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YP Conference: From Idea to Impact - The Startup Journey
Exploring entrepreneurship, innovation and the journey from idea to startup!
About
Join the IET London Young Professionals Network for our final event of the year, YP Conference: From Idea to Impact - The Startup Journey.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to transform an idea into a successful startup? Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an early-career engineer or simply curious about innovation, this conference will provide valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship.
Starting a business can be exciting, but navigating the early stages often comes with uncertainty. How do you know whether your idea is worth pursuing? What do investors look for in founders? How can you start a business without prior experience? And what challenges might you face along the way?
This conference brings together perspectives from founders, investors and industry professionals to explore the opportunities, challenges and realities of building a startup.
Through a series of insightful talks, a panel discussion and an interactive audience Q&A, attendees will gain practical advice, hear first-hand experiences and discover the lessons learned throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
The event will explore three key themes:
- What Investors Look For in Founders
- How to Start a Startup with No Experience
- My Journey from Idea to Company
Whether you're developing your own business idea, exploring the startup ecosystem or looking to broaden your professional knowledge, this event offers an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired.
Event format: Hybrid – Register to attend in-person at IET Savoy Place, London, or join online: https://www.youtube.com/live/r4bRSHGcb5A?feature=share
If you are joining online there is no need to register.
2
Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
03 Dec 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Want to attend this event?
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Organiser
- London Local Network
Further Information
Date: Thursday, 3 December 2026
Time: 18:00 (UK time)
Venue: IET Savoy Place, 2 Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL
Event format: Hybrid (in-person and online)
Register to join us in-person. Or join us online: https://www.youtube.com/live/r4bRSHGcb5A
Organised by: IET London Young Professionals Network
Attendees can join the conference in person at IET Savoy Place, London, or participate online.
The event will feature three 20-minute speaker presentations, followed by a 25-minute panel discussion and audience Q&A.
Further information about the speakers and online joining arrangements will be provided closer to the event.
Speakers
Dilani Selvanathan ( Co-Host)
Senior Software Engineer - Northrop Grumman UK
Dilani Selvanathan is a Senior Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman UK and Chair of the IET London Young Professionals Network.
Dilani began her engineering journey through a Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with the BBC, supported by the IET Horizons Bursaries (now known as Future Talent Awards). Since then, she has built a diverse career across software engineering, robotics, research and development, space engineering, and defence technology.
She is passionate about using engineering to solve real-world problems and has experience working across legacy system modernisation, user interface development, robotics and autonomous systems. Her wider interests include space, STEM outreach, emerging technologies, accessibility, neurodiversity, and inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Dilani has been actively involved with the IET for several years, taking part in volunteering, judging First LEGO League competitions, delivering presentations, contributing to case studies, and supporting events that connect engineers across industry and academia. She has achieved Engineering Technician status through the IET and Engineering Council and is currently working towards Chartered Engineer status.
Her achievements include receiving the IET Paul Fletcher Award, the Inspiring STEM Technician Award, and the IET Mary George Memorial Prize for Apprentices at the Young Woman Engineer of the Year Awards.
As Chair of the IET London Young Professionals Network, Dilani is committed to creating opportunities for students, apprentices, graduates and early-career professionals to build confidence, grow their networks, develop new skills and feel part of the wider engineering community.
Reasons to attend
- Learn from experienced founders and investors: Gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, investment and the realities of building a startup.
- Discover how to turn ideas into action: Understand the practical steps involved in developing an idea and starting a business, even without prior experience.
- Understand what investors look for: Explore the qualities and considerations that influence early-stage investment decisions.
- Hear real-world startup experiences: Learn about the challenges, opportunities and lessons involved in transforming an idea into a company.
- Ask questions and gain practical advice: Engage with speakers during the panel discussion and audience Q&A to deepen your understanding of the startup journey.
Programme
6:00pm - Registrations, Networking and Refreshments
6:20pm - Welcome and introduction from the London Young Professionals Network
6:25pm - Talk 1: What Investors Look For in Founders (15 minutes)
- An angel investor's perspective on the qualities, ideas and opportunities that attract early-stage investment.
6:40pm - Talk 2: How to Start a Startup with No Experience (15 minutes)
- Practical insights into taking the first steps towards entrepreneurship, developing an idea and navigating the challenges of starting a business.
6:55pm - Talk 3: My Journey from Idea to Company (15 minutes)
- A founder's first-hand account of transforming an idea into a business, including challenges, achievements and lessons learned.
7:10pm - Break (20 minutes)
7:30pm - Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A (25 minutes)
- An interactive discussion bringing together the speakers to explore different perspectives on entrepreneurship, investment and building a startup, with opportunities for audience questions.
7.55pm - Closing