SingularityU South Africa Summit 2019 sets new standards for technology and innovation on the continent

Laila Pawlak

Laila Pawlak

Benjamin Rosman & Tilly Lockey

Bas Verkaik

Amin Toufani

Alix Rubsaam

Adetayo Bamiduro

Tilly Locky

Stafford Massie

Ramez Naam

Murendeni Madumo

SingularityU South Africa has surpassed all expectations, hosting the third annual SingularityU South Africa Summit to a full capacity audience of over 1,500 people. The summit, which took place in Johannesburg on 16 and 17 October 2019, aimed to address Africa’s most pressing challenges by bringing thought leaders from across the world together. Twenty-seven local and international speakers took to the stage to present groundbreaking innovation and research being done in the fields of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, energy, food, the future of work, leadership, medicine, robotics, technology and water, in order to help #futureproofAfrica.

Summit delegates shared what struck them on social media:

”I feel totally empowered by the high quality information that was presented at this event” Camilo Amarcy

“Talk about breaking down boundaries” – Nico Schaper

”Powerful, home grown innovation” – Lebo Mofolo

”We’ve gone from hardware to software… to humanware” – Dr Aurelia Williams

”Wow! What an experience” – Mareli Smit

SU Nordic CEO Laila Pawlak set the tone for the two-day event’s proceedings with an introduction to the exponential framework that is needed to accelerate innovation in business. Dutch researcher Bas Verkaik, made a dramatic entrance to stage on his electronic motorbike, before sharing how he developed this vehicle that he took around the world. Clara Foods CEO Arturo Elizondo left the audience with food for thought presenting his astounding research in the field of protein. British 14-year-old visionary Tilly Lockey enthralled delegates during her discussion with Benjamin Rosman on her 3D-printed, bionic arms. Muredeni Mafumo presented his use of nanotechnology that has enabled innovation in water purification. Adam Pantanowitz shared how his personal journey has inspired his visionary research in bioengineering. Andres de Leon, the CEO of Hyperloop TT, joined the event by Skype to share how this remarkable innovation is shaping the future of mobility. Alix Rübsaam adressed the implications of artificial intelligence in the software age. Dr David Bray, SU faculty on impact and disruption, addressed smart food supply chains and big data management as well as why leaders must embrace exponential change.

Other prestigious speakers included Valter Adão, Adetayo Bamiduro, Suzanne Gildert (pHD), Kim Hulett, Stafford Masie, Kris Østergaard, Rachel Sibley, and Sivan Ya’ari. Amin Toufani, the Singularity University chair for exonomics ended the two day-summit with his presentation on exponential business models.

“For the third annual SingularityU South Africa Summit, we assembled an outstanding line-up of thought leaders and domain experts to address Africa’s most pressing challenges and showcase the ground-breaking technologies that are available to take the continent forward. We are thrilled that the insights and information presented resonated with the audience” said Mic Mann, co-CEO of SingularityU South Africa. “We look forward to continue SingularityU’s journey to future proof Africa in upcoming events across the country as we are commited to making South Africa a leader in the future,” added Shayne Mann, co-CEO of SingularityU South Africa.

The SingularityU South Africa Summit 2019 was hosted in collaboration with The Development Bank of Southern Africa, global partner Deloitte, and strategic partners MTN and Absa, with Classic 1027 as radio partner. To join the SingularityU community of changemakers, or to book for future chapter events, executive programmes and summits, visit https://singularityusouthafrica.org/.

For more information, or to request interviews, kindly contact:

Jenny Griesel

Jenny Griesel Communications
Tel 083 406 3444 | az.oc.leseirgynnej@ynnej