Dr Tom Butcher is CEO and Co-founder of DiPOLE Systems, a UK National Laboratory spinout commercialising next-generation high-energy, high pulse-rate laser systems. Prior to founding DiPOLE, he spent 13 years at the UK's Central Laser Facility, where he led the Centre for Advanced Laser Technology and Applications and oversaw the deployment of DiPOLE laser systems to major international facilities including HiLASE and the European XFEL. He combines deep technical expertise with commercial leadership, focused on translating world-leading laser research into scalable, field-deployable products for defence, advanced manufacturing, energy and national security applications.