Leading the next chapter of digital innovation

Event agenda

Join us in at the Microsoft Offices, Paddington, London on Wednesday 11 February 2026 for a day of insight, innovation and networking.

Read our agenda below to discover the latest speaker updates and what’s in store in their unmissable sessions – then head to our registration page to secure your place!

Discover the agenda for Kortext LIVE

Explore the latest Kortext LIVE agenda below.

We’ll be adding more speakers as the event approaches, so be sure to check back for the latest updates.

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

09:00-09:30 - The next chapter: Kortext & Microsoft working together to innovate in higher education

See how institutions like yours can enrich student experiences with more personalised, accessible learning, reinventing student engagement through intelligent, connected digital tools to bend the curve on innovation by moving faster and smarter than ever before.

Speakers:

  • James Gray (CEO & founder, Kortext)
  • Jen Wyatt (Director of Education, Microsoft UK)

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

09:30-10:00 - The University of East London: Keynote speech

How UEL has delivered the most ambitious transformation in UK higher education. It has set a benchmark for what higher education must become and provided a blueprint for how modern universities can lead national renewal, improve social equity and build a more resilient, future-ready society – tackling tomorrow’s challenges, yesterday.

Speaker:

  • Professor Amanda Broderick (Vice-Chancellor & President, University of East London)

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

10:00-10:30 - Leveraging data for strategic impact

How a university has leveraged cross-institutional data to enable smarter, evidence-driven decision-making in partnership with Kortext and Microsoft.

Speakers:

  • Andrew Bates (Chief Product Officer, Kortext)
  • University representative
  • Microsoft technology representative

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

10:30-10:45 - Mid-morning break and networking

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

10:45-11:15 - Turning data into actionable insights

Building on the data foundations, this session explores how Teesside University has turned raw data into actionable insights to personalise support, identify risks earlier and enhance student outcomes at scale – resulting in a TEF Gold.

Speakers:

  • Professor Mark Simpson (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teesside University)
  • Dr Rachel Maxwell (Principal Advisor, Kortext)

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

11:15-12:15 - Introducing the latest Wonkhe research project: academic quality, educator success, and student outcomes

Insight alone isn’t enough, it must drive impact in teaching and learning. With new UK quality frameworks placing fresh demands on universities, this session unveils new Wonkhe research on integrated quality followed by a panel of academic leaders discussing how we can support educators to reduce administrative burden, enhance pedagogy, and evidence quality through student success.

30 minute presentation by Debbie McVitty, followed by a 30 minute panel discussion.

Speakers:

  • Debbie McVitty (Editor, Wonkhe)
  • Professor Janice Kay CBE (Director, Higher Futures, former Provost & Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Exeter)
  • Professor Sam Grogan (Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of Loughborough)
  • OfS representative

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

12:15-13:00 - Lunch break and networking

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

13:00-13:45 - Empowering educators to drive quality

Looking at the issues faced by academics in practice and how Al-powered tools can alleviate workload, streamline workflows, enhance pedagogic practice and ensure alignment with institutional and regulatory expectations.

Speakers:

  • Professor Osama Khan (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Aston University)
  • Dr Miriam Firth (University of Manchester)
  • Professor Janice Kay CBE (Director, Higher Futures, former Provost & Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter)
  • Andrew Bates (Chief Product Officer, Kortext)

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

13:45-14:15 - Driving learning innovation with Al: Kortext study+

With the latest HEPI/Kortext study finding that 92% of student are using Al tools, how can institutions enable responsible Al use while also ensuring learners are prepared for the Al-integrated workplace of the future? This session explores how Kortext study+ delivers interactive learning experiences using generative Al – safely.

Speakers:

  • Andrew Bates (Chief Product Officer, Kortext)
  • University speaker
  • Student speaker
  • HEPI representative

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

14:15-14:45 - Building the Kortext Al Assistant with Saïd Business School

This session explores how Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, is piloting an Al-powered chat agent integrated into the Canvas VLE to enable contextualised, real-time student learning. Lessons learned from design, deployment, and adoption will be discussed, and what this means for the future of Al-driven student support.

Speakers:

  • Mark Bramwell (Chief Digital Information Officer, Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford)
  • James Gray (CEO & founder, Kortext)

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

14:45-15:15 - Surprise speaker to be revealed...

We’re keeping this session under wraps for now but here’s what to expect.

A special guest speaker will join us – promising a session of brand new perspectives and unexpected insights into what’s next for digital transformation. Curious? Register your place today and keep an eye on your inbox for more upcoming announcements.

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

15:15-15:30 - Summary and closing thoughts

Bringing together insights from the day and how we can move forward together to implement solutions addressing key challenges for the sector.

Speakers:

  • James Gray (CEO & founder, Kortext)
  • Jen Wyatt (Director of Education, Microsoft UK)

08:15-09:00 - Registration, refreshments & networking

15:30-late - Join us for a networking and drinks reception

Register your place at Kortext LIVE 

Secure your seat at this unmissable event, exclusively for senior HE leaders. Register using the button below, hosted at the Microsoft Offices in Paddington, London.