Pre-appointment hearing for executive chair of Innovate UK

Innovate UK, the national innovation agency, is tasked with supporting the UK’s research and development ecosystem. As part of UKRI, it helps innovative businesses to grow and to commercialise new technologies, products and services. The government has said that Innovate UK and business-led innovation are a crucial part of its economic growth mission.  

A pre-appointment hearing is an opportunity for a select committee to scrutinise the quality of ministerial decision-making over appointments. The committee will examine the candidate’s suitability for appointment, including their knowledge and skills. The committee will then publish a short report and verdict on the proposed appointment in the days following the session. 

Mr Adeyoola founded virtual fitting room startup Metail in 2008, which was sold in 2019. He has also worked with Innovate UK previously to improve diversity in grant funding as co-founder of Extend Ventures, a not-for-profit. A biography for Mr Adeyoola is available on Gov.uk. 

Witnesses at 09:45am:  

• Tom Adeyoola, Government’s preferred candidate for the role of the Executive Chair, Innovate UK  

Innovation Showcase at 09:30am:  

• Itxaso Ariza, Chief Technology Officer, Tokomak energy  

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: House of Commons