Former Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security and co-founder of ANT Software and nCipher
From early computing innovation to national security strategy, Alex van Someren’s career has been defined by the application of deep technology at scale.
Alex began his career contributing to the development of the BBC Micro and Acorn Electron, before going on to co-found several successful technology companies, including ANT Software and nCipher. As a venture capital investor, he has supported early-stage ‘deep tech’ startups, helping translate research into commercial success.
Alex later served as Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security, where he provided technical leadership on emerging technologies and their implications for resilience and defence.
Alongside his industry and government work, Alex is an Honorary Professor of Computer Science at the University of Manchester and a member of the Royal Society’s Science, Industry and Translation Committee.
He was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2022.
Alex van Someren FREng
