Minds and Machines Meet
The New Scientist Summit 2024 opened their doors to a new idea. Introducing a pivotal summit for thought leaders and innovators to share their insights on emerging technologies. This gathering highlighted the crucial role these advancements play in shaping the future of digital landscapes.
Artificial Intelligence
AI continues to lead as a transformative force in multiple sectors, promising to redefine the way we interact with digital environments, we think it will continue and advance in 2025.
Quantum Computing
This emergent technology is set to revolutionise problem-solving capacities, offering unprecedented computational speed and capabilities. Key areas where the big QC will beneficial might include financial modelling, drug discovery and cryptography.
Space Economy
Visionaries are launching satellites to pioneer ground-breaking endeavours unveiling a new trillion-dollar economy nestled within the depths of space. Did you know there’s an uber equivilent used by tech giants to send satelites up?
Augmented Reality
AR introduces immersive experiences that blend digital information with the real world, enhancing user interactions and operational efficiencies.
What does all this mean?
The majority of experts who showcased their work, underscored the efficacy of agile methodologies, emphasising the delivery of value, adaptability and speed. Companies here demonstrated transformative practices that not only navigate the current landscape but also pave the way for future opportunities.
Business Agility matters more today than it ever has before, and we believe that it’s all thanks to companies breaking the mould from traditional ways of working and making room for people to think differently and dare to try new things.
Here are 10 things we learned
1. AI is a phase, New Things are Coming
While AI is currently the talk of the town, it may have reached its peak and space tech could be the next big thing in 2024. Don’t believe us? Read on.
2. Future Proof Your Business
Make room for the future, new things are fast approaching and Ilan Gur is shaping the future with his ‘Advanced Research and Innovation’ agency. He is not only encouraging speedy failures but supports out of the box thinking in the area of innovation, robotics and quantum technologies. His agency is working on some ground breaking technologies that will benefit everyone.
3. No more clunky machines
Or should I say no more big scary MRI machines, but rather a simple helmet to have your head read. Sir Peter knight from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is investing billions in quantum technologies to build cutting edge technologies.
One that stood out for me is the innovative neurotechnology for imaging inside our brains. Another one where sensors can effectively unearth what is buried below the ground with quantum technology.
4. Google Maps is more than just a blue dot
That ‘blue dot’ in google maps does more than we give it credit for. Ed Parsons, Google’s Geospatial Technologist since 2007 shared the evolution of Google Maps from having built capabilities from a digitalised map to putting yourself on a map without giving it much thought. We call it GPS, they call it GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). Did you know about the ‘VPS’ (Visual Positioning System)? Today Google Maps goes the extra mile to point exactly to the place you are looking for. For example, if you are navigating to find a particular restaurant, it will point out exactly where that restaurant is.
5. GenAi is your Work Buddy
We also heard from Hebe Middlemiss, Head of Strategy & Innovation at AstraZeneca who shared how AI is considered a ‘Digital Co-Worker’ that assists their employees daily and is using GenAi to transform ways of working across their organisation.
6. Like a Smart Phone
When Meta originally created a buzz in the market, people found it’s solutions hard to use so the excitement didn’t last. AI, on the otherhand simplifies complexity thanks to Large Language Models (LLM) so it’s more likely to become something we will bake ito our daily lives.
7. Embrace Change
On one hand, some people fear AI, but according to many of the speakers, AI will help pretty much everyone who chooses to use it, including the aging population.
8. There’s Money to be Made in Space
Torsten Hoffmann, film maker, investor and tech expert propelled us into the cosmos where he unveiling a ground-breaking trillion-dollar economy nestled within the depths of space. Yes, you read that right, a flourishing ecosystem of innovation awaits discovery in space. Visionaries are launching satellites into space to pioneer ground-breaking endeavours here on earth, such as detecting fallen trees or foliage along railway tracks, enhancing efficiency and safety. There’s even an uber company who will carry these satellites into space for you.
9. Cars that Comfort You
Our favourite speaker was Kirsty Bennett, CIO of Bentley Motors who is shaping the future of Bentley while making sure the essence of what they stand for remains undisrupted. She brings us back down to earth when she speaks of solving real customer problems with user stories, bringing your people with you on your innovative journey and seeking out the best things to change, together. AI can help quickly find faults, but the human touch still knows more than the machine. We loved her idea of releasing calming smells on stressful car journeys.
10. AI is a bit creepy
The dark side of AI, while companies are doing everything they can to protect customers from intrusions, content based verifications are not enough and we need to do more. Isa Goksu, CTO of Globant shares his view on KYC and the importance of responsible AI development. Isa also dropped a bomb saying Agile will no longer be needed, but in essence he was saying that agile will still be used, but AI will play a part in making it more efficient for teams. We just need to be careful that we are not rolling back to the old C&C (Command and Control) days with technology control us. There’s a very thin line.
11. TikTok Leads AI
Nick Black Product Strategist caught us by surprise with the announcement that TikTok is presently the highest valued AI company, with a valuation of $220 Billion.
So there we have it, our top 10 (ok there’s 11, we know) findings from yesterday’s summit and a big thank you goes to the New Scientist Events organisers for coordinating such an insightful event packed full of so many great experts in one place.
Agile methodologies have been the driving force behind many successful projects. What’s your next big adventure? If you’re looking to innovate, lead the future, and win awards for business agility, get in touch!