TEDxAstonUniversity

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Chris Meah

  Founder & CEO, School of Code

  Dr Chris Meah is an AI expert, educator, and social entrepreneur, best known as the Founder and CEO of School of Code, a free national bootcamp that helps people from all backgrounds launch careers in technology. A first-class graduate in Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, he went on to complete a PhD applying AI and computer vision to interdisciplinary research across physics, chemistry, and biomedicine. Chris created a free online coding platform used by over 500,000 learners and founded School of Code to tackle the UK’s digital skills gap. The programme has since scaled nationally, helping thousands enter tech careers and shaping government policy An award-winning innovator, Chris has been named Digital Leader of the Year, Small Business Entrepreneur of the Year, and one of the UKTech50 most influential people. He continues to advise on AI strategy, inclusion, and the future of work helping leaders align vision, culture, and capability to seize the opportunities of AI.

• Emb Hashmi

  Journalist, BBC & Founder, Storytelling for CEOs

  Emb Hashmi is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and founder of Storytelling for CEOs, the UK’s first tech-driven storytelling platform for leaders. With over 12 years of experience at the BBC, her work has featured across BBC News 24, BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, and BBC Sport, earning her a reputation for bold, compassionate storytelling. Her journalism has brought underrepresented voices to light—covering topics such as domestic abuse in Muslim communities, the hijab ban at the Paris Olympics, and the resilience of Sudanese refugees in Birmingham. Her fearless reporting has sparked debate, influenced policy, and helped connect communities with vital support networks. She has been recognised as SHE Awards Role Model of the Year and Journalist of the Year at the Pakistan Achievement Awards. utside the newsroom, Emb founded the #BREAKTHEGLASS podcast, inspiring women to speak, lead, and thrive.

• Matthew Crummack

  CEO, Domestic & General and Pro Chancellor, Aston University

  Matthew Crummack is CEO of Domestic & General, a global appliance protection company serving nearly seven million customers across 12 countries. With over 30 years of experience leading digital, consumer, and service-oriented businesses, he is driving a major growth and transformation journey for the company. Earlier in his career, Matthew helped build global operations at Expedia, and began his professional journey at Procter & Gamble and Nestlé, managing brands such as Pampers, Pringles, and Nescafé. A passionate advocate for education and social mobility, Matthew is Pro Chancellor at Aston University, where he launched the Ernest Edward Scholarship for asylum seekers, helping the university achieve Sanctuary Status in 2022. He also serves as a mentor, investor, and non-executive board member, supporting innovation and inclusive growth across the U

• Pam Sheemar

  Regional Accelerator Director, NatWest Midlands, South West & Wales

  Pam Sheemar is the Regional Acceleration Director for NatWest across the Midlands, South West and Wales, leading the entrepreneurship delivery team. Beyond her role at NatWest, Pam leads the longest-standing NatWest Accelerator and has mentored hundreds of founders, helping them remove barriers and unlock sustainable growth. She is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and community empowerment, and has been instrumental in fostering innovation and inclusion through regional and national initiatives. Pam also serves as a Magistrate and Justice of the Peace in the Black Country region, where she has served on the crime bench for over nine years. A strong advocate for community service, she leads NatWest’s support for the Midland Langar Seva Society’s homeless feeds, volunteering monthly for nearly a decade. A former Director of TechWM and Executive Director of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, Pam is driven by her belief in “rethinking tomorrow” to build a better future for all.

• Professor Monder Ram

  Director, Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME), Aston University

  Professor Monder Ram OBE DL is Director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship (CREME) at Aston University and one of the world’s leading authorities on ethnic minority enterprise. His pioneering research has shaped understanding and policy in the field for more than three decades. Through CREME, Professor Ram has advanced inclusive entrepreneurship and social impact, collaborating with government, business, and community partners to transform outcomes for underrepresented groups. His commitment to engaged scholarship has led to major research programmes funded by the ESRC, NERC, and Low Pay Commission, among others.

• Romanah Buchanan

  Founder, Eloquent Dance

  Romanah Buchanan is an award-winning creative entrepreneur, artistic director, and choreographer, known for her innovation and impact across the arts, education, and entrepreneurship. At just 17, she co-founded Eloquent Dance, which has grown into a multi-branch organisation spanning dance, education, talent, and creative spaces. Under her leadership, Eloquent received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the UK’s highest recognition for community organisations. Beyond the arts, Romanah is the founder and host of Move With Purpose, a podcast and thought-leadership platform exploring faith, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. She sits on the Midlands Area Council for Arts Council England and is recognised with honours such as Birmingham’s Top 30 Under 30, Author of the Year (2021), and the West Midlands Lieutenancy Young Active Citizen Award (2022). Fuelled by faith and vision, she continues to empower underrepresented communities to create with purpose.

• Yiannis Maos

  Founder, Unloq Solutions Ltd

  Yiannis Maos MBE is a tech entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and Founder & CEO of Unloq, a company helping organisations harness AI for smarter, more impactful decisions. With over 20 years’ experience in technology and growth, Yiannis also co-founded and leads TechWM, the West Midlands’ economic development organisation driving regional tech growth. Birmingham Tech Week has become the UK’s largest regional tech festival - attracting over 7,500 attendees, 39 international delegations, and 69 million global impressions. His initiatives have helped businesses raise over £100 million, significantly shaping the West Midlands’ £16 billion tech economy. Recognised with an MBE for services to technology (2023) and an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Aston University (2025), Yiannis chairs Aston’s Centre of Excellence for Enterprise AI. A passionate advocate for inclusive innovation, he continues to champion the region as one of the UK’s most dynamic digital ecosystems.