Across every conversation and every idea, AI dominated this year’s Future Decoded. From partner sessions to the unveiling of our exclusive report, ‘Accelerating competitive advantage with AI’, no-one could escape the technology and how it’s enabling businesses to do more.
“We’re mostly seeing positive strides in AI,” Dr Chris Brauer noted during this year’s Future Decoded, “rather than giant leaps.”  Our in-depth report into AI, ‘Accelerating competitive advantage’, showed that 38% of business leaders want to be at the forefront of AI innovation. This figure has doubled since last year.
What makes AI such a powerful force in tackling society’s challenges? At this year’s Future Decoded, Lucas Joppa, Microsoft’s Chief Environmental Officer, told attendees ‘the opportunity for a few lines of code to fundamentally change the way that we monitor, model and ultimately manage earth’s natural systems is potentially transformative.
“Thirty seconds guys”, Eddie called, glancing over at his camera crew and then locking eyes with me. We shared a nod before I stared down the camera, trying to visualise one last time what I’d be doing in about 24 seconds from then. One last look at my notes. “Ten seconds guys.” Deep breaths.
Are you a start-up or organisation looking for support for your AI-driven solution? Apply for the Microsoft UK AI for Good 2020 accelerator programme, designed to help UK purpose-driven ventures advance their AI solutions and create positive societal change.
Agility and control. Diametrically opposing forces present in almost every organisation in the world. Business leaders keen to innovate and disrupt the markets they operate in. Technical and IT leaders worried about security, governance, and availability. Both valid behaviours and concerns. Both totally incompatible with one another. Until now.
Future Decoded is the flagship Microsoft event designed for business leaders, and we can’t wait to bring you some unforgettable moments you won’t want to miss out on. I’m fascinated by the trajectory of today’s technology.