Subhash R. Ghosh, a recipient of the Tech Nation Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa, is an alumnus of the UK DBT’s “Global Entrepreneur Programme,” where his technology advisory company Lemon Advisors UK was described as a unique disruptive technology of exceptional global potential, being led by a professional management team.
In London 2017, he launched Technoplat, a global venture builder, based out of Singapore. In January 2023, he launched #TechTuesdaysUK, a knowledge platform that quickly gained traction in the global tech community, attracting significant engagement both in-person and virtually. As a former Ambassador of Tech Nation UK and a former Mentor with the London Mayor’s International Programme and a distinguished judge for its Rising Star Programme, Subhash continues to drive entrepreneurial excellence and technological advancement on a global scale.
In an interview with Asian Voice, Subhash spoke about his journey in the tech sector, TechTuesdaysUK and much more.
Could you share with us how your journey in the tech sector began, and what pivotal moments or experiences led you to become the successful entrepreneur and digital media specialist you are today?
I'm from India, and after 17 years of global corporate experience, I ventured into entrepreneurship in 2011. With a total of 30 years in entrepreneurship and corporate sectors combined, my journey began when British Telecom approached me in 2012 to draft its Asian content strategy. This opportunity prompted me to incorporate Lemon Advisors in the UK. From 2011 to 2018, I was travelling back and forth, leveraging my UK connections to expand globally. I closely worked with the UK Government and in 2016, I established my advisory business in Singapore.
In 2017, I founded Technoplat, since its inception we have built some major relationships with partners like NTUC, Singapore and with “Global Tech Advocates London. We launched the UK chapter of Technoplat in 2019.
In January 2023, I launched #TechTuesdaysUK, a technology knowledge platform that has gained significant tractions globally. Over the past 18 months, we have been invited to host #TechTuesdaysUK in global events like GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. We recently partnered with Google.
My first business, Lemon Advisors UK, remains operational and focuses on digital disruption. In 2018, the UK Government recognised us as a unique disruptive technology of exceptional global potential, being led by a professional management team. I also hold a patent for an innovative content audit service, further solidifying my commitment to digital innovation.
How does #TechTuesdaysUK redefine traditional tech events to promote genuine dialogue and innovation across diverse sectors?
In today's events, whether webinars or seminars, there are typically several components: a panel of speakers, pre-set questions and answers, brand exposure from sponsors, and regulated moderation. While these elements are common and have been part of the tradition for ages now, I feel that they often limit engagement and spontaneity. Sponsors seek maximum visibility, which to a large extent can influence communication, moderation, and timeframes, restricting free-flowing discussions.
This realisation led to the creation of #TechTuesdaysUK. We organise #TechTuesdaysUK on the first Tuesday every month.
In addition, we have two other formats of #TechTuesdaysUK: #TechTuesdaysUK Extra, held at various times in partnership with corporates and universities, and #TechTuesdaysUK Podcast.
Unlike traditional events, #TechTuesdaysUK doesn’t have moderators, predefined questions, or Speakers for that matters. The focus is on genuine, spontaneous dialogues, that helps in engaging discussions and free flow of thoughts. The panel members and guests are invited as industry experts, not brand representatives, ensuring they share unfiltered thoughts. Each session involves a carefully curated audience of anything between 50-70 relevant guests that comprises of government officials, innovators, investors, research & PhD students and University students.
This all leads to fostering meaningful and unrestricted discussions.
#TechTuesdaysUK brings together innovative researchers, senior government officials, private companies, and students (20% of the audience) from A-level onwards. Believing that today’s students are tomorrow’s innovators, we offer them opportunities for internships, jobs, and funding. Our discussions span a wide range of topics, including #SpaceTech, #AI, #HealthTech, #WomenInTech and many other deep tech topics. In fact, for the months of May and June 2024, we conducted a two-month series on Conscious Technology. #TechTuesdaysUK fosters knowledge sharing and awareness on various tech topics. Participants, even those outside the industry, gain valuable insights. Every episode of #TechTuesdaysUK that there is a takeaway for everyone in the room, thus enhancing the overall tech community.
How can we effectively balance the advancements and potential risks of AI, particularly in contexts like healthcare and law enforcement, to ensure ethical and responsible implementation?
Conscious technology, particularly AI, represents a significant leap forward. Generative AI, in particular, has elevated artificial intelligence to new heights. The critical question revolves around its consciousness and how we should approach it. For instance, consider the rampant misinformation on social media and the challenge of identifying what's real and what's fake. Similarly, in healthcare, should we trust AI to make decisions on life-and-death.
The key issue is how much consciousness and empathy we imbibe into AI. While AI can match human intelligence in many ways, the crucial question remains: How do we ensure it operates ethically and responsibly? This dilemma underscores the need for careful consideration of AI's role and the extent of reliance we place on it in our society.
How do you perceive the dual impact of technology throughout history, balancing its benefits with the challenges it presents?
In my view, technology has always brought both blessings and challenges throughout history, a debate as old as my childhood days in India when we pondered whether science was a blessing or curse. The key lies in harnessing the benefits of technological innovations while addressing their downsides and negative impacts. Health advancements, for instance, often surged after major disasters like pandemics, such as the rapid progress seen post-Covid-19. This acceleration underscores how challenges spur innovation. Embracing these challenges is crucial; they fuel innovators to find new solutions and improve technology for the betterment of society. Without challenges, there would be no impetus for innovation or progress.
