Iwona Wilk
London
Summary
Innovation and programme leader with 10+ years’ experience delivering complex initiatives across transport, maritime, and technology-enabled sectors. Proven track record in building cross-sector ecosystems and partnerships, securing and delivering high-value programmes, and enabling innovation to move from concept to real-world trials and adoption.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant - Accelerator Programme Manager
Connected Places Catapult
London
04.2025 - Current
- Enabled 4 real-world technology trials with major industry partners, supported £21M in SME investment, and accelerated innovation adoption across freight and maritime sectors.
- Led the design and delivery of national innovation programmes across freight and maritime systems, aligning industry, government, and academia to address sector challenges and accelerate innovation adoption.
- Shaped and developed programme propositions and partnerships, influencing senior stakeholders and creating pathways for commercialisation and real-world deployment.
- Built and led cross-sector ecosystems and high-performing teams, delivering a 3-year maritime accelerator to strengthen collaboration and drive innovation uptake.
Global Delivery Manager (secondment)
Connected Places Catapult
London
11.2024 - 03.2025
- Led the delivery of a UK–Japan innovation programme, coordinating stakeholders across government, industry, and academia to drive collaboration and strategic outcomes.
- Led a senior UK stakeholder mission to Japan, building new relationships with Japanese industry and innovation partners, strengthening bilateral collaboration, and identifying future programme opportunities.
- Managed senior stakeholder relationships, governance, and cross-border delivery, ensuring successful execution in a complex international environment.
Accelerator Programme Manager
Connected Places Catapult
London
08.2022 - 11.2024
- Led end-to-end delivery of multi-year innovation programmes across transport and maritime sectors, enabling startups and mission-driven organisations to test, adopt, and scale new solutions.
- Built and managed cross-sector ecosystems of corporate, public sector, and delivery partners, influencing stakeholders and creating opportunities for collaboration, trials, and long-term innovation adoption.
- Oversaw budgets, governance, team leadership, and continuous improvement, ensuring high-quality delivery, compliance, and measurable programme impact.
Programme & Operations Lead
IoT Tribe
London
12.2021 - 07.2022
- Led the design and delivery of an accelerator programme supporting startups to access funding, expertise, and international networks, enabling growth and market readiness for innovative ventures.
- Built and managed partnerships across corporates, investors, and the wider innovation ecosystem, creating opportunities for collaboration, pilots, and commercial engagement.
- Oversaw programme operations, team leadership, and continuous improvement within a fast-paced startup environment, ensuring high-quality delivery and strong participant outcomes.
Knowledge Transfer Manager - Digital Technologies
Innovate UK Business Connect
London
01.2018 - 12.2021
- Led national innovation programmes and networks across digital and emerging technology sectors, connecting businesses, government, and academia to accelerate collaboration and technology adoption.
- Secured and delivered high-impact initiatives, including the Safety Tech Innovation Network and UK–ASEAN Digital Innovations Showcase, strengthening UK innovation capability and international partnerships.
- Convened senior stakeholders across industry and government, contributing to ecosystem development, policy discussions, and opportunities for business growth and investment.
Client Relationship Manager
IDC
London
11.2014 - 01.2018
- Managed a portfolio of high-value corporate clients, building trusted relationships, driving retention, and securing contract renewals through tailored market intelligence solutions.
- Identified growth opportunities and developed client engagement strategies, helping organisations use technology and market insights to inform strategic decision-making.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams across sales, research, and operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery and strong commercial outcomes.
Research Operations Analyst & Information Specialist
Wood Mackenzie
Edinburgh
06.2012 - 08.2014
- Delivered research operations and knowledge management support for global analyst teams, improving access to market intelligence and enhancing efficiency across projects.
- Managed data resources, internal systems, and information processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery of business-critical insights.
- Supported strategic decision-making through research, reporting, and process improvement, helping teams operate more effectively in a fast-paced commercial environment.
Education
MSc - Information Management
Robert Gordon University
BA (Hons) - Film & Media
Queen Margaret University
Executive Education, Social Entrepreneuriship
London School of Economics
Project Fundamentals Qualification
Association for Project Management
Languages
Polish
First Language
English
Proficient
C2
French
Beginner
A1
Awards
- Always Forward Award, Connected Places Catapult (2024)
- Drive Results Award, Connected Places Catapult (2023)
Timeline
Consultant - Accelerator Programme Manager
Connected Places Catapult
04.2025 - Current
Global Delivery Manager (secondment)
Connected Places Catapult
11.2024 - 03.2025
Accelerator Programme Manager
Connected Places Catapult
08.2022 - 11.2024
Programme & Operations Lead
IoT Tribe
12.2021 - 07.2022
Knowledge Transfer Manager - Digital Technologies
Innovate UK Business Connect
01.2018 - 12.2021
Client Relationship Manager
IDC
11.2014 - 01.2018
Research Operations Analyst & Information Specialist
Wood Mackenzie
06.2012 - 08.2014
MSc - Information Management
Robert Gordon University
BA (Hons) - Film & Media
Queen Margaret University
Executive Education, Social Entrepreneuriship
London School of Economics
Project Fundamentals Qualification
Association for Project Management