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A global network of founders, experts, and innovators building ventures that shape the future.
Be the first to hear about exclusive events, knowledge exchange sessions, and hands-on programmes with our international partners. We’re here to help you grow boldly, think strategically, and scale globally. Join a venture-building network that moves ideas into action.
Upcoming Events
What’s On
Explore CBIT VB’s exciting events, including Venture Builder programs, research showcases, education workshops, and community gatherings, all fostering innovation and connection.
Alumni Venturing Symposium
July, 2025
Welcome to an interactive forum where the focus is on practical, peer-driven learning. This online workshop is a true knowledge exchange, moving beyond theory to concentrate on the AI strategies that are working in business right now.
The agenda is driven by you and your peers. It’s a space to share your challenges in implementing AI and gain proven solutions from other leaders. Through facilitated discussions and collaborative problem-solving, you will exchange cross-industry insights, discover what’s truly effective, and build a network of trusted peers dedicated to mutual growth and success.
MOSMOP Symposium
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Join the MOSMOP (More Sustainable More Profitable) workshop. We unite business leaders to explore how integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles can drive both profitability and business success.
Global Entrepreneurship Week
November 17-23, 2025
GEW is a massive, annual campaign to celebrate and empower entrepreneurs in every country and community around the world – especially those individuals who face structural barriers or may have never considered the idea of launching a startup.
CBIT Engagement & Activities
Discover engaging activities designed to connect and inspire. From workshops to community events, we offer a variety of opportunities to participate and collaborate. Join us and get involved in making a difference!
2025
| Date | Location | Event Name | CBIT Member | CBIT Contribution | CBIT Impact | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November, 2025 | Hong Kong | iCANX Summit 2025 | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Session Chair, attended the Transitioning Scientists into Entrepreneurs | Lead innovation and business transformation discussion among over 100 international innovators. | |
| November, 2025 | Hong Kong | iCANX Summit 2025 | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Organising Committee, attended the iCANX Summit 2025 | Promoting CBIT research, innovation and commercialisation to over 300 international innovators including 2 Nobel laureates. | |
| June, 2025 | UK | IUK BC monthly gathering | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, as the Presenter, talked about What is CBIT? | Meeting with entire IUK BC team for East of England, presenting what CBIT and CBIT VB offers and lead generation opportunities | |
| June, 2025 | UK | BridgeAI Labs | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, as the Keynote, talked about BridgeAI - Business Strategy: Embedding AI into existing or planned business models | Special Invitation by InnovateUK BridgeAI Labs programme to present CBIT case studies and methodology to over 50 UK based businesses | |
| June, 2025 | Boston, United States | Babson SEE Program | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Presenter, talked about International Venture Builder | Disseminate CBIT International Venture Building to the babson entrepreneurship community | |
| June, 2025 | Oxford, UK | Oxford Venture Builder Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Panel Member, attended the Oxford Venture Builder Pitch Night | Promoting CBIT Venture Building program to over 40 venture from Oxford Ecosystem# | |
| June, 2025 | Nottingham, UK | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Speaker, talked about AI and Business Sustainability | |||
| June, 2025 | Oxford, UK | Oxford Venture Builder Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Panel Member, attended the More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Promoting CBIT Venture Building program to over 40 venture from Oxford Ecosystem# | |
| May, 2025 | University of Manchester | Manchester VB: GTM Strategy | Connor Morrison | Connor Morrison, as the Invited Speaker, talked about Manchester VB: GTM Strategy | Lead GTM Strategy workshop for 28 start-ups, promoting CBIT methdology and venture builder | |
| May, 2025 | Oxford, UK | Oxford Venture Builder Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Speaker, talked about More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Bringing CBIT VB program to over 40 ventures from Oxford University. | |
| May, 2025 | ESIC University, Madrid | European Marketing Conference (EMAC) | SS | SS, as the Presenter, talked about Special session: Engaging Organizations and their Stakeholders with Circularity | Dessimination of NORNOM study findings and circular economy as a service innovation for transformative value propositions | |
| May, 2025 | UK | BridgeAI Labs | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, as the Keynote, talked about BridgeAI - Technology Selection Strategy: Choosing the right AI technologies | Special Invitation by InnovateUK BridgeAI Labs programme to present CBIT case studies and methodology to over 50 UK based businesses | |
| May, 2025 | UK, Nottingham | “AI 4 Business” Transform your enterprise with a strategic AI approach | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, as the Invited Speaker, talked about “AI 4 Business” Transform your enterprise with a strategic AI approach | Talk, part of Nottingham Tech Week, presenting CBIT cases and capabilities to over 50+ visitors | |
| April, 2025 | University of Manchester | Manchester VB: Value Proposition | Connor Morrison | Connor Morrison, as the Invited Speaker, talked about Manchester VB: Value Proposition | Lead Value Proposition workshop for 28 start-ups, promoting CBIT methdology and venture builder | |
| April, 2025 | University of Manchester | Manchester VB: Business Modelling | Connor Morrison | Connor Morrison, as the Invited Speaker, talked about Manchester VB: Business Modelling | Lead Business Modelling workshop for 28 start-ups, promoting CBIT methdology and venture builder | |
| April, 2025 | Hong Kong | MOSMOP Business Model Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote Speaker, talked about More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Disseminated CBIT MOSMOP research findings with ThinkESG and its key clients. | |
| April, 2025 | Guang Zhou, China | MOSMOP Business Model Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote Speaker, talked about More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Disseminated CBIT MOSMOP research findings with over 20 ESG driven businesses. | |
| April, 2025 | Shanghai,China | MOSMOP Business Model Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote Speaker, talked about More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Disseminated CBIT MOSMOP research findings with over 20 ESG driven businesses. | |
| April, 2025 | Shanghai,China | MOSMOP Business Model Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote Speaker, talked about More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Disseminated CBIT MOSMOP research findings at SJTU with over 20 ESG driven businesses and the official announcement of MOSMOP whitepapers. | |
| April, 2025 | Hohhot, China | MOSMOP Business Model Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote Speaker, talked about More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Disseminated CBIT MOSMOP research findings at IMU and local academic community. | |
| April, 2025 | Hohhot, China | MOSMOP Business Model Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote Speaker, talked about More Sustainable and More Profitable Business Model Innovation | Disseminated CBIT MOSMOP research findings at Touchstone Capital Roundtable with over 10 cohort businesses | |
| March, 2025 | UK | UKRI AI Superconnector - Venture Review Session | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, as the Expert Panel, attended the Venture Review Session | Special Invitation by UKRI AI Superconnector programme to assess AI startups on the programme and offer CBIT services to all ventures |
2024
| Date | Event Location | Event Name | CBIT Member | CBIT Contribution | CBIT Impact | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November, 2024 | Brunel University | Global Entrepreneurship Week Nottingham | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about Transform your career via transforming businesses | Disseminate CBIT education and VB and education to the MBA and entrepreneurship community | |
| November, 2024 | Brunel University | Business Transformation in Action | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about Business Transformation in Action | Disseminate CBIT education and VB and education to the MBA and entrepreneurship community at Brunel University | |
| November, 2024 | Nottingham, UK | IUK Faraday Battery Challenge Session 4: Pitch Feedback | Georgi Iliev | Georgi, as the invited speaker, attended the IUK Faraday Battery Challenge Session 4: Pitch Feedback | Promoted CBIT knowledge on business transformation research, education, and practice. | |
| November, 2024 | Birmingham, UK | UK Innovation Awards | Georgi Iliev | Georgi, as the Award Winner, attended the Technology Innovation Champion | CBIT named the Tech Innovation Champion at the 2024 Innovation Awards. | |
| November, 2024 | Chulalongkorn University | Thai-UK International Venture Builder | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about international venture builder | Disseminate CBIT research, VB and education in Thailand. Scoping Thai-UK International Venture Builder. | |
| October, 2024 | Nottingham, UK | Notts Techfast | Georgi Iliev | Georgi, as the invited speaker, attended the The Art of Matchmaking: Turning side projects into big wins | Special Invitation by Notts Techfast to present CBIT UKCCM matchmaking cases | |
| October, 2024 | Nottingham, UK | Transforming SMEs with AI | Georgi Iliev | Georgi, hosted theThe Future of AI in Business Growth: How SMEs can harness AI for Unprecedented Growth and Innovation | Hosting the first ever "Transforming SMEs with AI" conference in partnership with InnovateUK, which hosted an audience of 40+ guests and hosted 8 keynotes sessions presented by industry leaders, and generating over £700 in revenue and build CBIT and NTU's brand | |
| October, 2024 | ChiangMai University | Thai-UK International Venture Builder | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about international venture builder | Disseminate CBIT research, VB and education in Thailand. Scoping Thai-UK International Venture Builder. | |
| October, 2024 | London, UK | China-UK Technology Summit | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about Fall in Love with problems and transform the industry norm | Disseminate CBIT research, VB and education at the 2024 China-UK Technology Summit. | |
| October, 2024 | NTU | Generative AI to Empower SMEs conference | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma presented CBIT researches at Generative AI to Empower SMEs conference | Disseminate CBIT research in AI at InnovateUK co-hosted conference for innovative businesses who have adopted or is planning to adopt AI to in their business operation. | |
| August, 2024 | Chicago, USA | Sci&Tech Researcher to Entrepreneur event. | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about Fall in Love with problems and transform the industry norm | Promoted CBIT Education and Venture building at Sci&Tech Researcher to Entrepreneur event. | |
| July, 2024 | Beijing,China | Academy of Management Annual Conference | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the presenter, talked about Founder CEOs’ Traditional Value Imprint and Green Innovation in Family Firms | Presented CBIT research output at AOM 2024 | |
| July, 2024 | Shanghai,China | SH ESG Roundtable | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, showcased the MOSMOP Business Model | Disseminated CBIT MOSMOP research findings at SH ESG Roundtable with over 30 businesses in ESG related sectors. 3 white papers drafted following the event for Chinese policy public consultation. | |
| July, 2024 | Shanghai,China | Shanghai Big data exchange research network | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the presenter, participants the expert panel in Shanghai Big data exchange research network | Promoted CBIT research program to Shanghai University and Shanghai Big data Exchange stakeholder network. Scoped collaborative research funding proposal. CEO of Shanghai Big Data Exchange to visit CBIT in Dec 2024. | |
| July, 2024 | Shanghai,China | Shanghai Digital Economy Committee | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, attended the Expert Panel: Personal Data Economy Workshop | Promoted CBIT Research program to Shanghai Digital Economy Committee. Scoping funding proposal. | |
| July, 2024 | Shanghai,China | Venture Building to transform businesses | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about Business Transformation in Action | Promoted CBIT VB program to Fudan U Exec Course Community. Scoped Future Leader Symposium with Fudan. Agreed CBIT students’ global consulting projects at Fudan. | |
| July, 2024 | Davos, Switzerland | iCANX Davos Summit | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the chair of iCANX Davos Summit, lead discussion about Transitioning Scientists into Entrepreneurs | Lead innovation and business transformation discussion among over 100 international innovators. | |
| May, 2024 | NTU | D2N2 Business Modelling session | Connor Morrison | Connor, as the invited speaker, delivered at the D2N2 Business Modelling session | Lead innovation and business transformation workshop among over 20 local business owners. | |
| May, 2024 | Oxford, UK | Oxford Venture Builder Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, attended Oxford Venture Builder Workshop | Bringing CBIT VB program to over 40 ventures from Oxford University. | |
| Febuary, 2024 | Shanghai,China | Human-Centric Financial Data Sharing Regulatory Seminar | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the invited speaker, talked about Human-Centric Financial Data Sharing Regulatory Seminar | Exchange of latest development in personal data economy, and promoting research capability in this space at NBS |
2023 and earlier
| Date | Location | Event Name | CBIT Member | CBIT Contribution | CBIT Impact | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | Opportunity Insights Challenges event series | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, attended the Masterclass about Future of Digital Economy | Promoted business transformation research, education, and practice. | |
| November, 2023 | Online | Spotlight Podcast | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Talk, talked about Trailblazing in Business Transformation & Innovation | Promoted business transformation research, education, and practice. | |
| November, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | East Midlands Entrepreneurs and Startups series | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, as the Expert Panel, attended TechXBusiness: Building Ventures with the latest AI Innovations | Community Engagement event, part of the East Midlands Entreprenueurs and Startup meetup series, interviewing a CBIT community member and sharing their experiential learnings in front of a CBIT community audience | |
| Oct , 2023 | Eton, UK | Eton College Incubator Course | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, attended the Masterclass about Disruptive Innovation & Industry Transformation | Promoted entrepreneurship and business transformation education. | |
| Sep , 2023 | Warwick, UK | Entrepreneurship - A Critical Perspective | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Talk, talked about Entrepreneurship - A Critical Perspective | Promoted entrepreneurship and CBIT VB program. | |
| Sep , 2023 | UK | British Academy of Management Annual Conference 2023 | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, attended the Workshop about Sustainable & Profitable Business Models | Discussed sustainability and profitability in business models. | |
| Sep , 2023 | UK | British Academy of Management Annual Conference 2023 | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, attended the Workshop about Sustainable & Profitable Business Models | Discussed sustainability and profitability in business models. | |
| Sept, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | East Midlands Entrepreneurs and Startups series | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, hosted The entrepreneurial academic ??? | Community Engagement event, part of the East Midlands Entreprenueurs and Startup meetup series, interviewing a CBIT community member and sharing their experiential learnings in front of a CBIT community audience | |
| June, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | Inaugural Lecture | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote, talked about Inaugural Lecture | Integrated industry transformation research, disruptive practices, and education. | |
| June, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | IKEP conference | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, as the Invited Speaker, talked about Hydra: Experiences of creating a service for industry and academia | Presented CBIT involvement in the NTU SST Hydra project in front the IKEP conference audience and was able to present CBIT services to the audience | |
| June, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | East Midlands Entrepreneurs and Startups series | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, hosted The story of a Software Engineer turned Entrepreneur | Community Engagement event, part of the East Midlands Entreprenueurs and Startup meetup series, interviewing a CBIT community member and sharing their experiential learnings in front of a CBIT community audience | |
| April, 2023 | Shanghai, China | SHU Masterclass | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, attended the Masterclass about Fall in Love with Problems | Explored MSC BT programs for SHU students and executives. | |
| April, 2023 | Shanghai, China | MOSMOP Launch Evnet | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote, talked about MOSMOP Business Model Innovation | Launched British Council MOSMOP sustainable business model project. | |
| April, 2023 | Shanghai, China | Fudan Innovation Centre Talk | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Talk, talked about Venture Building & Scaling Up | Promoted CBIT VB program at Fudan Innovation Centre. | |
| April, 2023 | Beijing, China | PKU Masterclass Series | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, attended the Masterclass about Fall in Love with Problems | Promoted educational collaboration and executive programs. | |
| April, 2023 | Inner Mongolia, China | IMU International Keynotes | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote, talked about Disruptive Innovation & Industry Transformation | Promoted business transformation research platforms. | |
| April, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | East Midlands Entrepreneurs and Startups series | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, hosted From Starting up a business at university to setting up operations in major UK cities | Community Engagement event, part of the East Midlands Entreprenueurs and Startup meetup series, interviewing a CBIT community member and sharing their experiential learnings in front of a CBIT community audience | |
| Feb, 2023 | UK | Sustainability Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Expert Panel, attended Digital Twin | Established consortium of AI researchers in smart farming. | |
| Feb, 2023 | UK | ABCP Expert Workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Expert Panel, attended Generative AI and ChatGPT | Disseminated CBIT AI research impacts in industry. | |
| Feb, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | East Midlands Entrepreneurs and Startups series | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, hosted My journey as a Startup Cofounder | Community Engagement event, part of the East Midlands Entreprenueurs and Startup meetup series, interviewing a CBIT community member and sharing their experiential learnings in front of a CBIT community audience | |
| Jan, 2023 | Nottingham, UK | East Midlands Entrepreneurs and Startups series | Georgi Iliev | Georgi Iliev, hosted Operational Mastery: The COO's Blueprint for Startup Excellence | Community Engagement event, part of the East Midlands Entreprenueurs and Startup meetup series, interviewing a CBIT community member and sharing their experiential learnings in front of a CBIT community audience | |
| 2023 | Maastricht, the Netherland | Frontiers in Service 2023 | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Presenter, talked about Manufacturing as a Service: Building customised manufacturing supply chains on demand | Presented CBIT research output at Frontiers in Service 2023 | |
| 2022 | UK | 2nd Annual Conference of ASFAAG - The Role of Accounting, Finance & Governance in Sustainability and Sustainable Development | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, attended the Expert Panel about Expert Panel | Promoted sustainability-driven business transformation. | |
| 2022 | Birmingham, UK | ABCP Annual Conference | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Organising Committee & Chair, attended Organising Committee & Chair | Disseminated CBIT programs. | |
| 2022 | Birmingham, UK | ABCP Annual Conference | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Speaker, talked about Finding USP in Entrepreneurship education and practice - a journey to a UK's top ranked entrepreneurship MSc programme. | Contributed to entrepreneurship education policy and collaborations. | |
| 2022 | Birmingham, UK | ABCP Annual Conference | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Speaker, talked about Let’s Exercise Our “Data Rights” – New Opportunities, Insights and Challenges | Disseminated Privelt Platform research; discussed future research. | |
| 2022 | Warwick, UK | Warwick Enterprise workshop | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Talk, talked about Student Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Explored unified entrepreneurship education strategies. | |
| 2022 | London, UK | UCL EMBA program | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Invited Talk, talked about Growth Hacking & Social Media | Discussed collaboration opportunities at UCL Cosmetic Business Conference. | |
| 2022 | Warwick, UK | Warwick Accelerator Annual Event | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Keynote, talked about Personal Data Economy and opportunities in transforming businesses | Explored data-driven business transformation collaborations. | |
| 2021 | Xi’an, China | Digital Transformation Expert Panel | Xiao Ma | Xiao Ma, as the Expert Panel, attended Business Transformation & Venture Building | Explored industry transformation and venture collaboration. |