A summary of the whole meeting has been prepared by Peter Spark: download the write-up (103kB PDF download).

Paul Robertson is a Lecturer in Electrical Engineering within the Cambridge University Engineering Dept. His teaching and research interests include sensors and electronics for medical, industrial and aviation applications and he runs a number of student modules and projects in these areas. He is also a qualified pilot and has built a 2-seater, fixed-wing microlight aircraft, which he flies regularly. The possibility of developing a practical electrically powered aircraft has been hanging in my mind for some time (in common with a several other groups dotted around the world) and his talk is centred on an electric aircraft design entry to a competition, run last year by the UK's Light Aircraft Association, for a sub-115kg single-seat aircraft - a newly de-regulated category of aircraft in the UK (although a similar class has existed in the USA for a while). This is being developed in collaboration with Paul Dewhurst (of Flylight Airsports Ltd) and Dr Paul Welsh, who are responsible for the airframe design and aerodynamics - Paul Robertson's area is the electric drive-train (batteries, motors, controllers etc).

Peter Spark is a 'low carbon entrepreneur' with a passion for creating businesses that address climate change. Peter studied Biological Sciences at the University of Manchester, is an alumnus of London Business School and the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. Peter's main focus is his carbon accounting business, he also consults on new venture development, governance and carbon strategy management. Clients include WWF-UK, the Carbon Trust, Marks and Spencer, Commonwealth governmental bodies, boutique finance firms, and strategy management consultancies. Peter's research interests centre around the environmental impact of private equity, venture capital, and the role of entrepreneurial firms in mitigating anthropogenic climate change.

Peter Hiscocks held careers in major corporates, in start-up businesses and as an entrepreneur running his own business. The main areas of his work have been in new product development, NPD management and in starting new businesses. Peter has a number of patents to his name and he has been responsible for the introduction of a number of commercial new products. Peter has taught the Innovation Management module of the University of Cambridge Judge Institute of Management MBA since 1994 and has also taught at LBS. He has spoken at a number of conferences on Entrepreneurship and Innovation including the European Economic Forum (part of the World Economic Forum) and the Institute of Financial Engineers. He has also published a number of articles on ihas been on the Advisory Board of GRP Venture Capital. Peter was previously Director of Cambridge Enterprise and currently works for Marhall Aerospace in Cambridge.

Philip Sargent is a founder of the Cambridge Energy Forum and takes a lead in developing its programme of work. He has extensive knowledge of energy technologies internationally. Philip had had a university research career as a physical metallurgist working in product design and materials selection at Cambridge, Technion and Carnegie Mellon universities where he was a visiting professor. He is a member of the Institute for Materials, Minerals and Mining, a Chartered Engineer, and has accountancy and management experience.

Light refreshments were provided before, and wine and buffet after the event. Attendance was free, but prior registration was required.