Prof Keith Jackson to take over as chair of Digital Catapult

News

Former Rolls-Royce CTO Professor Keith Jackson has been appointed the new chair of Digital Catapult, where he will take over from Jurgen Maier in May 2025.

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.  

Related content

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.

“My range of experiences – as a startup founder and in multinational companies – has given me a distinctive perspective about how best Digital Catapult can support businesses, academia and the UK’s innovation community to drive economic growth and deploy deep tech into the fabric of critical UK industries. I can’t wait to get started!” 

Previously, Jackson has held fellowships at the Society of Automotive Engineers, Rolls-Royce Engineering, British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing and the Royal Aeronautical Society. He is currently chairman of Ilika, an AIM listed solid state battery development and manufacturing company

“Keith’s experience driving real-world impact of game changing solutions aligns perfectly with Digital Catapult’s direction of growth,” said Susan Bowen, CEO of Digital Catapult.

“We are looking forward to shaping the future of deep tech together. On behalf of the Board and the entire Digital Catapult team, I would like to thank Juergen for the generosity of his time, experience and energy over the past six years, steering us to this point. We look forward to working closely with Keith to drive Digital Catapult’s ambition to lead the practical adoption of deep tech to stimulate growth for UK PLC.”