand & Perform Specific Tasks
14:20–14:50 | Panel Discussion
Founders of the Future: Gen Z Entrepreneurship in the Age of Emerging Technologies
Doro Unger-Lee (Ava Labs)
Max Andonov (Cointelegraph)
Robin van den Heuvel (Altcoin Edge)
Divya Prashanth (JURNYON)
Moderator: Nahin Talhah (Salt)
14:55–15:15 | Keynote
Jago Corry (UK Finance) – How the Public Sector Approaches Regulating Technology in Financial Services
Session 3: Ethics, Branding & Leadership
15:20–15:40 | Keynote
Rushab Shah (oneHive) – Can Tech Really Be Used for Good?
15:45–16:15 | Panel Discussion
Building Ethical and Sustainable Tech for All
Lena Chauhan (Rise IQ)
Humaira Akhtar (Kubrick Group)
James Marks (Canopy)
Amaan Saigal (Improvability AI)
Moderator: Patrycja Maksymowicz
16:15–17:00 | Panel Discussion
Building Your Tech Brand: Media, Influence, and Storytelling in the Digital Age
Maurício Magaldi (BlockDrops)
Robin van den Heuvel (Altcoin Edge)
Sandhya Sabapathy (Kaleidoscope)
Moderator: Ali Suleman (The Smart Money Show)
17:00–17:30 | Closing Reflections & Awards
Venue B: Collaboration & Networking Hall – Action & Engagement
09:30–17:30 | Continuous Engagement Zone
09:30–17:00 | Hackathon by Kaleidoscope
Winning team earns a paid internship and mentorship with Kaleidoscope.
10:00–17:00 | Immersive Experience Pods
Hands-on VR, AR, and AI creative tools available throughout the day.
10:45–11:15 | Keynote + Hackathon Introduction
Sandhya Sabapathy(Kaleidoscope) – Gen Z Leadership: Building Careers for a Just and Green Future
11:30–12:15 | Workshop – I Am Remarkable
Empowering session led by Shijimol A K.
12:20–12:40 | Fireside Chat
Omar Abi Issa - From Mistakes to Mastery: How to find your niche in Web 3
12:40 –13:10 | Lunch & Networking
13:10–13:30 | Panel Discussion
Future Leaders Forum: Gen Z Innovators’ Path to Global Influence
William Kim (President, Cambridge VR/AR Society)
Joshua Knott (President, Surrey Business Society)
Sheeba Pathak (Vice-President, Surrey Maths Society)
Moderator: Abdur Razzak (Eli Lilly)
13:35–14:10 | Keynote
Sean Gonzalez (FabricaVR) - The State of the Metaverse: Beyond Hype and Headsets
14:15–14:30 | Keynote
William Kim - XR and Metaverse with Education
14:35–14:50 | Keynote
Max Jones - Creative Technologies Showcase
14:55–15:10 | Keynote
Supriya Sunar - Scammed by Design: How Our Brains Betray Our Security
15:15–15:35 | Interactive Session
Chinmai Gupta – Beyond the Algorithm: Reclaiming Our Voices in the Age of AI
15:40–16:00 | Interactive Session
Emmanuel Akinrintoyo – The Future of Intelligent Robotics: From Research Lab to Next-Gen Innovation
16:00–16:15 | Keynote
Darren Kimuli - Cybersecurity First: Building Careers & Protecting Innovation
16:15–17:00 | Closing Reflections
Glass Room: Meet the Mentors Corner (13:00–17:00)
One-to-one and small-group mentoring sessions with industry professionals:
Enrique Sanchez-Lozano (Transformers & GenAI)
Omar Abi Issa
Gemma Penson (Fintech & Technology)
Sebastian McConnell (Innovation & Startups)
Ondrej Bohdal ( Computer Vision & AI)
Lena Chauhan (Ethics & Responsible Innovation)
Patrycja Maksymowicz (Scaling Ventures & Leadership)
Maurício Magaldi (Blockchain)
Elizabeth Batalla
Fair & Showcase Zone (Open All Day)
Speed Networking Zones with themed tables rotating every 20 minutes.
Running alongside all venues, this space features stalls from student societies, startups, recruiters, and interactive XR/AI demos.
📩 Enquiries: m.budlla@surrey.ac.uk