About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

Creating a more robust, efficient, and dynamic approach to horizon scanning.

The accelerating pace of technological and societal change demands more effective horizon scanning. At Nesta’s Discovery Hub, we’re developing a system that addresses this challenge by automating the identification and analysis of emerging issues related to our missions. By taking a data-driven approach across diverse information sources—from venture funding to policy developments—we aim to create a more comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the innovation landscape. This project will also share its methodology and findings to benefit the wider community.

Team

William Woodward

William Woodward

William Woodward

Discovery Research and Analysis Lead, Discovery Hub

Will works in the Discovery Hub as discovery research and analysis lead.

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Karlis Kanders

Karlis Kanders

Karlis Kanders

Head of Data Science for Discovery and Innovation

Karlis is the Head of Data Science for Discovery and Innovation, working in the Discovery and data science teams.

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Solomon Yu

Solomon Yu

Solomon Yu

Data Engineer, Data Analytics Practice

Solomon is a data engineer for the Data Analytics Practice, supporting the delivery of data-driven solutions impactful to society.

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Rosie Oxbury

Rosie Oxbury

Rosie Oxbury

Data Scientist, Data Science Practice

Rosie is a data scientist in the Data Science Practice.

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Shabeer Rauf

Shabeer Rauf

Shabeer Rauf

Principal Data Scientist

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Shabeer is a principal data scientist working in the Data Science practice.

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Natalie Lai

Natalie Lai

Natalie Lai

Senior Analyst, Discovery Hub

Natalie is a senior analyst in Nesta’s Discovery Hub.

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Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith

Head of Foresight Research, Discovery Hub

Laurie leads on strategic foresight for Nesta.

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