ANNOUNCING THE PARTNERS AND ESTEEMED JUDGES FOR TECH PLANTER WORLD in UK 2025

Leave a Nest is thrilled to announce the distinguished panel of judges for the TECH PLANTER WORLD in UK 2025, a premier event dedicated to accelerating the growth of early-stage startups across Europe. Southeast Asia and Japan through the rich startup ecosystem of the UK. This year it is to be held at IDEA London on 1st November 2025.

This year’s judging panel represents a powerful mix of investors, ecosystem builders, scientists, and innovators—reflecting the collaborative DNA of TECH PLANTER as it bridges academia, industry, and global startup ecosystems. Each brings a wealth of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and science, united by a shared mission: to uncover and nurture deep tech startups solving the world’s toughest challenges.

Local Partners:

• Deep Science Ventures
• Cambridge Cleantech
• Innovate UK
• Innovation Foundry Ltd
• The Fund Incubator

Strategic Partners:

• Untrod Capital
• ARK INC
  

The TECH PLANTER WORLD in UK 2025 brings together the brightest minds and most innovative startups in the region, providing them with a platform to showcase their solutions, receive critical feedback, and connect with essential resources. The event will culminate with the selection of a Grand Winner, chosen by our expert panel, who will evaluate each startup based on innovation, scalability, market potential, and team strength.

Meet the Judges:

Leave a Nest United Kingdom Ltd.Director (Head Judge)

Mr. Jack Wratten

UK Director for deep tech venture builder Leave a Nest. Founder of BLOOM.SPACE. Working in enterprise education and support since 2007. Created 20,000sqft of startup incubation space for UCL in King's Cross. Coach and mentor on Beta Den tech accelerator and European Institute for Entrepreneurship programmes. Ex-biochemist at UCL. Strong knowledge of social enterprise and incubating smaller SME's.

UntroD Capital Asia, Executive Director

Mr. Akitaka Wilhelm Fujii

Akitaka Wilhelm Fujii is Executive Director of UntroD Capital Japan and UntroD Capital Asia, where he plays a key role in scaling deep-tech ventures across regions. Previously at EIT Climate-KIC, Europe's leading climate innovation initiative, he evaluated startups for funding and environmental impact and led engagement programs to strengthen sustainability within the EIT community.

Deep Science Ventures, Founding Director

Mr. Dominic Falcao

Dominic Falcao is the Founding Director of Deep Science Ventures. One of the early team members running Imperial College's accelerator, working with over 1500 founders and 200 companies, with exits including to Spotify, Apple and Google. Founded DSV with Dr Mark Hammond, in order to create a dedicated, systematic environment for deep science venture creation. Founded DSV with Dr Mark Hammond, in order to create a dedicated, systematic environment for deep science venture creation.

ARK INC, Group CEO and Co-founder

Mr. Yosuke Kurihara

Born and raised in Chigasaki, Japan, he is now based in London. He began his career in 2008 as a producer at Dentsu Inc. In 2015, he became CEO of Uhuru Corporation's overseas operations, leading initiatives from London. In 2020, he co-founded ARK, and by 2023, expanded into London's hospitality scene, launching the premium sushi In 2020, he co-founded ARK, and by 2023, expanded into London's hospitality scene, launching the premium sushi restaurant “SUSHI TONARI. Outside of work, he enjoys bushcraft camping, Muay Thai, and free diving.

Cambridge Cleantech, Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Sam Goodall

As CEO of Cambridge Cleantech, the UK's pioneering cleantech network, Sam Goodall is driving Europe's transition to a low- carbon economy. With two decades of experience spanning regeneration, project delivery, and economic growth, Sam connects innovators, investors, and With two decades of experience spanning regeneration, project delivery, and economic growth, Sam connects innovators, investors, and industry to accelerate climate-positive technology and impact.

Innovate UKInnovation & Growth Specialist

Mr. Maurice Sardison

Maurice works with Innovate UK not only as an innovation growth specialist but also in Innovate UK's beacon offering – Investment Readiness. He works closely with ambitious innovation-led companies, helping them scale and achieve their growth potential. Maurice provides tailored 1-1 support, connecting businesses with industry experts, and guiding them through the innovation ecosystem. Maurice has a passion for empowering business owners to achieve their goals and has supported over 3000 businesses and raise over £100 million in finance. Maurice also does mentoring and coaching to support early stage business owners who need support navigating the world of business.

Innovation Foundry Ltd., Disruptive Technologist

Dr. John Collins

John has spent 35+ years across science, technology, and business, from inventing lab-grown diamond processes for De Beers to leading Engineering He has also taught IP at Cambridge Judge Business School, mentored globally for the Royal Academy of Engineering, and is a member of the Royal Academy of Engineering. also taught IP at Cambridge Judge Business School, mentored globally for the Royal Academy of Engineering, and chaired the Real Time Club, the world He is a long-standing expert in metrology and standards, serving on all seven UK National Measurement System Programme Expert Groups (DSIT), covering life sciences, energy, materials, digital/quantum, chemical and biological science, government chemist, and flow measurement.

The Fund Incubator, Partner and Chief Investment Officer

Ms. Fiona Melville

Fiona Melville joins TFI with over 10 years' experience in UK and International fund ecosystems. She has worked in the UK, France, the Middle East and North and Sub-Saharan Africa, running campaigns and building partnerships including with Tech City (then Tech Nation), the All Party Parliamentary She has worked in the UK, France, the Middle East and North and Sub-Saharan Africa, running campaigns and building partnerships including with Tech City (then Tech Nation), the All Party Parliamentary Group for Technology, Activision, Fujitsu, MBDA and KKR as well as thousands of start-ups and scale-ups.

About TECH PLANTER in UK 2025:

TECH PLANTER is Leave a Nest's annual event dedicated to discovering and nurturing early-stage startups from six Southeast Asian countries: the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, Japan, the UK and US.
The World edition brings together promising teams from each region, uniting them with global investors, accelerators, and corporate partners in a single showcase of innovation and purpose, utilizing UK's vibrant and strategic startup ecosystem. For the European based startup, TECH PLANTER is a gateway to world's largest deep tech ecosystems connecting Southeast Asia and Japan.

Event Highlights:

• Expert Judging Panel: A distinguished panel of industry leaders and investors will evaluate the startups, providing critical feedback and selecting the Grand Winner.
• Startup Pitches: Participants will present their innovative solutions to a global audience, showcasing their potential to revolutionize industries.
• Networking Opportunities: The event will facilitate connections between startups, investors, and industry leaders, fostering collaboration and potential partnerships.

Event Details:

Date: 1st November 2025

Location: IDEALondon, 69 Wilson St, London EC2A 2BB

Time: 13:00-18:00 in UK Time