Does the World Need Another AI Event?

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07.01.2025

Does the World Need Another AI Event?

Here’s Why the Next AI Summit Stands Apart

As the founder of the Next AI Summit, I’m often asked why we’ve created this event and why it’s set in Andorra. The answer is both personal and professional. Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a transformative force reshaping every corner of business and society. Yet, amidst the noise and hype, there’s a need for clarity, practicality, and connection—something that many existing AI forums don’t quite address. This is what the Next AI Summit is here to change.  Our mission is simple yet profound: to connect professionals from across the AI ecosystem, foster the exchange of truly groundbreaking ideas, and address the critical challenges and opportunities that AI presents. These aren’t just buzzwords. They’re principles that guide every aspect of this summit; from the speakers we’ve selected, the structure of the event itself and our commercial model.  AI today is at a pivotal moment. It’s more accessible than ever before, yet its integration into business and society is fraught with complexities. Companies struggle to implement AI effectively, while regulators grapple with its implications. The Next AI Summit was born from the idea that these challenges are best addressed when the brightest minds come together—not to showcase lofty concepts, but to share real-world solutions. My goal has always been to create a space where conversations are candid, solutions are practical, and the vision for AI’s future is grounded in reality.  This is why we’ve invited some of the most influential voices in AI to join us. These aren’t just names; they’re individuals who have shaped how AI is understood, developed, and applied. Take Nigel Toon, for example, whose work at Graphcore created the IPU, a novel microprocessor designed specifically to accelerate artificial intelligence applications. Or Anu Bradford, a global thought leader and academic on regulations whose insights are shaping how technology interacts with governance. Then there’s Bob van Luijt, a rising star in Europe’s AI startup ecosystem, whose work with Weaviate.ai is pushing boundaries an open-source vector search engine technology.  Their stories and expertise set the tone for what the summit represents: practical, actionable, and impactful conversations. Over two days, we’ll dive into topics that matter—how AI is transforming industries like healthcare and finance, the ethical responsibilities we carry as we build these systems, and the delicate balance between innovation and regulation. But the summit is also about asking the hard questions: Where is AI truly adding value? Where is it failing? And what can we, as professionals, do to ensure its potential is realised responsibly?  Andorra, where the summit takes place, offers a unique backdrop for these discussions. Nestled in the Pyrenees, it’s a country that’s quietly emerging as a hub for innovation. Its partnerships with global institutions like MIT reflect its forward-thinking approach to technology, making it the perfect setting for a summit like this. The Andorra Park Hotel, with its stunning mountain views and intimate meeting spaces, creates an atmosphere that’s both inspiring and reflective. I believe that stepping away from the daily grind into a place like this encourages the kind of big picture thinking we need to tackle AI’s most pressing questions.  This summit isn’t just for one type of professional. Whether you’re a business leader trying to integrate AI into your organisation, an investor looking for the next big opportunity, a researcher translating your work into practical applications, or an entrepreneur building innovative solutions, there’s a seat at the table for you. What unites everyone is a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI while staying rooted in its real-world implications.  In creating the concept for Next AI Summit, my primary goal is to deliver a high-value experience for our attendees. Achieving this requires striking the right balance between accessibility and quality while maintaining an independent editorial vision. This independence is essential for attracting the industry's leading experts. To preserve this autonomy, Next AI operates as a non-profit, funded through partnerships and ticket sales to cover operational costs.  For me, this event is about more than just gathering experts in a room. It’s about building a community that’s ready to confront the realities of AI head-on. I’ve spent years navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with this technology, and I know how valuable it is to have a forum where ideas aren’t just exchanged—they’re challenged, refined, and turned into action.  The Next AI Summit is your opportunity to step into that forum. It’s a space to connect with people who are as passionate about AI as you are, to learn from their successes and mistakes, and to walk away with a clearer understanding of how to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.  I invite you to join us on 20–21 March 2025 in Andorra. Together, let’s shape the future of AI—not as a distant possibility, but as a tangible reality that benefits us all. I look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an unforgettable experience.