Conference Program
Our program is currently a work in process and will be updated regularly in the upcoming weeks leading up to this year's edition.
Less is More: Can Small AI Models Drive Big Business Impact?
Often presented as more energy-efficient, secure and less data hungry, Small Language Models (SLMs) have emerged as a cost-effective and leaner alternative to Large Language Models (LLMs). An accessible model that might allow enterprises of all sizes and industries to integrate AI into their workflows. But how do they truly compare? In which scenarios do they outperform their larger counterparts? Are SLMs better suited for future agentic AI applications? Join us to discuss how “less is more” in AI, with practical insights into ROI-driven deployment strategies and use cases where smaller models unlock new opportunities across industries.
So Close No Matter How Far: Digital Nomadism, Remote Working & Global Talent Acquisition
The past years have seen a rise remote working and digital nomadism, with people not only working from home but from anywhere in the world, as tools to connect and work from a distance have become common. While post-pandemic, the future looked fairly hybrid and remote work imposed itself as a fundamental new way of working, several mandates and studies are now putting the model into question and slowly bringing us back to the office, with some predictions even envisioning a full return to the office as early as 2027 in some regions. From office culture to skills and compliance, these new models necessitate a completely reimagined approach and culture to be successful. But when done right, remote working and digital nomadism proves to be a favored model by employees and the 35 million people across the globe who consider themselves digital nomads. A divisive topic and model that will be explored in this session through the lens of experts who, through their organizations, management, or who themselves have adopted this work and lifestyles will tackle several key questions: What are the opportunities and challenges these models highlight when acquiring and managing global talent? How can we reconcile the dichotomy between tension in the tech market and remote talent acquisition? How are companies successfully integrating digital nomads or remote workers into their teams? Are some industries more suited to the remote model than others? How can you stay compliant when hiring across borders? In fine, is remote working and digital nomadism here to stay?
Striking the Right Balance: Founders’ Mental Health
The entrepreneurial journey is often an emotional rollercoaster, pushing 49% of founders to consider leaving their startups in 2024. This sentiment is heightened by the current challenging economic conditions in the tech market. Outside of their growth challenge, founders also face additional pressures, including maintaining work-life balance and navigating internal conflicts as their companies grow. But a positive shift is emerging: mental health in the startup ecosystem is becoming a more open conversation. Founders and industry leaders are increasingly sharing their personal experiences, breaking down barriers and fostering awareness about mental well-being. This session explores practical ways to build support systems for founders and their teams. Together, we’ll discuss how to normalize mental health conversations in the tech ecosystem and create a healthier, more sustainable environment for innovation.
Founders’ Story with Factorial & Atomico
Discover the story behind the innovations and the collaborative networks that propelled their startup forward through the unique journey of its founder.
Exit Backlog: What Alternatives To The Traffic Jams?
2024 was a slow year for startup exits, with the backlog of companies awaiting an exit surging to over 55,000, according to PitchBook—a record high. While smaller startup exits continued at a steady pace, the absence of IPOs created a bottleneck, slowing down both late-stage companies and the broader VC market. This stagnation has forced mature startups to explore alternative exit strategies, including secondaries, M&As, or extended private market stays, while in Europe, many startups are looking across the Atlantic for IPOs or acquisition opportunities. Some anticipate a return to normalcy in 2025, with a wave of unicorn IPOs. However, the geopolitical climate could disrupt these expectations, reshuffling the exit landscape. This session will explore how seasoned VCs in the US, China, and Europe are navigating the backlog and what alternative exit strategies are emerging.
The Intelligent Ally: How is AI Reshaping Medical Practice?
The healthcare landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift, as artificial intelligence moves from theoretical potential to practical application. AI-powered tools are now enhancing diagnostic imaging, predicting patient risk, and even personalizing treatment protocols, promising to revolutionize patient outcomes. This session explores the tangible ways AI is reshaping medical practice, from precision diagnostics to optimized patient care and targeted interventions. How can AI-driven insights improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare? We hear from the innovators pioneering these advancements.
The AI Frontier: A Founder's Vision for Cancer's Future
What if AI could drastically accelerate the development of cancer treatments? This is the challenge French startup Orakl Oncology is tackling head-on. In this session, discover how the company is reshaping drug development by combining real-world patient data with cutting-edge biology to create an AI-powered platform. Join the founder, in conversation with a key investor, as they reveal how this approach is redefining the future of oncology, improving clinical trial success, and driving the next generation of cancer therapies.
Mind the Gap: Why FemTech Needs More Investment Now
FemTech is one of the fastest-growing sectors in healthcare, with the global market projected to reach $60 billion by 2027. Despite its vast potential, women’s health remains critically underfunded—receiving just 4% of healthcare R&D investment and less than 2% of venture capital funding. These low investment levels underline a significant market gap, revealing great opportunities for innovation and growth. This session will bring together FemTech founders, investors, and industry leaders to uncover the untapped potential in this space, highlight the economic and societal benefits of investing in women’s health, and explore how FemTech can drive both business success and global impact.
Healthcare for All? Balancing Innovation and Equity Using AI
AI is poised to reshape healthcare, promising to lower costs and expand access through remote monitoring and teleconsultations. Yet, this potential comes with a critical caveat: the risk of exacerbating existing inequalities. Biased datasets and flawed algorithms can perpetuate disparities, disproportionately impacting minority populations and the global south. How can we proactively mitigate AI's risks in healthcare, and what actionable strategies will guarantee equitable access to its benefits?
The New Information Gods: From Fact-Checking to Reality-Checking
The information landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. Declining trust in traditional media, fragmented sources, and weakened social platform moderation have created fertile ground for misinformation. In this era, discerning truth from fiction is more critical than ever. As traditional gatekeepers falter, the burden of critical evaluation shifts to individuals. How can we navigate this information war, what new tools and skills are needed and what role does AI play in both the problem and the solution?
The Price of Truth: Balancing Profit and Purpose in the Digital Era
Journalism faces a stark reality: its traditional revenue models, once a fortunate coincidence of advertising, have evaporated. In an age of diverse information sources and AI disruption, the industry must redefine its value proposition. This session explores how media outlets can move beyond clickbait and rediscover their purpose—serving the public with high-quality, relevant content. We'll examine successful monetization strategies, the role of philanthropy, and the delicate balance between economic pressures and journalistic integrity. Is it time for a fundamental rethink, and how can journalism truly serve its audience in this new era?
From Words to Action: Exploring the Global Landscape of AI Regulation
The race to regulate AI is (still) on, with the U.S., Europe, China, and other global powers vying for leadership. This session dives into the diverse legislative approaches and practical implementations shaping the future of AI. We’ll explore how geopolitical alliances and rivalries influence the development and enforcement of these regulations, and the extent to which these varying regulatory frameworks are driving – or stifling? – innovation.
The Deliberate Algorithm: Choosing AI's Ethical Path
History has taught us that technological advancement doesn't always guarantee positive change. Balancing profit with purpose – and cultivating a conscientious approach to development and deployment – is crucial. This session confronts the ethical choices shaping AI's trajectory. How can we ensure AI serves humanity's best interests? How can we identify and prioritize applications that address pressing challenges, not theoretical possibilities? And where do we draw the line on AI’s capabilities? Three experts weigh in.
How Will Driverless Vehicles Hit the Road?
Imagine stepping into a car that navigates the bustling streets all on its own, letting you relax, catch up on work, or enjoy the scenery without having to steer the wheel. From newcomers to historic carmakers, many companies are vying turn this vision into reality, testing autonomous vehicles that could revolutionize how we move through the world. Yet, challenges loom: How do we address the ethical dilemmas of machine decision-making? What happens to jobs reliant on driving? And what are the technical challenges we need to overcome for this technology to be market-ready?
From the Ground Up: Building Resilient Cities
With over half of the world's population now residing in cities—and projections indicating that figure will near 70% by 2050—the urgency to redesign urban spaces is undeniable. Climate change has become a present reality, evidenced by more frequent extreme weather events that test the limits of our urban infrastructures. What are the foundational elements of urban resilience we must strengthen? How can we get our cities closer to net zero? And what bold actions can we take today to build cities capable of withstanding climate challenges for future generations?
Transmedia Storytelling: Crafting Narratives Across Multiple Platforms (IP)
Spanning multiple mediums—films, video games, series, even toys—allows creators to build richer, more expansive worlds, fostering deeper engagement and loyalty among consumers. But challenges abound: innovating within established intellectual properties requires balancing freshness with familiarity to honor existing fans, while launching a new IP in a crowded market demands standout creativity and strategic positioning. Different platforms offer unique advantages for reaching new audiences, but leveraging them effectively requires a cohesive strategy to maintain narrative consistency and depth across all channels. How can creators craft unified stories that resonate across diverse platforms? What strategies navigate the tensions between innovating within established IPs and launching new ones? And how can harnessing various media amplify a narrative's reach in an increasingly competitive environment?
The War for Your Attention: The Changing Landscape of Content Distribution
Monday to Sunday, we spend significant portions of our day staring at screens. Beneath the glass surface, a fierce competition is unfolding among content creators, streaming services, social media platforms, and game developers—all vying to captivate our attention. The rise of streaming and subscription-based models has granted us unprecedented access to high-quality content. Meanwhile, independent creators on platforms like YouTube are producing their own content, better than ever before, to rival that of entertainment giants, blurring the lines between amateur and professional media. Why do certain formats grip us more profoundly than others? How do industries pivot to meet the ever-evolving preferences of audiences inundated with choices? And to what extent are we freely choosing how to spend our time and money when sophisticated algorithms and enticing content are steering us?
Anywhere Gaming: The Rise of Ubiquitous Play
Players today demand access to their favorite games anytime, anywhere, sparking a radical transformation in how we experience interactive entertainment. Gaming has broken free from traditional confines, seamlessly integrating into our daily lives—on commutes, during breaks, or at home. Advances in cross-platform technology and cloud gaming have made this ubiquity possible, dissolving barriers between consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Streaming services can now offer high-quality games directly to diverse screens without the need for expensive hardware. Subscription models offer vast game libraries for a flat monthly fee, reshaping our notions of ownership and access. As digital downloads and streaming overtake physical copies, we witness a shift toward instant gratification and convenience. These transformations raise compelling questions: How will continuous technological innovation redefine our gaming experiences? What does this mean for developers in a rapidly evolving market? As the lines between devices blur, how will our understanding of gaming platforms change, and what does this imply for the future of interactive entertainment?