Reflections from California: Sustaining Engineering Breakthroughs in the Age of AI
Categories: QEPrize
Photograph: Christine Baker, courtesy of Stanford HAI
23 October 2026
Last month, the QEPrize team, alongside Royal Academy of Engineering colleagues, travelled to California for a week of events, discussions and meetings with researchers, entrepreneurs and technology leaders working at the forefront of artificial intelligence and engineering innovation.
A highlight of the visit was QEPrize's event at Stanford's Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), Sustaining Engineering Breakthroughs in the Age of AI. The event brought together members of the engineering, technology and academic communities to explore the opportunities and challenges presented by rapid advances in AI.
The programme included a fireside conversation between QEPrize Trustee John Hennessy and QEPrize Laureate Fei-Fei Li, moderated by QEPrize Chair of Trustees Lord Vallance of Balham. Their discussion examined the pace of progress in AI, the role of engineering in addressing global challenges, and the importance of ensuring new technologies are developed responsibly and for the benefit of society.
During the week, the QEPrize team also visited the Stanford Robotics Center, gaining insight into cutting-edge research with applications across healthcare, manufacturing and other sectors. The visit highlighted how engineering breakthroughs are being translated into technologies with the potential to improve lives around the world.
The delegation also spent time with members of the Royal Academy of Engineering's Explore programme cohort, whose founders and researchers are working to transform innovative ideas into real-world impact. Discussions throughout the week reinforced the importance of supporting the next generation of engineering innovators and fostering collaboration across sectors and borders.
The week also offered opportunities to connect with the wider innovation community, from a breakfast with leaders from Silicon Valley Bank and the UK Consulate General to celebrations marking ten years of GBx Global. These conversations reinforced the value of international collaboration in supporting technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
Across every meeting and event, a common theme emerged: optimism about technology's potential to tackle global challenges, coupled with a shared commitment to ensuring innovation is developed responsibly. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, engineers will play a critical role in shaping technologies that deliver lasting benefits for society.
Visit our event gallery to see more photos from our trip to Stanford HAI.
