Reflections from the Inaugural Nature Tech Summit, London

Last week marked the first-ever Nature Tech Summit in London, a flagship event within Nature Tech Week, which began in Cambridge and wrapped up with the Nature Tech Unconference at the London School of Economics. The Summit brought together a vibrant mix of start-ups, investors, public and private sector leaders, and nature tech enthusiasts—all exploring how technology can accelerate our understanding and restoration of nature.

‍

Mainstreaming Nature Tech

Sessions throughout the week explored how nature tech is evolving from niche to mainstream, offering new capabilities to assess and monitor the state of nature. A key theme was the role of AI-driven assessments and predictive analytics in managing nature-related risks. These tools are rapidly transforming how institutions understand and respond to environmental challenges.

With the rise of frameworks like the Nature Positive Initiative, Science-Based Targets for Nature, and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), technology is proving critical in streamlining, automating, and integrating reporting and monitoring efforts. Another hot topic was supply chains—where nature tech is increasingly central to improving traceability and transparency.
‍

The Evolving Nature Tech Community

The Nature Tech community is in its infancy, being coalesced by the Nature Tech Collective. The summit provided lively discussion regarding the direction the sector is heading. Conversations at the Summit reflected both excitement and a need for accountability. Three key themes dominated many discussions - the Nature Tech community needs to: 

Disclose Data Uncertainties 

Bold claims about nature-monitoring tech must be grounded in transparency and scientific rigor. Instead of asserting capabilities like counting every tree on Earth, it's more valuable to discuss data gaps, model limitations (e.g., trees inside vs. outside forests), and challenges in interpreting canopy cover. Acknowledging margins of error, the need for extrapolation, and current tech limitations fosters shared learning and progress. By openly acknowledging gaps and uncertainties, we can foster a culture of shared learning and collective progress. As this field grows, ensuring that we apply statistics rigorously and communicate results responsibly will help build trust and credibility within and beyond our community.

Facilitate Data Access 

Data access remains a major barrier. Despite commercial interest, many datasets are still off-limits or restricted, limiting innovation. Participants highlighted the need for more open, interoperable data to unlock Nature Tech’s full potential.

Align Universal Metrics

The Nature Positive Initiative is helping to unify fragmented standards with four core indicators: Ecosystem Extent, Ecosystem Condition (site & landscape), and Species Extinction. This alignment is critical for bringing clarity and coherence to nature measurement efforts across the sector.

‍

‍

veritree Roundtable: People into Nature

veritree hosted a well-attended roundtable, “People into Nature – Strengthening Community and Sustainability on the Ground.” Held twice in the afternoon, it sparked thoughtful discussion on the deep interconnection between people and nature—often treated separately, but in reality, inseparable.

Two core themes emerged: practices and impacts.

On practices, many participants shared experience using nature tech in community settings. Trust-building emerged as a foundational element. Co-designing tech solutions with local communities—rather than imposing them—was repeatedly emphasized. Success stories often stemmed from listening, joint mapping, designing for low connectivity, and incorporating local languages and realities. Sometimes, simple solutions proved more impactful than complex systems. Always build with, not for, the communities you hope to impact.

On impacts, the value of social data stood out. Carbon credit developers highlighted how local engagement adds real differentiation to their offerings. It’s no longer enough to just show carbon sequestration—consumers and partners increasingly want to see demonstrable benefits for local stewards of the land. Technology is also helping re-engage youth with nature, from drones and sensors to mobile apps—whether in North America or Africa.

‍

veritree's Social Impact Dashboard

These discussions coincided with the launch of veritree’s Social Impact Dashboard. Developed through close collaboration with partners in the field, the dashboard is built on co-designed surveys, pilot testing, and iterative feedback. As interest in social data grows, veritree continues to demonstrate how integrating social and ecological insights leads to more sustainable outcomes.

After all, restoration is not sustainable unless people are part of the solution. Understanding the social drivers of deforestation—such as cooking fuel needs—and offering alternative livelihoods is essential. A tree is only truly protected when it’s worth more standing than cut.

‍