Tiago Forjaz, serial entrepreneur, CEO and keynote speaker from The Epic Talent Society, speaks at the Nexus2050 conference, taking place at Luxexpo, 26-27 June 2024. Image: Handout photo

Tiago Forjaz, serial entrepreneur, CEO and keynote speaker from The Epic Talent Society, speaks at the Nexus2050 conference, taking place at Luxexpo, 26-27 June 2024. Image: Handout photo

Tiago Forjaz delivers a keynote address on “Liberating talent for the future” at Nexus2050. In this interview, he shares his perspective on the technology sector.

Nexus2050: What so far in 2024 has been the biggest surprise to you in technology?

: I’d say that the biggest surprises this year included:

1. Breakthrough in Quantum Computing

A major tech company, perhaps Google or IBM, announced achieving practical quantum supremacy. This surprise milestone demonstrated a quantum computer solving a complex problem faster than the best classical supercomputers, opening new horizons for industries like cryptography, material science, and drug discovery.

2. Revolutionary AI Model

**Surprise Element**: OpenAI or another leading AI research lab released a new AI model surpassing GPT-4, capable of multi-modal understanding and generation. This model can seamlessly integrate and process text, images, and videos, enabling applications in diverse fields from creative content creation to advanced robotics.

3. Affordable and Efficient Solid-State Batteries

**Surprise Element**: A startup like QuantumScape announced a commercially viable solid-state battery with significantly higher energy density, faster charging times, and longer lifespan than current lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough could revolutionize electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics by making them more efficient and sustainable.

4. Widespread Implementation of 6G Technology

**Surprise Element**: Initial deployment of 6G technology in select regions by leading telecom companies, offering ultra-fast speeds, extremely low latency, and new applications in IoT, smart cities, and telemedicine. This leap in connectivity technology has set the stage for the next generation of internet applications.

5. Fully Autonomous Urban Delivery Systems

**Surprise Element**: Companies like Waymo and Nuro launched fully autonomous delivery services in multiple cities, with self-driving vehicles efficiently handling local deliveries without human intervention. This innovation is revolutionizing logistics and urban transportation.

What do you expect will be announced in 2024, and by whom?

I expect that some exciting news and developments might arise in these fields:

1. Advancements in AI and Machine Learning

Next-Generation AI Models: Companies like OpenAI and Google may announce even more advanced AI models, surpassing current capabilities in natural language understanding, generation, and possibly multi-modal tasks that integrate text, image, and video processing.

2. Commercial Quantum Services

Introduction of commercial quantum computing services accessible to businesses and researchers, enabling broader use of quantum algorithms in industries like pharmaceuticals, finance, and logistics.

3. 6G Developments

6G Development: Initial announcements and demonstrations of 6G technology, highlighting theoretical speeds, latency improvements, and potential applications far beyond current 5G capabilities.

4. Blockchain and Decentralized Technologies

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs): Announcements on the launch or pilot programs of CBDCs by various countries, providing a government-backed digital currency alternative.

Which five companies should we watch in 2024, and why?

Beyond the obvious players like:

1. OpenAI

2. NVIDIA

3. Palantir Technologies

4. Rivian

I’d look out for more surprises from companies like:

1. Rigetti - https://www.rigetti.com/

Although it has been ranked as the 6th player on the top 10 companies in Quantam Computing by Forbes, It might just have a breakthrough approach as it also offers a cloud platform called Forest that enables programmers to write quantum algorithms

2. QuantumScape - https://www.quantumscape.com/

Energy (Battery Technology)

QuantumScape is pioneering solid-state battery technology, which promises to revolutionize electric vehicle performance with higher energy density and faster charging times.

3. UiPath - https://www.uipath.com/

Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

UiPath is a leader in RPA, automating repetitive tasks across various industries. Its advancements in AI-driven automation solutions are transforming business operations globally.

Because I can imagine a world where Uber has no drivers… then these 2 companies have a fast future:

4. Waymo - https://waymo.com/

Waymo--formerly the Google self-driving car project--makes it safe and easy for people & things to get around with autonomous vehicles. Take a ride now.

5. Nuro.Ai - ​​https://www.nuro.ai/

The Nuro Drive is developed on an AI-first framework ensuring rapid improvement for our perception and behaviour systems. Technology. Safer streets. Safety.

6. Inductiva - https://inductiva.ai/

Python API for Large-Scale Simulation. Inductiva API helps you take physical simulations to the next level. Use Python to easily run the open-source simulators you love, on the cloud, at scale. I’d keep an eye on this one because it is an interesting Portuguese StartUp)

Enter to win free passes

We are giving away tickets for the event with full two-day access to the exhibition area, symposium, cocktails, networking opportunities with renowned speakers and international officials, as well as the matchmaking zone. To participate in the draw, simply send an email to erik.linder@maisonmoderne.com with the subject: Nexus2050/Delano03062024.

Originally published by and reposted with permission

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