Innovator of the Year 2025

Meet Carla, the winner of ITP’s Innovator of the Year Award in 2025!

Hi Carla, Congratulations on winning Innovator of the Year!

To begin, could you tell us a little about your background and what first inspired you to pursue a career in telecoms innovation?

Thank you. I am honoured to receive the Innovator of the Year award. My background is in mathematics, and I have always been drawn to the challenge of solving complex, real-world problems. What inspired me to pursue a career in telecoms innovation was the unique opportunity to apply mathematical thinking in a fast-moving industry at the very heart of the digital world. Working in telecoms research has enabled me to innovate at the intersection of theory and practice, where I have been able to transform abstract ideas into tangible technologies. That blend of intellectual rigour and practical impact continues to motivate me.

Your career spans more than 25 years in R&D, with expertise in AI, network optimisation, and operational research. What do you see as the common thread that drives your approach to innovation?

Curiosity and analytical rigour have consistently shaped my approach to innovation. I am naturally drawn to challenges that demand structured thinking and creative problem-solving. Throughout my career, I have applied analytical skills not only to formalise ideas into patents, but also to rigorously demonstrate the value of new solutions. I have remained adaptable and never afraid to step outside my comfort zone or learn new skills; I have embraced continuous learning as a way to stay at the forefront of innovation and deliver meaningful impact.

One of your standout achievements has been leading the development of an AI-powered tool now moving into pre-production. What excites you most about this project, and how do you see it changing the way engineers work?

What excites me most is witnessing how advanced AI and analytical tools can be used to transform engineering decision-making. It is a powerful example of AI being applied in a practical, meaningful way empowering engineers to work more intelligently, make better-informed choices, and ultimately drive greater efficiency.

You’ve filed 39 patents and contributed to international standards, that’s a remarkable legacy. Which of your innovations are you most proud of, and why?

I am especially proud to have generated extensive intellectual property across a wide range of areas including AI, Quality-of-Service, Software-Defined Networks, and blockchain, often as lead inventor and sometimes as sole inventor. This was possible by taking a broad, cross-disciplinary approach that allowed me to connect ideas in novel and impactful ways.

Collaboration seems to be central to your success, from mentoring PhD students to building partnerships with universities and industry. How important is collaboration in driving real-world innovation?

Collaboration is fundamental to meaningful innovation. I work closely with practitioners who have deep understanding of real-world challenges, and with academics who offer rigorous technical insight and a shared commitment to impact. This blend of perspectives is crucial as it ensures that the solutions we develop are not only technically robust but also grounded in practical relevance and capable of driving real change.

Your work has saved millions and improved efficiency, but what impact do you think your innovations have had on the day-to-day lives of engineers, colleagues, or customers?

My innovations have centred on automating manual and repetitive processes to enhance consistency, speed, and scalability across operations. By applying well-established techniques where appropriate and leveraging advanced AI methods for more complex challenges, my innovations have resulted in simplification and enhancement of operational processes. This has had a tangible impact on colleagues, enabling faster and more consistent execution of complex tasks. For customers, this has translated into more reliable services hence strengthening our customers’ trust.

Looking to the future, what breakthroughs or trends in telecoms and AI excite you most, and what advice would you give to young engineers hoping to follow in your footsteps?

I am excited by the evolving intersection of traditional Operational Research methods with AI and their application in telecoms, particularly to enable smart network build and reliable, intelligent, self-optimising networks that learn and adapt in real-time. To young engineers, my advice is to stay curious, be a life-long learner, be adaptable, focus on the impact of your innovation, collaborate broadly, share your learning, and support others along the way.

You’ve won multiple awards over the years - what makes the Innovator of the Year Award special to you?

Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive several awards shared with brilliant teams that I have had the privilege to collaborate with. Each one has been meaningful, but the ‘Innovator of the Year Award’ stands out as innovation is at the heart of my role, and this recognition reflects what I strive to do every day: push boundaries, deliver technical excellence, and drive impactful change. Most importantly, it gives me a stronger mandate to champion innovation across the organisation and in the wider industry, accelerating the adoption of transformative technologies and empowering others.