Virgin Unite's Stephen Attenborough and Bionic Advocate Tilly Lockey Inspire Students at National Tech Fest
Rajalakshmi Engineering College, in a collaborative effort with The Times of India, hosted an enlightening dialogue featuring Stephen Attenborough, Board Member and Trustee of Virgin Unite US and former Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Galactic, alongside Tilly Lockey, a renowned bionic woman, investor in bionic research, and British social media personality. This engaging session was part of Titanium 2026, a prestigious national-level technology festival that drew attention to cutting-edge innovations and future trends.
Stephen Attenborough on India's Rising Role in Space Exploration
During the Times Conversations segment, Stephen Attenborough emphasized India's pivotal position in the global space arena, particularly noting its focus on cost-efficient satellite launches and ambitious space exploration initiatives. He predicted a significant expansion in space tourism, suggesting that more individuals will soon have the opportunity to journey beyond Earth's atmosphere as part of this burgeoning industry.
"India is a country to watch, along with China. But particularly India. Yes, do watch out for India," Attenborough remarked enthusiastically. He elaborated that "enormously exciting things are happening here as far as space is concerned," highlighting India's successful lunar missions, including the high-profile Moon landing, as key achievements that underscore the nation's growing capabilities.
Attenborough expressed his admiration for India's potential in the new space economy, stating, "I always love coming to India, and I think this country stands to benefit hugely from the new space economy and seems to be doing some very exciting things and doing them well." He addressed students at Rajalakshmi Engineering College, delivering a special keynote on the opening day of Titanium 2026, where he encouraged them to pursue careers in space-related startups or government agencies, noting the vibrant opportunities ahead.
Looking forward, Attenborough outlined future prospects such as the Lunar Gateway—a space station orbiting the Moon—and potential collaborations with missions like Chandrayaan, which could facilitate moon bases and deep space exploration, including missions to Mars. He humorously added, "Yes, I think we will be vacationing on the Moon rather than other cities across, we would love to see all of that," painting a vivid picture of space tourism's potential.
Tilly Lockey on Ethical Access to Bionic Technology
In a separate Times Conversations discussion titled 'Redefining What the Human Body Can Do,' Tilly Lockey shared her insights on prosthetics, focusing on accessibility, technology, ethics, and cost. As a bionics advocate, she stressed the importance of making advanced prosthetic technology available and affordable to all, emphasizing that innovation must serve humanity effectively.
Lockey explained that the theme of redefining human capabilities varies per individual, especially in an era where cutting-edge technology is increasingly accessible. "I think it is really cool to see how inventive we are getting. I feel like the system used to be very regimented, but now we are always pushing the boundaries of what is possible. That is what I do with bionics now. Yes, that is the future of it as well," she said, highlighting the dynamic evolution in prosthetic design.
On ethical considerations, Lockey underscored the need to prioritize ethics in technology development, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence. "AI is a big buzzword, where people love it or hate it," she noted, reiterating that ensuring access for people with disabilities is paramount. She advocated for co-design processes involving users to create systems that genuinely assist them, stating, "We are still focusing on making technology that will genuinely help people. I feel that is how we keep it ethical."
Addressing the high costs associated with prosthetics, Lockey pointed out, "There is no point in technology if people cannot access it," drawing parallels to other expensive high-tech gadgets. She shared examples from England and France, where national healthcare systems provide free prosthetics to children, and mentioned the Open Bionics Foundation, a charity that supports individuals in accessing bionic technology globally. "People who never imagined they could use this technology can get support, and it is important to get it to all countries as well," she explained, advocating for broader accessibility.
Through her social media presence, Lockey celebrates technological advancements and human differences, often showcasing the current state of bionics to inspire and educate her audience. The discussions at Titanium 2026 not only inspired students but also highlighted the intersection of space innovation and ethical technology, setting a forward-looking tone for the festival's inaugural edition.
