Digital Power & Modern Conflict: Technology at the Frontlines of Global Security

Digital Power & Modern Conflict: Technology at the Frontlines of Global Security

Join us for an in-depth discussion exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping global security, from cyberspace to conflict zones.

This event brings together leading experts from government, industry, and the humanitarian sector to examine the intersection of cybersecurity, geopolitics, and technological innovation in modern conflict. Through two focused panel discussions, we will explore both the strategic and operational dimensions of today’s rapidly evolving security landscape.

🔹 Panel 1: Cybersecurity, Geopolitics & Digital Power

This panel will examine how global competition is shaping cyberspace, the role of digital infrastructure in national security, and how organisations can navigate an increasingly complex threat environment.

Speakers:

• Karoliina Ainge
• Vipul Narula
• Tom Burton
• Steven Whitchurch

Moderator:

• Tim Passingham

🔹 Panel 2: Technology in Conflict & Post-Conflict Environments

Focusing on real-world applications, this panel will explore how emerging technologies are being deployed in conflict and post-conflict settings, from military innovation to humanitarian mine action.

Speakers:

• Andro Mathewson
• Michael Nevard
• Lizzie Jones

Agenda

• 2:30pm – 3:45pm – Panel 1 & Q&A
• 3:45pm – 4:30pm – Panel 2 & Q&A
• From 4:30pm – Networking reception

Speakers

Tom Burton MSc FCIIS – Cambridge Management Consulting
Tom Burton is a senior cybersecurity and digital transformation leader with over 25 years’ experience across government, consulting, the military, and industry. He has held executive roles including CIO, CTO, CISO, and COO, leading complex cyber, risk, and technology programmes in mission-critical environments. Tom served over a decade in the British Army, where he led major digital transformation initiatives. In the private sector, he has worked with organisations such as BAE Systems Applied Intelligence and KPMG, supporting clients across defence, telecoms, transport, and pharmaceuticals to strengthen resilience and manage evolving cyber threats.

Karoliina Ainge – Associate Director, Independent Diplomat
Karoliina Ainge is an expert in cybersecurity policy and cyber diplomacy, currently serving as Associate Director at Independent Diplomat. She previously led cybersecurity policy for the Estonian Government and now advises governments—particularly small and developing states—on digital sovereignty and cyber strategy. Her work focuses on the geopolitical dimensions of cyberspace, including state-sponsored cyber operations and global technology governance. Karoliina leads initiatives supporting Pacific Island states in international cyber negotiations, including at the United Nations, and is a frequent speaker and writer on the intersection of technology, security, and international order.

Vipul Narula – CEO, Commercis Technology | Leader, Commercis Cyber
Vipul Narula is a global technology executive with over 30 years’ experience in cybersecurity, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure. As CEO of Commercis Technology and leader of Commercis Cyber, he focuses on building secure, resilient digital ecosystems that support organisational growth and innovation. He previously held senior roles at BT Group, including Head of AMEA Sales and COO at British Telecom Hong Kong, working across global markets and large-scale transformation programmes. With experience in over 80 countries, Vipul brings deep expertise in cybersecurity, cloud, and connectivity, helping organisations navigate complex risks and strengthen digital resilience.

Michael Nevard – Global Technical Lead, The HALO Trust

Michael Nevard is an expert in the application of technology for post-conflict clearance of landmines, improvised explosive devices, and other explosive ordnance. He has nearly 20 years of experience delivering large-scale humanitarian mine action programmes in conflict-affected countries worldwide. He currently leads the global technical team at The HALO Trust, where he focuses on leveraging innovation to improve the safety, efficiency, and impact of operations. His work spans detection technologies and the development of projects from concept through to large-scale deployment, helping organisations operate more effectively in complex, high-risk environments.

Andro Mathewson – Strategy, STARK Defence
Andro Mathewson works on strategy and operations at STARK Defence. He is also a final-year PhD candidate in War Studies at King’s College London and a Non-Resident Associate Fellow at the NATO Defence College, where his research focuses on unmanned systems in Ukraine. Previously, he was a Tech Fellow at Bellingcat and has worked in Ukraine with the Centre for Information Resilience and The HALO Trust, contributing to open-source investigations and field-based analysis in conflict environments.

Lizzie Jones - Operations Director, SC Group-Global, Supacat

With thanks to our Sponsor: Cambridge Management Consulting