David Altabev

David is an urban technology and smart cities specialist, working with cities, governments and startups around the world to develop innovative new solutions to overcome key challenges.

He currently works as the Head of Urban Connected Communities for the 5G Testbed & Trials team at DCMS, and as Head of Cities for PUBLIC, a GovTech venture firm, leading the successful UrbanChallenge programme.

Previously he was Director for Data & Demonstrators at the Future Cities Catapult, a UK Government backed innovation centre of excellence, leading a team of data scientists and urban technologists. Before that he led Nesta’s cities work in their Government Innovation department, and before worked on Innovate UK’s £35m Future Cities Demonstrator Programme. He is also a CABE Built Environment Expert for the Design Council, offering his expertise in urban development and renewal. He’s a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a Chartered Engineer with the Royal Academy of Engineer.