Prof Keith Jackson to take over as chair of Digital Catapult

Jackson’s career spans both industry and academia. Until recently, he was a Royal Society sponsored Visiting Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at The University of Sheffield’s Automated Controls and Systems Engineering department, helping students to turn engineering technology into business ideas. Jackson also co-founded Pi Technology, a startup which grew to provide engine control systems used in millions of vehicles around the world. Other roles include working with IBM and the Innovate UK Catapult Network’s AMRC in Sheffield and MTC in Ansty.  

During his time at aerospace firm Meggitt, Jackson developed a digital manufacturing project called M4 that optimised the manufacturing life cycle across supply, outsource, assembly and in service operation. He also conceived a project designing new thermal management systems for next generation aircraft engines and secured a patent for a noise-cancelling, 3D printed engine valve.

“It’s an exciting time to join Digital Catapult and I’m looking forward to working with the Board and management team as we drive the practical adoption of deep tech,” said Prof Jackson.