PlusEquals5
Future Software Engineering
What will the software industry be like five years from now?
This conference presents a lineup of distinguished speakers to share their predictions for the future. Through presentations and discussion sessions, delegates will consider important questions for the future of the industry.
- What skills will software engineers need in five years' time?
- Will AI make software engineers redundant?
- How should today's software engineers upskill for the future?
- What should software engineering courses cover for students starting in 2025?
Where
Edinburgh Napier University
Craiglockhart Campus
When
17th April 2025
Tickets
This event is free to attend - please reserve your place on EventBrite
Speakers
Event Schedule
See what's coming up during the day. Look out for the themed tracks in the breakout sessions:
Registration and coffee
Arrive early and enjoy complimentary refreshments during registration.
Welcome Prof. Nikos Antonopoulos, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Principal
Opening remarks to welcome everyone to the event.
Morning Keynote Lucy Batley
Designing Tomorrow: How AI Will Redefine Software Engineering and the Skills That Matter
More...
In a world where AI reshapes the rules, software engineers must evolve from coders to creative orchestrators. This session explores human-AI collaboration, the emergent skills for engineers in 2025 and beyond, and how educators and professionals can prepare for an era of unprecedented innovation.
Announcements
A few words from our sponsors and partners
Breakout 1
Choose your session
AI Tom McLaughlin
It's the End of the (Hello) World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)
More...
ChatGPT changed the way the world writes software. Anyone can build now—so what skills matter most in a post-LLM world?
Future Engineers
Ceri Shaw
Why your software teams are underperforming!
More...
Effective communication is the #1 reason why teams fail to perform, yet we rarely, if ever, train our engineers to communicate better. Why is that? And how can we do better? This talk explores the topic of how better communication leads to high performance, why conventional HR 'soft skills' training doesn't work and how we can do better.
Energy & Engineering Jamie Mincher
Embracing Software in a Traditional Manufacturing Business: The Challenges and Opportunities of Transitioning WAAM from R&D to Industrial Production
More...
This talk explores the challenges of software integration, cybersecurity, and internationalization in developing bespoke production cells and hardware for a traditional engineering skillset.
Cloud Mark Jackson
A-head in the Clouds: Where Do We Go Next?
More...
Cloud trends, AI, future skills, where next? Join us as we explore the trajectory of cloud computing, the impact of artificial intelligence and the future skills landscape as the industry evolves over the next 5 years.
Refreshments and networking
Breakout 2
Choose your session
Commercial Matyas Zsoldos
Garandor
Future Engineers
Chris Oldnall
Bridging the Skills Gap
More...
Work-based learning to future-proof business for current employees and those entering the labour market.
Cloud
Matthew Rowe
Shaping Developers: Empowering future graduates to innovate with Cloud solutions.
Energy & Engineering Bruno Castro
Process Safety and the convergence into the industrial metaverse
More...
This session will explore the role of process safety in the energy sector, providing an overview of industry trends and latest advancements in the field. Topics covered will include asset management, cybersecurity, the ethical considerations of AI in risk management, and the influence of cloud and hybrid solutions on the industry.
Future Engineers Panel
Our panel discusses issues raised in the first breakout sessions.
Chair Vicki Moir
Firefish Software
Chris Oldnall
Direct Tech Training
Ceri Shaw
Thistle Labs
Simon Libby
WSP
Andrew Spratt
FPSG
Lunch and networking.
Relax with lunch in the foyer, chat with other delegates and visit the exhibition.
Afternoon Keynote Jeff Watkins
The Great Brain Robbery - From Clickbait to Conmen: Navigating the Dark Future of Online Manipulation
More...
Cybercrime is set to become a $30tn problem by 2030, bigger than the US GDP, and us humans are increasingly becoming the target. How will our perceptions of reality by changed by the cybercriminals, superpowered by advanced AI?
Breakout 3
Choose your session
AI Patty O'Callaghan
Charles River Labs
Commercial
Stu Harwood
UK companies pivoting into North Africa
More...
This presentation will be an open discussion around how Siker pivoted from the cyber sector in the UK/Middle East and gained a foothold in the African cyber market, specifically North Africa.
Future Engineers TBC
Oracle Academy
Cloud Ben de Mora
Cloud cost and value management
More...
Picking up themes from earlier sessions, this discussion led by Ben de Mora will explore Cloud FinOps – maximising the value of every pound spent on Public Cloud. Joining Ben will be Mark Jackson and Matthew Rowe.
Plenary panel
Our panel considers issues arising from the day and takes questions from delegates.
Lucy Batley
Traction Industries
Jeff Watkins
Create Future
Andrew Williams
Fyne Labs; ScotlandIS
Geoff Huggins
Scottish Government
Thanks
Close
Event Venue
Edinburgh Napier University's Craiglockhart Campus, set against the scenic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and the Pentland Hills, provides a serene and stimulating environment. Among its highlights is the Lindsay Stewart Lecture Theatre, a centerpiece that combines cutting-edge technology with striking architectural features. With its spacious seating and modern amenities, the Lindsay Stewart ensures comfort and functionality.
Sustainability is a key focus at Craiglockhart, with the campus committed to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that events have a minimal environmental footprint. The University catering service offers delightful menus using locally-sourced ingredients to satisfy diverse dietary preferences.
With excellent transportation links to central Edinburgh and comprehensive accessibility features, the campus ensures ease of access for all delegates. Ample parking and facilities for attendees with disabilities are also available, underscoring the campus's commitment to inclusivity.
Sponsors and Partners
We would like to extend our deep appreciation to the following companies and organisations for their support of PlusEquals5.
For sponsorship enquiries, please email plusequals5@napier.ac.uk.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to know more about the event.
Address
219 Colinton Rd, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ
Call Us
+44 (0)131 455 2373
Email Us
plusequals5@napier.ac.uk