Neal Tilley

Strategic Advisor and Education Business Development Manager
Cisco Systems

With over 26 years of experience in emerging technology and innovation, Tilley brings insight into how and why new technology can make a difference to organizations, industry and our lives. As a technologist, he speaks regularly on key topics such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum and sustainability while bringing expertise on how to maximize efforts in these areas.

Tilley is coordinator of the Cisco Higher Education Advisory Council, which currently includes the chief information officers of over 48 top research and teaching universities.

For many years, he has championed professional and collegiate esports, not just as a long-time gamer but as a technologist focused on lowest-latency and high-quality media. He is a member of the internal Cisco Sports Media and Entertainment Advisory Council. Tilley has helped many industries, but has significantly assisted universities develop new methodologies with these innovations. In 2022, he was awarded EdScoop 50 Industry Leader of the Year for Higher Education.

Tilley is a keen home cook and a self-described foodie. He appeared on MasterChef in the United Kingdom and has cooked in some amazing restaurants and met incredible chefs from around the world since his appearance.