Art of Possible - Engineering the Clyde's Next Chapter

Event Description

Glasgow built its reputation by making things that changed the world. From the steam engines that powered the Industrial Revolution to a shipbuilding industry that connected the world, the city has spent generations pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Today, Glasgow is once again at the forefront of industrial innovation. By combining world-class engineering expertise with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and smart production methods, the city is helping write the next chapter for manufacturing.

As part of Glasgow Tech Week 2026, we're delighted to announce the next edition of our award-winning Art of Possible series. Join us as we explore how new technologies, entrepreneurship, infrastructure and collaboration are shaping the future of manufacturing and engineering – from turning innovative ideas into scalable businesses to creating the industrial capability needed to make Glasgow more productive, sustainable and globally competitive.

What to Expect?

🎤 Lightning Talks – Hear from experts working across engineering, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and industrial innovation.
💬 Panel Discussion & Q&A – Explore the technologies, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of industry — and put your questions directly to the panel.

Why Attend?

🤝 Network with manufacturers, engineers, researchers, entrepreneurs and technology leaders.
👍 Connect with Glasgow’s manufacturing and wider innovation ecosystem.
🚀 Discover how new technologies, ideas and collaboration are shaping the next chapter of engineering and manufacturing in Glasgow.

Who is Speaking?

🎤 Mark O’Hare, Collaborative Research & Development Manager at The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) [Chair]

Mark O’Hare is Collaborative Research & Development Manager at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), where he works with industry, academia and partners to develop collaborative R&D projects that tackle manufacturing challenges and accelerate the adoption of new technologies.

A Chartered Engineer with a background in manufacturing engineering and computer-aided engineering design, Mark brings extensive experience in applied research and innovation. Through his role at NMIS, he helps organisations turn new ideas and technologies into practical manufacturing solutions, supporting collaboration that strengthens Scotland’s manufacturing capability, productivity and competitiveness.

🎤 Chris Dunn, Managing Director of Malin Marine Consultants, Malin Group

Chris Dunn is Managing Director of Malin Marine Consultants, part of Glasgow-based Malin Group, bringing more than 25 years of experience across shipbuilding, marine engineering and offshore wind. A Chartered Engineer and Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Chris spent 17 years with BAE Systems working across the Upper Clyde shipyards before moving into offshore wind and later joining Malin Group.

Today, Chris leads Malin Marine Consultants and is involved in Malin Group's plans for the Scottish Marine Technology Park at Old Kilpatrick. Designed to bring together manufacturers, innovators and researchers, the development aims to create a new hub for advanced marine manufacturing and innovation, building on the Clyde's engineering heritage to help shape the future of industry.

🎤 Emma Loedel, Senior Enterprise Manager - Scotland, Royal Academy of Engineering

Emma Loedel is Senior Enterprise Manager for Scotland at the Royal Academy of Engineering, where she leads the development and delivery of the Academy’s first Enterprise Hub in Scotland. The Hub supports engineering and technology entrepreneurs, university spinouts and high-growth companies to develop innovative ideas, attract investment and build successful businesses.

With a background in biomedical engineering and experience spanning startups, technology spinouts and business development, Emma works at the heart of Scotland’s innovation ecosystem. Based in Glasgow, she connects entrepreneurs with the networks, expertise, and support they need to commercialise and scale new technologies, helping develop the next generation of engineering-led companies in Scotland.

🎤 Gareth Haines, Head of Engineering, Gren UK

Gareth Haines is Head of Engineering at GREN UK, helping to build its private wire electricity infrastructure and bringing proven delivery experience from the ground up. He has spent eleven years delivering low-carbon power at scale, including eight years with Vattenfall and three years with Western Power Distribution. 

Earlier in his career, Gareth worked in research and development of renewable energy systems for the Energy Technologies Institute. GREN UK is investing in Glasgow’s future energy infrastructure through its Energy on Clyde plans, centred on the South Clyde Energy Centre – a state of the art energy-from-waste facility that will generate lower-carbon electricity from residual waste, with the potential to provide heat to local businesses and district heating networks.

Important Stuff

📍 Location: Glasgow Science Centre
📅 Date: Monday 7 September
⏰ Time: 3 – 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free (registration required)

About Art of Possible

Now in its 10th year, this award-winning series connects innovators, creatives, and industry leaders to explore how unexpected tech collaborations drive new ideas and solutions. It’s also an official primer for Scotland’s CAN DO Innovation Summit.