Product Leader @ A Jar of Insights
AI HealthTech Specialist Network Leader @ One HealthTech
Mentor @ CyNam
Interviewer: Iryna, thank you for sharing your insightful vision for Gloucestershire’s tech future. As we celebrate CyNam’s 10th anniversary, you’ve highlighted the critical need for “Trust as Technology.” Let’s dive deeper into that. What does that concept mean in practical terms for you?
Iryna: Thanks for having me. In practical terms, “Trust as Technology” means transforming trust from an abstract concept into a tangible component of tech solutions. It’s about developing systematic methodologies and frameworks that make trust measurable, verifiable, and reproducible across the product lifecycle.
From my experience leading AI product development in the healthcare space, I’ve observed that user anxiety about AI stems from concerns about transparency and decision-making processes. We need to create standards for trust verification as AI systems evolve. This requires deep collaboration between cybersecurity experts, product developers, domain specialists, and other stakeholders.
Interviewer: You mentioned the “trust challenge” as a global issue. How does Gloucestershire’s unique ecosystem position us to address this?
Iryna: Our region’s cyber heritage is key. We have decades of experience in security, which translates directly to building trustworthy systems. Combine that with our growing AI expertise and the collaborative spirit fostered by CyNam, and we have all the ingredients for a powerful solution!
Interviewer: You propose three pillars: collaboration across boundaries, establishing Gloucestershire as a globally recognized “Trust Innovation Hub”, and mentoring the next generation of tech founders. Let’s discuss this. What are the concrete steps needed?
Iryna: Yes, first, we need to strengthen bridges between academia and businesses. It’s about creating structured opportunities for diverse expertise to intersect. Think hackathons bridging cybersecurity and AI in healthcare or education domain, joint research projects between universities and tech startups, industry-academia forums to develop shared ethical frameworks. We need to break down silos and create a shared language. And as a One Health Tech Fellow, I’m committed to facilitating this in AI healthcare.
The second is establishing Gloucestershire as a globally recognised “Trust Innovation Hub”, prioritising responsible innovation and human dignity. CyNam is already making steps to showcase our expertise globally, building a brand and a reputation.
The third is mentoring the next generation of cyber and tech professionals and startup founders. I’m actively involved in this as a mentor at CyNam and Product Leader at Jar of Insights. By spreading a product-driven mindset and safe continuous innovation practices, we can inspire building ethically sound digital products.
Interviewer: You emphasize the ecosystem’s role. What are the biggest challenges we face in building this ecosystem, and how do we overcome them?
Iryna: The biggest challenge is bridging the gap between different sectors – academia, startups, corporations, public sector.. We need to create incentives for collaboration, foster a culture of open communication, and provide the necessary infrastructure. CyNam’s role is crucial here, as it can act as a neutral facilitator.
Interviewer: Finally, Iryna, what is your call to action for our readers?
Iryna: For technology leaders, integrate trust metrics into your development processes. For investors, prioritize startups that build trust by design. For educators, teach trust engineering alongside technical skills. And for CyNam community members, actively participate in cross-discipline initiatives that tackle trust challenges. Let’s be intentional about building a future where technology serves humanity. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and lead the way in establishing “Trust as Technology.” Let’s make Gloucestershire a global beacon for responsible innovation. I’m committed to advancing this vision through my work, and I welcome conversations with anyone passionate about building the trust infrastructure for our tech future.