Nesta
@nestauk.bsky.social
We are Nesta, the research and innovation foundation. We apply our deep expertise in applied methods to design, test and scale solutions across the innovation lifecycle. http://nesta.org.uk/newsletter
AI could add £400B to the UK economy by 2030 - if the workforce adopts it. 🚀
At Nesta & @bitglobal.bsky.social, 9 in 10 staff now use AI weekly. We’re sharing lessons from our journey to help other organisations ⤵️
At Nesta & @bitglobal.bsky.social, 9 in 10 staff now use AI weekly. We’re sharing lessons from our journey to help other organisations ⤵️
Hackathon to habit: embedding AI at Nesta and BIT
AI adoption isn't binary, but rather a continuum from non-use to deep integration within organisations
www.nesta.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 8:30 AM
AI could add £400B to the UK economy by 2030 - if the workforce adopts it. 🚀
At Nesta & @bitglobal.bsky.social, 9 in 10 staff now use AI weekly. We’re sharing lessons from our journey to help other organisations ⤵️
At Nesta & @bitglobal.bsky.social, 9 in 10 staff now use AI weekly. We’re sharing lessons from our journey to help other organisations ⤵️
Are student loans a stealth tax? 🗞️
In the latest edition of the economics edit, chief economist @timleunig.bsky.social unpacks recent changes, their impact on repayments, and why the system needs reform.
Subscribe to our fortnightly bulletin: https://bit.ly/4oYrHaN
In the latest edition of the economics edit, chief economist @timleunig.bsky.social unpacks recent changes, their impact on repayments, and why the system needs reform.
Subscribe to our fortnightly bulletin: https://bit.ly/4oYrHaN
February 16, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Are student loans a stealth tax? 🗞️
In the latest edition of the economics edit, chief economist @timleunig.bsky.social unpacks recent changes, their impact on repayments, and why the system needs reform.
Subscribe to our fortnightly bulletin: https://bit.ly/4oYrHaN
In the latest edition of the economics edit, chief economist @timleunig.bsky.social unpacks recent changes, their impact on repayments, and why the system needs reform.
Subscribe to our fortnightly bulletin: https://bit.ly/4oYrHaN
Join us tomorrow - online and in person spaces still available 📣
Join us for our next event exploring policy success stories and lessons for policymakers.
This time, we're looking at what’s driving the rise in employment among prison leavers in England and Wales, with experts in prison reform and education.
Register: https://bit.ly/4pSyXp6
This time, we're looking at what’s driving the rise in employment among prison leavers in England and Wales, with experts in prison reform and education.
Register: https://bit.ly/4pSyXp6
February 12, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Join us tomorrow - online and in person spaces still available 📣
How we’re bringing new stories about the future of home heating to the screen 📺
We’ve partnered with North One TV & Channel 4 on Guy Martin’s House Without Bills, to share with viewers how the way we heat our homes is changing, through the small screen.
📺 Tune in tonight at 21:00 on Channel 4
We’ve partnered with North One TV & Channel 4 on Guy Martin’s House Without Bills, to share with viewers how the way we heat our homes is changing, through the small screen.
📺 Tune in tonight at 21:00 on Channel 4
February 9, 2026 at 4:38 PM
How we’re bringing new stories about the future of home heating to the screen 📺
We’ve partnered with North One TV & Channel 4 on Guy Martin’s House Without Bills, to share with viewers how the way we heat our homes is changing, through the small screen.
📺 Tune in tonight at 21:00 on Channel 4
We’ve partnered with North One TV & Channel 4 on Guy Martin’s House Without Bills, to share with viewers how the way we heat our homes is changing, through the small screen.
📺 Tune in tonight at 21:00 on Channel 4
AI could be the Trojan Horse for investing in the foundations of digital government.
We share our five recommendations for what the government should do if they truly want to harness AI to reimagine the entire policymaking process ⤵️
We share our five recommendations for what the government should do if they truly want to harness AI to reimagine the entire policymaking process ⤵️
What should the UK government do if they truly want to harness AI for policymaking?
How AI is the trojan horse for investing in the foundations of digital government
www.nesta.org.uk
February 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM
AI could be the Trojan Horse for investing in the foundations of digital government.
We share our five recommendations for what the government should do if they truly want to harness AI to reimagine the entire policymaking process ⤵️
We share our five recommendations for what the government should do if they truly want to harness AI to reimagine the entire policymaking process ⤵️
Obesity and excess weight cost the UK economy ~£31bn a year in lost productivity.
Over a third comes from people leaving the labour market. New data show this burden isn’t evenly spread, with higher long-term sickness in the North West and North East. https://bit.ly/3M3U4XJ
Over a third comes from people leaving the labour market. New data show this burden isn’t evenly spread, with higher long-term sickness in the North West and North East. https://bit.ly/3M3U4XJ
February 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Obesity and excess weight cost the UK economy ~£31bn a year in lost productivity.
Over a third comes from people leaving the labour market. New data show this burden isn’t evenly spread, with higher long-term sickness in the North West and North East. https://bit.ly/3M3U4XJ
Over a third comes from people leaving the labour market. New data show this burden isn’t evenly spread, with higher long-term sickness in the North West and North East. https://bit.ly/3M3U4XJ
Reposted by Nesta
Getting a policy announced is hard, but getting it 'done' is even harder!
It's been 6 months since the Government announced the Healthy Food Standard - inspired by a @nestauk.bsky.social policy. And we haven't heard much on their plans to implement.
Read more👉 www.nesta.org.uk/blog/six-thi...
It's been 6 months since the Government announced the Healthy Food Standard - inspired by a @nestauk.bsky.social policy. And we haven't heard much on their plans to implement.
Read more👉 www.nesta.org.uk/blog/six-thi...
January 30, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Getting a policy announced is hard, but getting it 'done' is even harder!
It's been 6 months since the Government announced the Healthy Food Standard - inspired by a @nestauk.bsky.social policy. And we haven't heard much on their plans to implement.
Read more👉 www.nesta.org.uk/blog/six-thi...
It's been 6 months since the Government announced the Healthy Food Standard - inspired by a @nestauk.bsky.social policy. And we haven't heard much on their plans to implement.
Read more👉 www.nesta.org.uk/blog/six-thi...
The UK faces steep challenges: stagnant wages, a fraying public realm, and fractious politics. But these problems are all fixable with the right policy action.
Join us to explore solutions with Nesta’s @acjsissons.bsky.social and economist John Springford. Register: https://bit.ly/3LUFIsC
Join us to explore solutions with Nesta’s @acjsissons.bsky.social and economist John Springford. Register: https://bit.ly/3LUFIsC
January 29, 2026 at 9:30 AM
The UK faces steep challenges: stagnant wages, a fraying public realm, and fractious politics. But these problems are all fixable with the right policy action.
Join us to explore solutions with Nesta’s @acjsissons.bsky.social and economist John Springford. Register: https://bit.ly/3LUFIsC
Join us to explore solutions with Nesta’s @acjsissons.bsky.social and economist John Springford. Register: https://bit.ly/3LUFIsC
Join us for our next event exploring policy success stories and lessons for policymakers.
This time, we're looking at what’s driving the rise in employment among prison leavers in England and Wales, with experts in prison reform and education.
Register: https://bit.ly/4pSyXp6
This time, we're looking at what’s driving the rise in employment among prison leavers in England and Wales, with experts in prison reform and education.
Register: https://bit.ly/4pSyXp6
January 25, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Join us for our next event exploring policy success stories and lessons for policymakers.
This time, we're looking at what’s driving the rise in employment among prison leavers in England and Wales, with experts in prison reform and education.
Register: https://bit.ly/4pSyXp6
This time, we're looking at what’s driving the rise in employment among prison leavers in England and Wales, with experts in prison reform and education.
Register: https://bit.ly/4pSyXp6
Most people want to eat healthier, but our food environment makes it hard. Policies can help, but we need a clear measure of ‘healthy food’.
The Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) is evidence-backed, legally robust, and a valuable tool for shaping future policy.
The Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) is evidence-backed, legally robust, and a valuable tool for shaping future policy.
How should we define healthy food in policy?
To reshape the UK food environment, we need to measure how healthy food actually is. Nesta explains why the Nutrient Profile Model is the evidence-backed, legally robust tool to drive future food poli...
www.nesta.org.uk
January 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Most people want to eat healthier, but our food environment makes it hard. Policies can help, but we need a clear measure of ‘healthy food’.
The Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) is evidence-backed, legally robust, and a valuable tool for shaping future policy.
The Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) is evidence-backed, legally robust, and a valuable tool for shaping future policy.
Reposted by Nesta
Happy Warm Homes Plan day (for those who celebrate).
We have been working through the plan here at @nestauk.bsky.social, and we have some thoughts.
More numbers and analysis will follow!
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/how-wil...
We have been working through the plan here at @nestauk.bsky.social, and we have some thoughts.
More numbers and analysis will follow!
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/how-wil...
How will the Warm Homes Plan change home heating?
Prioritising electric technologies like heat pumps and solar, and backed by £15 billion investment, the plan will mandate minimum energy efficiency standards for rented homes and create the new Warm H...
www.nesta.org.uk
January 21, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Happy Warm Homes Plan day (for those who celebrate).
We have been working through the plan here at @nestauk.bsky.social, and we have some thoughts.
More numbers and analysis will follow!
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/how-wil...
We have been working through the plan here at @nestauk.bsky.social, and we have some thoughts.
More numbers and analysis will follow!
www.nesta.org.uk/blog/how-wil...
What can we expect from the UK’s Warm Homes Plan?
Join sector experts for a free lunchtime online event tomorrow to unpack the plan’s priorities on clean heating, energy efficiency & tackling fuel poverty.
Sign up to receive the webinar link straight to your inbox ➡️ https://bit.ly/4a2Eq8e
Join sector experts for a free lunchtime online event tomorrow to unpack the plan’s priorities on clean heating, energy efficiency & tackling fuel poverty.
Sign up to receive the webinar link straight to your inbox ➡️ https://bit.ly/4a2Eq8e
January 21, 2026 at 10:45 AM
What can we expect from the UK’s Warm Homes Plan?
Join sector experts for a free lunchtime online event tomorrow to unpack the plan’s priorities on clean heating, energy efficiency & tackling fuel poverty.
Sign up to receive the webinar link straight to your inbox ➡️ https://bit.ly/4a2Eq8e
Join sector experts for a free lunchtime online event tomorrow to unpack the plan’s priorities on clean heating, energy efficiency & tackling fuel poverty.
Sign up to receive the webinar link straight to your inbox ➡️ https://bit.ly/4a2Eq8e
We’re in the middle of an electric revolution ⚡
Our CEO Ravi Gurumurthy explains how switching to electric heating can make homes more comfortable and sustainable while strengthening the UK’s energy independence.
At Nesta, we’re working to make this transition easier & more affordable for all.
Our CEO Ravi Gurumurthy explains how switching to electric heating can make homes more comfortable and sustainable while strengthening the UK’s energy independence.
At Nesta, we’re working to make this transition easier & more affordable for all.
January 20, 2026 at 9:41 AM
We’re in the middle of an electric revolution ⚡
Our CEO Ravi Gurumurthy explains how switching to electric heating can make homes more comfortable and sustainable while strengthening the UK’s energy independence.
At Nesta, we’re working to make this transition easier & more affordable for all.
Our CEO Ravi Gurumurthy explains how switching to electric heating can make homes more comfortable and sustainable while strengthening the UK’s energy independence.
At Nesta, we’re working to make this transition easier & more affordable for all.
The UK’s early years system can feel like a maze. At our upcoming online event, we're looking to the USA to explore a digital solution to the problem: First Five South Carolina.
Join us at lunchtime on 20 Jan to hear about its impact and the lessons the UK can learn https://bit.ly/3ZhNb8c
Join us at lunchtime on 20 Jan to hear about its impact and the lessons the UK can learn https://bit.ly/3ZhNb8c
January 17, 2026 at 2:13 PM
The UK’s early years system can feel like a maze. At our upcoming online event, we're looking to the USA to explore a digital solution to the problem: First Five South Carolina.
Join us at lunchtime on 20 Jan to hear about its impact and the lessons the UK can learn https://bit.ly/3ZhNb8c
Join us at lunchtime on 20 Jan to hear about its impact and the lessons the UK can learn https://bit.ly/3ZhNb8c
🚀 2025 was the year space exploration ramped up. But what are the practical and ethical considerations for life in space - and even having babies away from Earth?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the technology and trends that could shape 2026. https://bit.ly/49kWBV3
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the technology and trends that could shape 2026. https://bit.ly/49kWBV3
New life on Mars: babies in space
Is 2026 the year we start to think seriously about having babies away from earth?
bit.ly
January 16, 2026 at 9:17 AM
🚀 2025 was the year space exploration ramped up. But what are the practical and ethical considerations for life in space - and even having babies away from Earth?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the technology and trends that could shape 2026. https://bit.ly/49kWBV3
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the technology and trends that could shape 2026. https://bit.ly/49kWBV3
📺 Smart appliances are bringing adverts into the heart of the home. As screens appear on fridges and washing machines, is 2026 the year our kitchens become the new commercial frontier?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
January 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM
📺 Smart appliances are bringing adverts into the heart of the home. As screens appear on fridges and washing machines, is 2026 the year our kitchens become the new commercial frontier?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
Reposted by Nesta
Colleagues and I at @nestauk.bsky.social have launched a microsite to support local authorities as they develop their Best Start in Life local plans. Includes data profiles, guidance and sign up forms for free coaching and events
products.nesta.org.uk/bsil
products.nesta.org.uk/bsil
Best Start in Life support from Nesta
Free expert support for local Best Start in Life strategies
products.nesta.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Colleagues and I at @nestauk.bsky.social have launched a microsite to support local authorities as they develop their Best Start in Life local plans. Includes data profiles, guidance and sign up forms for free coaching and events
products.nesta.org.uk/bsil
products.nesta.org.uk/bsil
🤖 From virtual cabinet members in Albania to AI-governed islands, machines are moving into executive office. Is 2026 the year machines start to take the top roles in govt?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️ https://bit.ly/49ldqzn
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️ https://bit.ly/49ldqzn
The machinery of government: AI’s promotion to the executive level
Is 2026 the year machines start to take the top roles in government?
bit.ly
January 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM
🤖 From virtual cabinet members in Albania to AI-governed islands, machines are moving into executive office. Is 2026 the year machines start to take the top roles in govt?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️ https://bit.ly/49ldqzn
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️ https://bit.ly/49ldqzn
🧭 Imagine a world without GPS: our phones, computers & cars all rely on it. But it can leave us vulnerable to shocks: is this the year quantum sensors help plot a safer course?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
Quantum turn: into the next era of navigation
As GPS navigation becomes less reliable, is 2026 the year quantum technology takes us to a safer destination?
bit.ly
January 11, 2026 at 9:02 AM
🧭 Imagine a world without GPS: our phones, computers & cars all rely on it. But it can leave us vulnerable to shocks: is this the year quantum sensors help plot a safer course?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
🚌 Is 2026 the year public-led design is put in the driving seat?
In Shanghai, a customised bus system allows passengers to propose new routes, launching them within days once demand is met. Could the UK follow suit?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on emerging trends ⤵️
In Shanghai, a customised bus system allows passengers to propose new routes, launching them within days once demand is met. Could the UK follow suit?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on emerging trends ⤵️
Crowd-sourced bus routes: a new era of adaptive public infrastructure
Is 2026 the year the UK adopts flexible demand-led design enabled by digital technologies to provide better public services?
bit.ly
January 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM
🚌 Is 2026 the year public-led design is put in the driving seat?
In Shanghai, a customised bus system allows passengers to propose new routes, launching them within days once demand is met. Could the UK follow suit?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on emerging trends ⤵️
In Shanghai, a customised bus system allows passengers to propose new routes, launching them within days once demand is met. Could the UK follow suit?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on emerging trends ⤵️
⏳ Sand is the foundation of every modern city, but it’s fuelling multi-million-pound organised crime.
In 2026, we need better governance and innovation to protect this critical resource. Will we find a way?
Read our Future Signal, part of our collection on the trends & tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
In 2026, we need better governance and innovation to protect this critical resource. Will we find a way?
Read our Future Signal, part of our collection on the trends & tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
Against the grain: building a future safe from sand crime
Sand is a critical global resource, the foundation of every modern city - but it’s also fuelling organised crime. Is 2026 the year we find a way to protect the world’s second-most used resource?
bit.ly
January 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
⏳ Sand is the foundation of every modern city, but it’s fuelling multi-million-pound organised crime.
In 2026, we need better governance and innovation to protect this critical resource. Will we find a way?
Read our Future Signal, part of our collection on the trends & tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
In 2026, we need better governance and innovation to protect this critical resource. Will we find a way?
Read our Future Signal, part of our collection on the trends & tech that could shape 2026 ⤵️
🕳️ Britain’s roads are deteriorating faster than they can be patched: is 2026 the year when we see one of Britain’s most ordinary frustrations driving innovation?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape the year ahead ⤵️
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape the year ahead ⤵️
Pothole tech: Britain’s most boring problem just got interesting
Is 2026 the year where we see one of Britain’s most ordinary frustrations driving innovation?
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 9:00 AM
🕳️ Britain’s roads are deteriorating faster than they can be patched: is 2026 the year when we see one of Britain’s most ordinary frustrations driving innovation?
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape the year ahead ⤵️
Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape the year ahead ⤵️
🤖 Is 2026 the year that data collectives - unions, trusts, mutuals and clubs - tilt the balance of power in cyberspace away from mega-platforms and towards the citizen?
🔮 Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026: https://bit.ly/3YXtySG
🔮 Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026: https://bit.ly/3YXtySG
January 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM
🤖 Is 2026 the year that data collectives - unions, trusts, mutuals and clubs - tilt the balance of power in cyberspace away from mega-platforms and towards the citizen?
🔮 Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026: https://bit.ly/3YXtySG
🔮 Read our Future Signal, part of our annual collection on the trends and tech that could shape 2026: https://bit.ly/3YXtySG
The UK's ban on unhealthy food ads starts this week, but it’s full of holes 🍫🍟
Loopholes allow brand-wide ads, while billboards and social media are exempt. Our research shows stronger rules could cut obesity by 16%.
Read Nesta’s new blog on why the ban falls short:
Loopholes allow brand-wide ads, while billboards and social media are exempt. Our research shows stronger rules could cut obesity by 16%.
Read Nesta’s new blog on why the ban falls short:
New year, same ads? Four reasons why the new unhealthy food advertising ban falls short
We need ambitious, innovative policy that matches the pace of the fast-evolving advertising environment to support people to make healthier choices.
www.nesta.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM
The UK's ban on unhealthy food ads starts this week, but it’s full of holes 🍫🍟
Loopholes allow brand-wide ads, while billboards and social media are exempt. Our research shows stronger rules could cut obesity by 16%.
Read Nesta’s new blog on why the ban falls short:
Loopholes allow brand-wide ads, while billboards and social media are exempt. Our research shows stronger rules could cut obesity by 16%.
Read Nesta’s new blog on why the ban falls short:
What lies ahead for 2026? 🔮
It’s time for Nesta’s Future Signals. Every year we scan the horizon to show the shape of things to come, using data points, observations or sector insights.
This year? Politicians powered by AI, space exploration gathering pace and new tech hiding in plain sight.
It’s time for Nesta’s Future Signals. Every year we scan the horizon to show the shape of things to come, using data points, observations or sector insights.
This year? Politicians powered by AI, space exploration gathering pace and new tech hiding in plain sight.
Future Signals – what we’re watching for in 2026
Our annual series about the trends and developments that are set to shape the coming year
www.nesta.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 8:03 AM
What lies ahead for 2026? 🔮
It’s time for Nesta’s Future Signals. Every year we scan the horizon to show the shape of things to come, using data points, observations or sector insights.
This year? Politicians powered by AI, space exploration gathering pace and new tech hiding in plain sight.
It’s time for Nesta’s Future Signals. Every year we scan the horizon to show the shape of things to come, using data points, observations or sector insights.
This year? Politicians powered by AI, space exploration gathering pace and new tech hiding in plain sight.