Jon Blackburn < MACH Exhibition

Jon Blackburn is Deputy Chief Technology Officer at the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. He joined the organisation in 2024 and leads cross‑centre technology activity to ensure coherence between research, innovation, infrastructure, and capability development across the Catapult network. Jon is responsible for shaping and coordinating the HVM Catapult’s technology strategy, working closely with industry, universities, government departments, and international partners, and overseeing strategic engagement with academia. Prior to joining the HVM Catapult, Jon spent 18 years at TWI, where he held a range of technical and senior leadership roles supporting industry‑led research and technology translation. He has a background in mechanical, manufacturing, materials and through-life engineering, and is a past President of the UK’s Association of Laser Users.