Nia Roberts, an M-SParc Board member, hosted the conference, introducing speakers and guiding discussions throughout the morning. Our first keynote speaker was Evan Davies from Google, who explored the rapidly developing world of agentic AI.
Euros Evans, creator of Cian, continued the morning’s exploration of AI with a practical look at how the technology can support Welsh-language communication. Cian is a Welsh-first AI agent designed to help organisations draft email responses in Welsh using their own policies, documents and approved wording, while keeping people firmly in control of the final response.
The focus then turned to investment, with Pelly founders Iwan Pritchard and Tomos Owen joined by M-SParc Angel Investor Bobby Williams and Barbara Want to discuss their experience of securing investment and building an innovative business.
Pelly has raised £355,000 in pre-seed investment, led by Bobby Williams. The conversation explored the importance of developing the right relationship with an investor, including finding someone whose philosophy is aligned with the future direction of the business.
Our host, Nia Roberts, an experienced innovation and intellectual property specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in the field, moderated the finance panel. She was joined by Ashley Rogers of Foresight Group, Rob Greasley of BCRS, Gary Beggs of Bathgate Business Finance and Tom Preene of Development Bank of Wales to explore the different finance options available to growing businesses.
Three founder lightning talks then brought rapid-fire insights from Dan Parry Evans of Vedri, Tristan Griffiths of YEM and Tom Burke of GrantPal, before M-SParc Managing Director Pryderi ap Rhisiart shared lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey.
Pryderi’s session explored failure, mentoring, ideation and the entrepreneurial spirit, drawing on his own experience in Welsh ecommerce, community ventures and entrepreneurship.
Pryderi ap Rhisiart
The programme continued with Dyddgu Hywel, former Wales international rugby player and lecturer, sharing her experience and insights before the focus moved to funding innovation.
Representatives from Aerialworx, Innovate UK and Welsh Government SMART FIS explored the support available to businesses moving from early-stage ideas towards commercialisation.
Emily Roberts, M-SParc’s Outreach and Skills Manager, also highlighted the M-SParc Skills Academy and its current opportunities for innovative businesses across Gwynedd and Anglesey. The Academy helps businesses recruit new talent through a five-month, part-funded placement, with M-SParc covering 60% of the participant’s salary and supporting employers with recruitment, payroll, HR, onboarding and additional training. The current cohort includes applicants with skills and experience ranging from finance and administration to content creation, chemistry and engineering, giving businesses across a range of sectors the opportunity to bring new talent into their teams.
The M-SParc Skills Academy is supported by the Welsh Government through the UK Government’s Local Growth Fund in Wales, with funding provided through Isle of Anglesey County Council and Cyngor Gwynedd.
The conference continued with contributions from Business Wales and the Albert Gubay Business School at Bangor University, alongside sessions covering investment readiness and intellectual property.
The morning concluded with communications expert Barbara Want, who delivered Pitch Perfect: How to Tell YOUR Story, sharing practical advice on communicating ideas with clarity, confidence and impact.
Lois Bevan Shaw, Business Support Manager, M-SParc
Nia Roberts
Following TANIO 2026, M-SParc also hosted the Business Wales AI and Business 2026 Summit, bringing a second programme of sessions focused on helping Welsh businesses understand and adopt AI, including discussions around responsible use, future skills and practical applications for SMEs.
The combined programme gave businesses the opportunity to explore everything from securing investment and accessing finance to developing innovative ideas, protecting intellectual property, finding new talent and communicating their story.
tom@m-sparc.com
Tom used to work at the KFC in his hometown of Colwyn Bay before it mysteriously burned down. He then spent several years “on the lam” in East Germany, where he worked as an animator in Berlin. When the wall fell, Tom came home.
He enjoys climbing and hates ice-skating.
