Future of Technology

Eric Ries: Entrepreneur, Author, and Lean Startup Pioneer Eric Ries is an entrepreneur and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup, which has been translated into nearly thirty languages. He is the creator of the Lean Startup methodology, which has become a global movement in business, practiced by individuals and companies around the world. His most recent book, The Startup Way, offers a fresh perspective on how modern companies use entrepreneurial management to transform culture, grow revenues, drive innovation, and poise themselves to take advantage of the enormous opportunities of the twenty-first century. He has founded a number of startups including IMVU, where he served as CTO, and he has advised on business and product strategy for startups, venture capital firms, and large companies, including GE, where he partnered with them on the FastWorks program. Eric served as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harvard Business School, IDEO, and Pivotal and he is the founder and CEO of the Long Term Stock Exchange. In 2015, he ran a Kickstarter campaign to produce The Leader’s Guide, which went on to become one of the top Kickstarter book campaigns of all time. Eric lives in San Francisco with his wife and two children.

Nora AlMatrooshi: Early Life and Education Born in 1993 in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, Nora AlMatrooshi exhibited a passion for space from a young age. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the United Arab Emirates University, further enhancing her technical expertise with a semester at Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland. Professional Career AlMatrooshi began her career as a piping engineer at the National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), contributing to significant projects for ADNOC and Saudi Aramco. Her leadership skills were recognized through her election as Vice President of the Youth Council at NPCC for three consecutive terms, where she implemented initiatives to empower young professionals. Astronaut Selection and Training In 2021, Nora AlMatrooshi was selected from over 4,000 applicants as part of the second batch of the UAE Astronaut Programme, becoming the first female Arab and Emirati astronaut. She underwent rigorous training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, mastering skills such as spacewalking, robotics, International Space Station systems, and piloting the T-38 jet. In 2024, she graduated from NASA’s Astronaut Candidate Class, earning her astronaut pin and qualifying for future space missions. Vision and Future Endeavors AlMatrooshi is committed to advancing the UAE’s space exploration efforts and inspiring future generations. She aims to contribute to humanity’s return to the Moon and further deep-space exploration, aligning with the UAE’s forward-looking vision in the global space sector. In 2024, she was scheduled to embark on a space mission, marking a historic milestone as the UAE’s first female astronaut to do so. Her journey represents a significant step in the region’s growing presence in space exploration and serves as an inspiration for aspiring astronauts across the Arab world. Speaking Engagements Nora AlMatrooshi actively participates in discussions and events highlighting space exploration, engineering, and youth empowerment. As the first female Arab astronaut, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring astronauts and engineers, particularly women in the Arab world.

Meet Zahaan Bharmal Zahaan Bharmal is an award-winning science writer and communicator. He is the author of The Art of Physics, a new book about the hidden, surprising and beautiful ways in which ideas from physics can make sense of very human problems. The book has been described as ‘exceptionally interesting’ by Alain de Bottom, ‘insightful and entertaining’ by Cal Newport and as something that will ‘transform your understanding of human behaviour’ by Thomas Erikson. Zahaan studied Physics at the University of Oxford, before beginning his career, initially as a management consultant and then as a speechwriter and policy advisor for the UK Government. He then won a Fulbright Scholarship to Stanford where he earned an MBA. For the last sixteen years he has worked for Google in a range of roles and is currently a Senior Director based in London. Outside work, Zahaan remains passionate about space and science. He has written about these subjects for The Guardian. He founded YouTube Space Lab – the largest ever international space science competition for which he was personally awarded NASA’s Exceptional Public Achievement Medal. Zahaan is also currently an advisor to Vast, a private company developing humanity’s most capable space stations. In speeches, Zahaan bridges the gap between science and everyday life, making complex concepts accessible and relatable to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. He applies lessons and ideas from physics to shed light on important questions – how we can be more resilient in the face of setbacks, why we so often make irrational decisions, and why some relationships are able to sustain a lifetime, while others are so unstable.

Meet Itai Green Mr. Itai Green is the Founder and CEO of Innovate Israel and a dominant leader in Israel’s corporate open innovation. He is a renowned speaker and is recognized internationally as a leading authority on innovation, particularly on Corporate Open innovation. Mr. Green’s expertise is in leading innovation processes and connecting global corporations and governments with entrepreneurial ecosystem members, allowing them to transform themselves successfully to better fit our changing world, maintain their positions as market leaders, or take the lead and place themselves ahead of the curve. Mr. Green is also a renowned speaker and has spoken so far at many significant events, including as a local and international keynote speaker. Some prior speaking engagements included several events by The Economist, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, the American Chamber of Commerce, and more. Mr. Green consults organizations in various fields, including IT, Consumer Products, Pharma, Finance, Travel, E-commerce, Retail, Banking, Insurance, Energy, Construction Tech, IoT, and the Public Sector. Beyond innovation, Mr. Green’s other areas of expertise include fintech, insurtech, traveltech, generative AI, ecosystems, and other disruptive technologies and related fields. Some of his key achievements so far include the foundation of Innovate Israel in 2017, speaking at The Economist – Digital Metamorphosis in 2018, at The Economist’s Taking Cybersphere to the Next Level and the UNWTO Tourism Startup Competition in 2019, The Economist’s Travel and Tourism Leadership Summit and Finnovate in 2020, The Economist – Eastmed Summit in 2021, the Economist’s Western Balkans Summit on 2022, and AmCham Brazil’s 2023 CEO Forum.

Meet Lewis Dartnell Lewis Dartnell is a science researcher and writer, and holds a Professorship at the University of Westminster. His research is in the field of astrobiology and the search for bacterial life beyond the Earth. Lewis explores how microbes, and signs of their past existence, might survive the bombardment of cosmic radiation on the surface of Mars, and what are the best ways to try and detect them. Alongside his academic research Lewis is a science writer. He has won prizes from the The Daily Telegraph, Oxford University Press, New Scientist and The Times Higher Education. Lewis’ books are Sunday Times bestsellers and Books of the Year. ‘The Knowledge: How To Rebuild Our World From Scratch’ discusses how to reboot civilisation after an apocalypse as a premise to explore the science and technology that supports our modern world. ‘Origins: How The Earth Shaped Human History’ is a deep dive into how features of the planet we live on have influenced the course of history. Origins has been translated into thirty languages, and a copy of The Knowledge exists on the surface of the moon. In his latest book ‘Being Human: How Our Biology Shaped World History’ Lewis explores fundamental aspects of us as a species, from our genetics to our anatomy and psychology, and how these intrinsic features of our humanness have had a profound influence in shaping the world today. Lewis has appeared on BBC Horizon, Wonders of the Universe, Stargazing Live, and Sky at Night, as well as on the DVD extras for the sci-fi film Monsters. He acted as scientific consultant for shows including the TV series ‘Station Eleven’, documentaries with Brian Cox, and a full-dome planetarium show We Are Aliens. He is also widely interviewed on TV, radio and podcasts on developments in science and technology. Lewis has delivered a main-stage TED talk, and is a widely sought-after speaker around the world.

About Ulrich Walter Ulrich Walter, born in 1954, is a full professor for astronautics at the Technical University at Munich, Germany. After studying physics at the University of Cologne, he spent a year at the U.S. research laboratory Argonne National Laboratories, Chicago, then a year as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. From there he was appointed to the German Astronaut Team in 1987 and trained at the German Aerospace Center, DLR, in Cologne-Porz and at NASA’s Space Center in Houston until his Shuttle Mission D-2, April 26 – May 6, 1993. In 1994, he moved to the German Remote Sensing Data Center of DLR in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich as project manager of the large-scale project “German Satellite Data Archive”. In 1998, he moved to the IBM Development Laboratory in Böblingen as Program Manager, where he was responsible for the development and consulting of IBM software products as Project Manager and Lead Consultant. Since March 2003, he is heading of the Department of Astronautics at the Technical University of Munich and teaches and conducts research in the field of applied space technology and systems engineering. His focus is on real-time and service robotics using AI, in particular robotics assistance for the elderly (geriatronics). He researches and teaches systems engineering, the empirical science of developing and optimizing complex products and processes in companies. As a trained project manager, he advises companies worldwide in this field, especially in the areas of quality and risk management. Media Activities From 1998 until 2003 he hosted the public science program MaxQ in 103 episodes on Bavarian TV. In 2011 he hosted the German TV series “On the Way through Space with Ulrich Walter” and other TV specials on National Geographic Channel. Since 2016 until to date the hosts the weekly space documentary Spacetimes in the German News Channel WeltTV evening program, also available on youtube. Between March 2013 and December 2016, he wrote weekly science columns on the news webpages of German News channel N24. He is the author of eleven books such as the illustrated book “In 90 Minutes around the Earth”, or the Spiegel bestseller “All hell breaks loose in the black hole.” He has published more than 150 scientific articles in various international journals. He regularly publishes astronautic articles in public media. Ulrich Walter is: Bearer of the NASA Space Flight Medal Bearer of the First Class Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Bearer of the Golden Wernher von Braun Medal Bearer of the Bavarian Order of Merit Member of the Bavarian Ethics Council, responsible for robotics and AI Member of the Supervisory Board of Die Bayerische insurance company responsible for the company’s transformation processes and implementation of AI Member of the Board of Trustees of the Deutsches Museum Mentor of the Ulrich Walter School in Stuttgart Honorary professor at the Dragomanov National Pedagogical University of Ukraine Consultat Professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China Honorary doctorate from the National Technical University of Ukraine, Kiev, Russia. He was elected “German Professor of the year 2008” in the class engineering sciences and informatics.

Yuval Noah Harari: Shaping the Future of Humanity Through History, Philosophy and Insight Yuval Noah Harari is one of the world’s most sought-after intellectuals, whose work has transformed how we perceive the human experience, technology, and the future of our planet. A historian, philosopher, and author, Harari has captivated millions through his groundbreaking books, which have been translated into over 60 languages and sold more than 45 million copies worldwide. Harari’s first major publication, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, explored the evolution of Homo sapiens and how cognitive revolutions shaped our societies. The book has become a global phenomenon, acclaimed for its bold, sweeping narrative and ability to condense complex historical events into accessible insights. It has gained recognition from high-profile figures such as Barack Obama and Bill Gates, who have praised its clarity and profound relevance. In Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, Harari ventures into the future, addressing the impact of technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering on human society. The book raises fundamental questions about what it means to be human in a world where technology increasingly defines our lives and futures. By predicting the potential directions humanity might take, Harari challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of progress, ethics, and the nature of life itself. His third major work, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, shifts focus to contemporary issues, examining political, social, and technological challenges of the present day. Harari’s engaging analysis provides a roadmap for navigating the rapidly changing global landscape, offering practical insights into managing uncertainty, misinformation, and the rise of automation. Harari’s latest book, Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, delves into humanity’s evolution into the Information Age, providing vital context for the challenges and opportunities of today’s AI revolution. Nexus traces the historical development of information networks, spanning the Stone Age, the canonization of the Bible, early modern witch-hunts, Stalinism, Nazism, and the resurgence of modern populism. The book explores the intricate dynamics between information and truth, bureaucracy and mythology, wisdom and power. It also confronts the critical decisions humanity must make as non-human intelligence increasingly impacts our existence. Nexus became an instant bestseller, reaching the #2 position on The New York Times, The Times, and Audible bestseller lists within its first week. It was also the #1 New York Times bestselling audiobook for September 2024 and has been praised by notable figures, including Mustafa Suleyman, Stephen Fry, and Kristalina Georgieva. In addition to his written work, Harari is a dynamic speaker whose engaging, authoritative style makes him a standout on the international speaking circuit. He has presented at leading forums such as the World Economic Forum, TED, and other major global events. His expertise spans a wide array of topics, including the future of technology, climate change, artificial intelligence, and the evolution of societies. A professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Harari has an academic foundation that enriches his ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity. He holds a PhD in History from the University of Oxford and has specialized in macro-historical analysis, focusing on how large-scale trends shape societies and individuals. His deep understanding of humanity’s past enables him to offer unique perspectives on our collective future. Speaking Topics The Future of Humanity: How technology, AI, and genetic engineering are shaping the next era of human evolution. 21st Century Challenges: Navigating contemporary issues, from political instability to misinformation and automation. The Rise and Fall of Empires: Insights into how civilizations thrive or collapse and what modern societies can learn from history. The Ethics of Technology: The moral implications of rapid technological advancements and the ethical frameworks necessary to navigate them. Yuval Noah Harari’s Audiences Yuval Noah Harari’s talks are highly sought after by a diverse range of audiences, including global corporations, government organizations, educational institutions, and international think tanks. His sessions are particularly valuable for leaders in tech, policy makers, business executives, and anyone interested in understanding the profound changes shaping the 21st century. Praise for Yuval Noah Harari’s books “Interesting and provocative… It gives you a sense of how briefly we’ve been on this Earth” — Barack Obama “Homo sapiens has the special ability to unite millions of strangers around commons myths. Ideas like freedom, human rights, gods, laws, and capitalism exist in our imaginations, yet they can bind us together and motivate us to cooperate on complex tasks.” — Bill Gates Book Yuval Noah Harari for Your Event Yuval Noah Harari’s impactful speaking engagements provide audiences with a profound understanding of humanity’s past, present, and future. Whether addressing the risks and opportunities of technological disruption or exploring the evolution of societies, Harari delivers thought-provoking and engaging sessions that resonate with audiences worldwide. Contact us today to secure Yuval Noah Harari for your next event and experience a thought leader who challenges, inspires, and empowers.

Fabian Hemmert: Redefining Technology Through Human-Centered Design Fabian Hemmert is a distinguished design professor and researcher whose work focuses on integrating human values into technological advancements. His mission is to empower people to lead better lives through innovative design, fostering a society that embraces technology without compromising its humanity. Academic and Professional Background Currently, Hemmert serves as a professor of Interface and User Experience Design at the University of Wuppertal’s Department of Industrial Design. His academic journey includes earning a Ph.D. from the Berlin University of the Arts, where he collaborated with the Design Research Lab and Telekom Innovation Labs. His professional experience includes roles at Nintendo and Marvel, enriching his perspective on user-centered design. Research and Projects Hemmert’s research employs a “Research Through Design” methodology, focusing on prototyping future technologies to evaluate their impact on human interaction. His projects often explore how tangible interfaces can make digital experiences more intuitive and meaningful. Teaching Philosophy As an educator, Hemmert is passionate about helping students discover and develop their creative potential. He emphasizes innovative teaching methods that foster critical thinking and encourage the creation of aesthetic experiences that positively impact the world. Speaking Engagements An engaging speaker, Hemmert has presented at various conferences, including TEDxBerlin and TEDxInnsbruck. His talks examine the relationship between technology and humanity, advocating for designs that enhance human experiences rather than detract from them. Personal Interests Beyond his professional endeavors, Hemmert hosts his department’s podcast and pursues painting, reflecting his deep commitment to creativity and communication. Through his multifaceted roles as a researcher, educator, and speaker, Fabian Hemmert continues to shape the design landscape, striving to create a future where technology enriches human life.

Kerry Daynes: Resilience and Justice – A Trailblazer in Forensic Psychology and Advocacy Kerry Daynes’ entry into the field of forensic psychology was a true trial by fire. At just 21 years old, she stepped through the gates of HMP Wakefield, one of the UK’s most notorious prisons, unaware of the immense challenges and prejudice she would face—not just from inmates, but from prison staff. In one particularly harrowing incident, she was locked in a cell with a dangerous prisoner as a cruel prank, not by the inmates, but by the guards themselves. Despite such trials, Kerry persevered, demonstrating an unwavering resolve that would define her career. Over the following years, Kerry worked in secure psychiatric hospitals, where she became renowned for her ability to connect with and treat some of the most complex, challenging, and often dangerous patients. Her reputation grew, and she eventually established her own successful practice, offering psychological services in community forensic settings and serving as a court-appointed expert witness. Specializing in homicide and high-profile cases involving serious violence and sexual assault, Kerry’s practical, no-nonsense approach made her a sought-after expert in major police In addition to her clinical work, Kerry shared her expertise as a lecturer in Applied Psychology at Manchester University from 2004 to 2007 and frequently guest lectured at other universities. Despite facing professional success, she experienced personal setbacks, including burnout and a terrifying experience with a stalker, which led her to pivot into mainstream psychology. In 2013, Kerry became the Regional Head of Psychology for a chain of independent Mental Health Recovery Hospitals. Kerry’s contributions to psychology extend beyond her practice. She published her Sunday Times  bestselling memoir Dark Side of the Mind in 2019, which received widespread praise for its candid portrayal of both offenders and victims as complex, multifaceted individuals, challenging common stereotypes. She holds several prestigious qualifications: she is a Consultant Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and she is also a Health & Care Professions Council Registered Forensic Psychologist. Additionally, Kerry is a Chartered Scientist and a member of the Science Council. Kerry is deeply committed to social causes. She is a proud Patron of the National Centre for Domestic Violence and Talking2Minds, a charity focused on supporting military and blue-light services personnel affected by PTSD. Furthermore, she serves as a trustee for The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a leading UK charity focused on personal safety and anti-stalking. In recognition of her dedication to her work and advocacy, Kerry was named an Inspirational Woman in 2023. Through her resilience and dedication, Kerry Daynes has not only shaped the field of forensic psychology but also become a tireless advocate for those affected by trauma, violence, and injustice.

Chris Lyons: Visionary Investor and Cultural Connector in Technology and Innovation Christopher Lyons is President, Web3 Media at a16z crypto. Prior to joining the team at a16z crypto, he cofounded the firm’s Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) and was instrumental in launching the first Seed Fund. Lyons joined Andreesen Horowitz in 2013, first as chief of staff to co-founder Ben Horowitz. The Cultural Leadership Fund launched in 2018 with the mission to connect the world’s greatest cultural leaders to the best new technology companies and engage, empower, and elevate Black builders and creators on their journey towards excellence in the technology industry. CLF Fund I was Silicon Valley’s first venture capital fund consisting of 100% African American Limited Partners. Since, the firm has closed CLF II, donated over $1.5M in CLF management fees and carry to non-profit partners, and facilitated hundreds of introductions between cultural leaders, including seasoned athletes, entertainers, musicians and corporate executives, and a16z portfolio companies. Lyons started his career in the music industry working for Grammy-Award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri as a sound engineer. He then launched his first startup, a mobile app and digital menu offering called PictureMenu. Lyons moved to Silicon Valley in 2012 to participate in NewME Accelerator, an accelerator for minority-led startups. He is a champion of access and advancement for underrepresented backgrounds. Lyons is on the advisory boards of The Black Economic Alliance and New Story Charity as well as a member of the Verizon Media Global Advisory board. Lyons is the founder of Italian wine brand Lyons Wine, Kauffman Fellow graduate (Class ‘19), and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (KT Spring ‘07). Lyons received a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in 2010.

Tara Shine: Leading Voice in Climate Science and Sustainable Development Dr Tara Shine Tara’s accessible messaging around climate change have inspired people across the globe, from world leaders to local communities and individuals, to act. If you want to put sustainability on your agenda, there’s no better speaker than Dr Tara Shine: a leading environmental scientist, international climate change negotiator and broadcaster. She’s dynamic, and charismatic but most importantly, she’s well-informed, and speaks with authority about the impact we’re having on the planet and each other. Background For over two decades, Dr Tara Shine has worked as a climate change negotiator for the United Nations, most recently facilitating a dialogue between scientists and policymakers to assess progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. She has also been attending the annual climate summit (COP) since 2003. Tara chairs the Board of Trustees at the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) – one of the world’s leading independent policy and research organisations with a mission to build a fairer more sustainable world. Television In 2023, Tara presented two separate episodes of the BBC One What they really mean for you series. In the Electric Cars episode, she questions the cost of electric cars and in Heat Pumps she investigates controversial plans to change how we heat our homes and produce electricity. Business Tara is co-founder and CEO of Change by Degrees, an award-winning B Corp certified business that builds sustainability skills to empower people to achieve sustainability goals.

Professor Turi King: world-leading scientist, television presenter and award-winning speaker who is passionate about communicating science to the public. An accomplished speaker and high-profile scientist, Turi has given hundreds of talks around the world and won awards from the Genetics Society and the British Council for science communication. She’s also guest-presented the Royal Institution’s Christmas Lecture in Japan; spoken at a Congressional Breakfast on Capitol Hill; opened the Moscow Science Festival and delivered a fascinating TEDx Talk. She first came to the attention of the world’s media when she was part of the team who discovered and identified the remains of King Richard III – a ground-breaking case described as ‘cracking one of the biggest forensic DNA cases in history’. The hugely popular BBC series DNA Family Secrets brought Turi a new legion of die-hard fans and won her praise for her immense warmth, humanity, and empathy. She has also co-presented Ancient Mysteries Unearthed for Sky History and Curiosity channels and appeared on Channel 5’s The Black Death with Dan Snow. Background Turi studied Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge and completed both her Masters and her PhD at the world-famous Genetics Department within the University of Leicester. She continues to work on several high profile forensic and archaeological cases worldwide. In 2016, Turi was appointed an honorary fellow of the British Science Association in recognition of her contribution to public engagement in science, and in 2024 she took up a new role as Director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath.