Sophie Hackford

Sophie Hackford

Global Futurist & Strategic Advisor on Emerging Technologies

Core Intelligence Domain: Future Trends & Technology
Location: London, United Kingdom | Languages: English
Representation: Represented globally by PSpeakers Global Intelligence

Sophie Hackford is a globally recognised futurist, business strategist, and technology researcher who provides C-suite executives with proprietary foresight into the scientific breakthroughs poised to redefine the global economy. Operating at the intersection of academia, enterprise, and disruptive innovation, she maps the trajectory of artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and spatial technologies to future-proof multinational organisations. Rather than relying on secondary trends, Sophie conducts extensive on-the-ground field research, embedding herself in frontier laboratories from Silicon Valley to Shenzhen, decoding the complex technologies that will transition from the fringes to mainstream commercial application.

As the co-founder of 1715 Labs, a successful spin-out from the University of Oxford’s Astrophysics Department, Sophie has directly commercialised cutting-edge academic research, giving her an unparalleled understanding of the data structuring required to train advanced machine learning systems. Her strategic narrative focuses on translating the opaque world of deep tech into actionable, high-level roadmaps for global boards. She previously served as the founding Director of WIRED Consulting, where she built the division to connect corporate leaders with the innovators shaping the future, and holds an alumni status from the prestigious Singularity University.

Today, Sophie advises some of the world’s most powerful brands, financial institutions, and agricultural conglomerates. She helps executive teams navigate the ethical, operational, and commercial implications of living in a hyper-connected, algorithmic world. Her proprietary frameworks do not merely highlight what the future looks like, but strategically position companies to capture market share within it.

Professional Achievements & Leadership Roles

• Co-founder of 1715 Labs: Successfully launched and built a data-labelling enterprise spun out from Oxford University, bridging the gap between astrophysics research and commercial AI applications.
• Founding Director of WIRED Consulting: Created and spearheaded WIRED Magazine’s strategic advisory arm, advising Fortune 500 companies on disruptive technologies.
• Singularity University Alumnus: Immersed in exponential technologies at the NASA Ames Research Park in Silicon Valley.
• Global Tech Scout: Conducts primary research by physically visiting breakthrough technology hubs, AI labs, and robotics facilities worldwide to gather proprietary intelligence.
• Strategic Board Advisor: Provides high-level technology foresight to executive boards across diverse sectors including finance, fashion, infrastructure, and heavy machinery.

Key Speaking Themes & Masterclasses

• The Age of Machine Intelligence: Moving beyond generative AI to understand the commercial implications of autonomous systems and neural networks.
• Spatial Computing and the Virtual Economy: How the metaverse, augmented reality, and digital twins are fundamentally restructuring consumer engagement and industrial design.
• Robotics and the Future of Human Labour: Strategic foresight on automation, the human-machine interface, and the reshaping of global workforces.
• Data as the New Currency: Navigating the complex landscape of digital surveillance, algorithmic ethics, and data privacy in a hyper-connected world.
• Quantum Computing: Preparing for the next frontier of processing power and its disruptive impact on cybersecurity and supply chain logistics.
• The Demographic Intersection: How aging populations and urbanisation will interact with technological advancement to create new markets and challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Proprietary Market Foresight: Sophie delivers original intelligence gathered directly from the world’s most advanced research laboratories, keeping leaders ahead of standard industry reporting.
• Strategic Translation: She possesses a unique ability to demystify complex scientific breakthroughs, translating deep tech jargon into actionable commercial strategies for the C-suite.
• Actionable Frameworks: Organisations leave her sessions equipped with clear frameworks to evaluate disruptive threats and identify lucrative opportunities in emerging tech sectors.
• Ethical Leadership: She empowers decision-makers to implement new technologies responsibly, balancing rapid innovation with data ethics and consumer trust.