With over 15 years of experience in Python and Django, Jamie has led development across startups, enterprises, and nonprofits. As the Technical Co-Founder of DabApps, he focuses on shaping engineering culture, promoting clean code, and developing scalable architecture. He’s also a frequent writer and speaker on software development practices.
Which talk/panel did you speak at?
Builders Stage – “Code & Carbon”
Can you share a bit about your background?
I co-founded DabApps over 15 years ago, and we’re now one of Brighton’s leading web and mobile software agencies. We’re experts at designing and building bespoke software to support ambitious clients across many different sectors. More recently, I’ve developed a deep interest in clean tech and driving sustainability through software, as well as going deep down the AI rabbit hole.
What inspired you to speak at EVOLVE [25]?
Brighton’s tech scene is vibrant but for years it’s been lacking an event to bring everyone together in the same room and get the conversations flowing again. I was hoping EVOLVE would deliver on that – and it did!
What was the key message or idea you most wanted the audience to take away from your talk?
A lot of people are worried about the environmental impact of AI. I wanted to put that concern into context by quantifying it and comparing with other activities. Eating a single beef burger, for example, produces many thousands of times more carbon emissions and consumes hundreds of thousands of times more water than a ChatGPT query. I also wanted to highlight the potential environmental benefits of advanced AI. We’re starting to see some of those benefits already in, for example, climate modelling, grid flexibility and renewable energy forecasting. Some are more speculative but may be just over the horizon.
Were there any audience reactions or questions that really stood out to you?
The positive reaction from the talk was great, and I think I eased some concerns from people who consider themselves environmentally-minded and so were experiencing some AI-related guilt!
How does the topic you spoke about connect to your current work or passion projects?
The intersection of climate tech, software and AI is exactly where my interests lie, so the topic couldn’t be more relevant. I’m really excited about the potential for AI to drive positive environmental change. It’s going to be critical to managing the more complex renewable-led energy flows of the future.
What emerging trends or challenges in tech (or your field) are you most excited about right now?
Over the next few years, there’s going to be a very long tail of AI diffusing into almost every industry. For some it’ll be transformative, but there’s so much scope for efficiency improvements and better quality of life in fields where no-one has even thought of using AI yet. That’s one of the things DabApps is really good at – not just delivering the tech, but really digging deep on the strategy to make sure our customers build the right product in the right way.
What advice would you give to someone looking to make an impact in your area of expertise?
Software developers need to develop a business mindset and really understand the value of their work, not just the code. This makes them “AI proof” – they’ll know where using LLMs can help their career rather than replacing them. I also think everyone would benefit from an understanding of energy and emissions. How we produce and consume energy is going to transform totally in the next 5-10 years, and getting ahead of the electrification game will be a huge advantage.
How do you see the future evolving in your industry over the next few years?
I think I said in my talk that if anyone claims to know what either AI or the climate will look like in 5 years, you shouldn’t believe them! All I know is that the future will look very different – it’s up to us whether that difference is positive or not. I firmly believe it can be.
What was your favourite part of the EVOLVE experience?
Catching up with so many people I hadn’t seen for years. The whole event had real early 2010s Brighton tech conference energy. I also had a brief chat with Sir Vince Cable about the economics of hydrogen, which isn’t something you get to do every day.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, initiatives, or goals you’re excited to share?
Growing DabApps and particularly making a name for ourselves as the software partner of choice in the clean tech and sustainability space. Getting our teeth into some really transformative AI-led projects. I’ve also just taken on a non-exec director role at OVESCO (Ouse Valley Energy Services Company), and I’m really looking forward to working with them to help deliver some big solar projects, including the Ouse Valley Solar Farm.
What’s one book, podcast, or resource that’s inspired you recently?
My favourite podcast is “Cleaning Up”, hosted by Michael Liebreich and Bryony Worthington. Weekly interviews with leaders in clean energy and sustainable development, presented by experts who are really able to deep-dive into the economics and analyse the details, and really challenge their guests. Just brilliant listening.
How can people connect with you or follow your work after the event?
The DabApps website is https://www.dabapps.com – I’m also on LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/j4mie/ ) and you can email me at jamie@dabapps.com
Anything else you would like to share with our community?
Looking forward to next year!