Singularity University’s international summit heading to Africa for first time

Singularity University (SU) is finally coming to Johannesburg. The Silicon Valley think tank is expected to host its first international conference, SingularityU Summit, in the city on 23 and 24 August.

The summit will be held in collaboration with Standard Bank and other partners including MTN, SAP and Deloitte.

“Singularity University is proud to be working with Standard Bank and Mann Made Media to host this first-ever SingularityU South Africa Summit, and to connect with Africa’s leaders and organisations shaping the future,” said associate founder and CEO of SU Rob Nail in a press release.

The summit aims to address innovative technologies and entrepreneurs in the sectors of healthcare, AI, robotics, cyberspace, big data, finance and design that seek to create positive change and economic growth.

“South Africa represents a microcosm of the challenges facing humanity worldwide and is fast gaining a solid reputation as a global centre. Through this summit, we hope to connect and inspire leaders in the region to effect global impact,” Nail said.

Singularity University hopes to inspire regional leaders to make a global impact

Some of the topics to be covered at the summit range from region-specific challenges to how technological change will impact industry growth.

“South Africa has a unique opportunity to play a vital role in shaping an abundant future for all Africans,” said Mic Mann, organiser of the SingularityU South Africa Summit.

Confirmed speakers include Ramez Naam, SU Faculty member, computer scientist and award-winning author; David Roberts, serial entrepreneur; Raymond McCauley, scientist and engineer working in biotechnology and Many Simpson, CEO of Cyber Toa.

Featured image: Nico Roets via Flickr