Speakers

Speaker profile

Dr Claire Thorne is the Co-Ceo of Tech She Can, a charity with a mission – for women to play an equal role in creating and developing the technology businesses, products, and services that will ultimately shape our world, and make sure that technology works for all. Claire jointly leads the charity alongside co-ceo Sheridan Ash MBE.

Claire believes that there’s a real, pressing need and economic case for investing in tech skills in the UK. At the same time, one half of our talent pool – women and girls – don’t think technology is for them, excluding them from co-designing our future. Claire is passionate about innovation, parity and equality in the workplace, and STEM education and research. 

As a woman in tech, a returner and a mum, Claire has seen first-hand the urgent need to inspire our next generation when they ask ‘what can I be when I grow up?’, to equip their schools and parents with the technology literacy they need to be able to make those routes a reality, and to value and retain our female talent, against the odds. 

Claire’s background is in innovation in research-intensive environments, with a PhD in Physics. As well as working to increase the number of women in technology roles, She also supports the creation of deep-tech science ventures at Deep Science Ventures. Claire has also been named in Computer Weekly’s list of the most influential women in UK Tech.