UK Construction Week London starts tomorrow, where Build in Digital is proud to be presenting the Top 50 Tech Partners for 2026 live on the ConTech & AI Stage
From AI and robotics, to BIM and generative design, the latest developments and innovations in digital construction take centre stage at UK Construction Week (UKCW) London.
The event opens it doors tomorrow, running alongside Futurebuild and The Stone & Surfaces Show, for a three-day extravaganza (12-14 May) dedicated to the UK’s built environment. UKCW takes place at the ExCel London and runs over three days, during which the show is expected to draw over 25,000 visitors.
As might be expected with such a major event, it attracts top-flight speakers from across the built environment sectors and beyond, demonstrating the vital importance of the industry to society and economy.
Opened by architect and Channel 4 presenter George Clarke, UKCW London also brings together exhibitors from across the globe, with big names such as Build Concierge, Carbon Sherpa, Converge, Inco Robotics, Kanna, Nosmo Tech and Trackunit all set to showcase their capabilities.
Among the many speakers set to address audiences across UKCW’s six stages are James Cleverly MP, shadow secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, who headlines as a keynote speaker.
He will be joined by a strong line-up of senior policymakers, including Mike Reader MP, the Department for Business & Trade’s business construction champion, and Chris McDonald MP, minister for industry at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and the Department for Business and Trade.
Sam Patel, divisional director at UKCW London, said: “Securing Sir James Cleverly as a speaker highlights the scale and influence of UK Construction Week. Alongside an exceptional line-up of industry leaders, policymakers and innovators, it reinforces our position as the UK’s leading platform for shaping the future of the built environment.”
Other high-profile speakers featured in the line-up for the three days include: Mark Farmer, founder and board executive, Cast Consultancy; Fiona Henderson, director of social value, Mace Group; Alex Small, digital platforms and innovation lead, Tata Steel; and Emma Whigham, alliance operations director, New Hospitals Programme. And many, many more.
ConTech takes the stage
New for 2026 is the ConTech & AI Stage, hosted by Henry Fenby-Taylor, co-founder, of Athenophilia, and as with the wider show, it brings together the brightest minds and the most forward thinking technologies transforming the built environment.
As digital adoption accelerates across the construction sector, visitors can discover how cutting edge technology, automation, and AI are transforming construction workflows, from smart machinery and digital equipment management to innovative site planning and productivity solutions.
In one of the highlights, Build in Digital – official stage host and media partner for the ConTech & AI Stage – will be presenting the Top 50 Tech Partners for 2026 live. After rounds of judging and industry votes, this is the big reveal.
It will take place at 12.15pm on Wednesday, 13 May, with the No. 1 winner offered the stage for a keynote speech to share their insights and strategies.
For the ConTech & AI Stage’s full programme of presentations and panel discussions, see below (or visit the UKCW website), but as a taster, a few further highlights include:
- On Tuesday, 12 May (11.15am), Andrew Johnson from Okana will present a holistic perspective on artificial intelligence becoming an integrated partner in the session: Cutting-edge AI applications across the full project lifecycle
- On Wednesday, 13 May(1.15pm), Lilian Ho, from the Zigurat Institute of Technology, will explore how artificial intelligence is moving from buzzword to practical tool in the construction industry, during the session: Real world application of AI in construction and what people don’t tell you
- On Thursday, 14 May (11.10am), the panel Building the future: AI, generative design and robotics in construction, will explore how AI, generative design, and robotics are reshaping the construction industry. Panellists will discuss practical applications, challenges, and opportunities from automating complex tasks on site to optimising design and improving sustainability
There’s a lot more than that scheduled for the ConTech & AI Stage over the three days of UKCW, of course, so be sure to check out the full programme.
UKCW London’s Patel added: Staying ahead of the curve when it comes to digital innovations that are driving greater efficiency, sustainability and safety across the sector has never been more important than now. At UKCW, we provide a key platform where professionals can learn about these developments and gain the first-hand insight needed to adopt the latest technologies shaping the future of the construction industry.”
Join us this week at the ConTech and AI Stage at ExCeL London to see the future of construction. Register your place here.
See the full programme on the UKCW website
Welcome to the Contech & AI Stage
Here’s the full run down of sessions taking place on the ConTech & AI Stage over the three days of UKCW London.
Day 1: Tuesday, 12 May
Smarter decisions in construction: using data to reduce climate risk and carbon
10:30-11:00am
Data is rapidly becoming one of the construction industry’s most valuable assets. This session will explore how contractors, developers and technology providers are using digital tools, AI and connected data to drive smarter project outcomes.
Session features: Duncan Oswald, climate science lead, Sage; Tom Rickey, partnerships lead, Sage
Cutting-edge AI applications across the full project lifecycle
11:15-11:45am
The presentation will provide a holistic perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integrated partner throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Session features: Andrew Johnson, associate, Okana
AI-Driven Workflows: The Next Evolution of Construction Project Delivery
12:00noon-12:30PM
AI is rapidly transforming how construction teams review drawings, manage information, and collaborate across projects. This session explores how AI-powered workflows are streamlining tasks like markups, quantity takeoffs, design reviews, and 2D-3D coordination.
Session features: Jarrod Hall, global customer success manager, Bluebeam, Inc
Panel: Balancing environmental performance with financial viability: will data provide the answers?
12:45-1:15pm
Explores how the construction industry can balance environmental performance with financial viability as it accelerates toward net zero. The session examines how early-stage planning, particularly during design and pre-construction, can align carbon reduction strategies with client priorities to drive better decision-making. Central to this discussion is the role of high-quality, consistent data in accurately measuring, benchmarking and sustaining carbon performance across projects.
Session features: Heather Evans, head of sustainability UK & Europe, global sustainability chair, Rider Levett Bucknall; John Lawlor, founder and chartered structural engineer, EchoByld Limited; and Sean Smith, chair of future construction, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh
Turning building data into intelligence: the role of standards in AI adoption
1:30-2:00pm
The session presents an exploration of how trusted, standards-based data underpins the effective use of AI across the built environment. It will examine where AI data originates, how it is sourced responsibly and how it can be applied in a simple, scalable way, using a single scan to support the future lifecycle of buildings.
Session features: Chloe Donavan, managing director, Natural Building Systems; Rachel Heaton, construction engagement manager, GS1 UK; and Emre Yontem, chief executive, EcoWise.
Intelligent Buildings: Plan, Design and Develop for How We Live, Work and Play, now and for the future
2:15-2:45pm
The line between home, workplace and leisure space is blurring – and AI is accelerating that shift. This session explores how developers, housing providers and technology leaders can collaborate to create intelligent, multi-use spaces that respond to occupants’ needs in real time. Expect insights on emerging AI trends, integration challenges and how smart buildings can enhance experience, efficiency and long-term value.
Session features: Jamie Harrison, head of B2B strategic partnerships programme, Samsung; and Timothy Hospedales, head of AI research, Europe, Samsung
The three Cs for building a more sustainable digital future: construction, circularity and collaboration
3:00-3:45pm
In this thought-provoking panel discussion, Women in BIM explores how construction, circularity and collaboration form the foundation of a more sustainable and digitally enabled built environment.
Session features: Andrea Charlson, senior sustainability specialist and circular economy lead, The Concrete Centre; Eve Choy, sustainability manager, Structure Tone; and Heba Bevan, chief executive and founder, UtterBerry LTD.
Beyond the Hype: building AI-ready teams for the digital built environment
4:00-5:00pm
In this session, the conversation will move past the surface-level excitement surrounding AI technologies and focus on practical strategies for integrating intelligent systems into construction workflows.
Session features: Chiara Rizzarda, digital transformation tutor, Independent; David Philp, chief value officer, Bentley Systems; and Silvia Gioja, BIM lead mobility and resilience, Arcadis Belgium nv/sa.
Wednesday, 13 May
From Data to User experience: Digital Whole Life foundations for SMART Campuses, Workplaces and Estates
10:30-11:15am
As smart campuses and workplaces evolve, digital solutions are no longer just about efficiency; they are about creating seamless, intuitive, and responsive experiences for users. This panel will explore how connected systems, real-time data, and digital twins can improve comfort, navigation, space utilisation, sustainability, and day-to-day experience across the full life of an asset.
Session features: Hadeel Saadoon, digital construction lead, Connected Places Catapult; James Pallister, director of client solutions, Metaverse Learning; and Reyhaneh Shojaei, digital lead and a senior lecturer in planning and real estate development, Construction Leadership Council.
The AI Shift: Rethinking Professional Services in the Built Environment
11:25am-12:05pm
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way built environment professionals operate, from design and engineering to project management and advisory services. This session explores how AI is reshaping workflows, decision-making, and client engagement, while highlighting the opportunities and challenges for architects, engineers, and consultants.
Session features: Mark Farmer, founder and board executive, Cast Consultancy and chair of the Industry Advisory Group, IDC Challenge
Top 50 Build in Digital Contech Competition Results and Winning Presentation
12:15-1:00pm
Build in Digital has launched the Top 50 Tech Partners competition to reveal to the industry who the top performing ConTech firms are. The results will be announced in this session and the 1st place applicant will then continue with a presentation about their company.
Session features: Henry Fenby-Taylor, stage host for the Contech and AI Stage,and co-founder, Athenophilia.
Real world application of AI in construction and what people don’t tell you!
1:15-1:45pm
This session explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is moving from buzzword to practical tool in the construction industry. Rather than replacing human expertise, AI is augmenting it, helping teams analyse complex data, anticipate risks and automate repetitive tasks. While full scale adoption is still emerging, the session will highlight tangible examples where AI is already delivering real benefits, from improved efficiency on site to enhanced safety outcomes.
Session features: Lilian Ho, programme director at Zigurat Institute of Technology, and regional lead and mentor for Women in BIM.
Panel: From Carbon Data to Commercial Advantage: The Role of ConTech and AI
2:00-2:45pm
As carbon reporting moves from compliance to competitive necessity, construction organisations are under growing pressure to understand, measure and reduce emissions across their projects and supply chains. But capturing carbon data is only the first step. The real opportunity lies in turning that data into actionable insight that drives better decisions and creates commercial value.
Session features: David Mason, head of environment technical, Skanska; Doug Johnson, founder and director, Mesh; and Tom Rickey, partnerships lead, Sage.
From wish list to working tool: Hackathons, AI and the new pace of R&D
3:00-3:45pm
Drawing on over a decade leading design technology development and adoption for built environment organisations, Ben Porter shows how a ‘hackathon’ mentality, combined with AI-assisted development, is collapsing the distance between idea and working prototype.
Session features: Ben Porter, co-founder, Remap.
Rewriting the Rules: AI and the New Era of Construction Logistics
4:00-4:30pm
This session explores the macro shifts reshaping the sector – and how AI-driven, intelligent orchestration is unlocking a smarter, more adaptive logistics model. One that moves beyond compromise and enables a step change in efficiency, control, and value.
Session features: Nici Sundén Cullberg, chief executive, Alrik.
Thursday, 14 May
New Horizons: How Robots Are Transforming Progress Tracking from the Ground and the Sky
10:30-11:00am
Construction is moving from reactive reporting to real-time, AI-driven decision making, and in this session, Evan Reilly, solutions engineer at DroneDeploy, will share how Progress AI is already transforming site visibility today – automatically tracking work completed, highlighting deviations, and turning drone and reality capture data into actionable insights for project teams.
Session features: Evan Reilly, solutions engineer, DroneDeploy.
Panel: Building the Future: AI, Generative Design and Robotics in Construction
11:10-1:50am
Panellists will discuss practical applications, challenges, and opportunities – from automating complex tasks on site to optimising design and improving sustainability. Guests will hear diverse perspectives on how these technologies are driving efficiency, safety, and innovation, and gain insights into what the future of construction could look like.
Session features: Henry Fenby-Taylor, co-founder, Athenophilia, and stage host for the ConTech & AI Stage; Huda As’ad, managing director, Accenture; Nadia Joanes, BIM coordinator, Pascall+Watson Architects; Robert Claridge, learning solutions owner, Europe, Laing O’Rourke; and Shirin Dora, Senior Lecturer, Loughborough University.
AI in Construction: Turning Data into Decisions on Site
12:00noon-12:30pm
In an industry where every decision impacts cost, safety, and delivery, the ability to turn data into real-time, actionable insight is transforming how projects are run. Guests will gain practical insights into how construction businesses can adopt AI effectively, bridge the gap between field and office, and drive meaningful digital transformation that delivers measurable results.
Session features: Denis Branthonne, chief executive and co-founder, Novade Solutions.
Closing the loop. Material Passports in Practice: JLL, Overbury & Circuland on 1 Broadgate
12:45-1:30pm
This session shares practical lessons from JLL’s 90,000 sq ft fit-out at 1 Broadgate – one of the largest and most ambitious circular fit-outs to date. Using materials passports, urban mining and circular procurement strategies, it demonstrates how embodied carbon reduction, reuse and future asset value can be integrated into a major corporate fit-out from day one, with Circuland supporting material data management, reporting and long-term lifecycle value.
Session features: Anastasia Stella, co-founder and chief executive, Circuland; Emma Hoskyn, real estate sustainability advisor, Independent; Stuart Cochrane, workplace sustainability and IMS leader, JLL; and Will Belfield, environmental and sustainability manager, Overbury.
Panel: From Factory to Algorithm: The Next Generation of MMC and AI in Construction
1:45-2:30pm
Modern Methods of Construction are bringing manufacturing speed and precision to building – but the next transformation will come from combining MMC with artificial intelligence.
Session features: Anthony Greer, TALO; Doug Johnson, founder and director, Mesh; and Henry Fenby-Taylor, co-founder, Athenophilia, and stage host for the ConTech & AI Stage.
ConTech Stage Round-Up – Summary and Highlights from the Host
2:40-3:10pm
This closing round-up brings together the biggest ideas, boldest claims, and most practical insights from across three days of the Construction Technology & AI Stage. Expect a sharp, engaging summary of what’s driving change in the industry – and what you should be paying attention to next.
Session features: Henry Fenby-Taylor, co-founder, Athenophilia, and stage host for the ConTech & AI Stage.
And that’s a wrap.
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