DLD20 Preview: Speakers & Topics

Update: Please visit our DLD Munich 2020 page to read about conference highlights and watch select videos of DLD20 talks.

Prepare for three days of inspiring talks and valuable networking when you attend DLD20 in Munich. From January 18–20, 2020, we’ll have speakers exploring cutting-edge technologies like brain mapping, bio-engineering and quantum computing, but also the most pressing topics of today – such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, and digital democracy. We’re mixing in plenty of culture and creativity as well, because DLD strives to connect the unexpected. Here’s an early preview of speakers and topics. Come back frequently to check for updates. Attendance, as always, is by invitation only. But you can apply for a ticket here, and our team will promptly review your application. We’re also offering 50 complimentary tickets to young innovators through our 50 For Future initiative.

Messaging the Art World

Billions of smartphones and trillions of images are generating gazillions of clicks. Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel, artist Alex Israel and the Serpentine Galleries’ Hans-Ulrich Obrist take an  unfiltered look at design, photography and branding in the digital age.

Man vs. Machine

Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov was one of the first humans to test the limits of machine intelligence when he played against IBM’s Deep Blue in 1997 – and lost. But what did that really say about  the power of algorithms and their ability to outsmart the human mind? At DLD Munich, Garry Kasparov give you his view of the capabilities of AI. Together with Avast CTO Michal Pěchouček​, he will also discuss the role AI can play in the defense against cyber criminals.

The Ethics of Technology

Who’s controlling the algorithms that power the modern world? And whom do we hold responsible when things go wrong? Tristan Harris worked as a design ethicist for Google before he co-founded the Center For Humane Technology. “Harris is the closest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience”, The Atlantic wrote in a profile about him. Roger McNamee, an early investor in Facebook, became disillusioned with the social network after the 2016 Presidential elections in the U.S. In 2019, his book Zucked: Waking Up To the Facebook Catastrophe became an international bestseller.

Giving Nature An Upgrade

Genetic engineering makes it possible to edit human DNA and try to program the code of life to our liking – but should we? Jamie Metzl and Jodi Halpern will address technical and ethical aspects of bio-engineering. Dr. Divya Chander takes a look at new opportunities in neuroscience thanks to “brain mapping” with the help of AR and VR.

Digital Health

Technology promises vast improvements to the quality of healthcare. Managing patient data both efficiently and safely is a crucial task on the agenda of Germany’s federal government. Munich’s Brainlab shows how digital imaging can help surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures with much higher accuracy.

Work It Out

There’s a new dynamic in the office. Good leaders try to keep hierarchies flat and employees engaged with their peers – because social cohesion is a key driver of success in today’s business environment.

Computing Gets A Reboot

Doing math by controlling sub-atomic particles is tricky, but quantum computing promises to revolutionize the entire field of computer science, yet again. Blockchain technology, meanwhile, could bring us the first Internet Computer with the help of decentralized cloud computing.

A Green New Deal

Ecosia founder Christian Kroll has created a search engine that uses ad revenues to plant trees. Renowned author and economist Jeremy Rifkin will explain why he believes that “the fossil fuel civilization is collapsing.” Award-winning photographer Christopher Copeland has led expeditions across the Arctic to explore the consequences of climate change.

Face to Face

In the run-up to the U.S. Presidential election, the world will look at social media again to detect signs of voter manipulation through misinformation and bot networks. Facebook’s Nick Clegg and renowned journalist Tanit Koch will discuss better ways to prevent such abuse.

Space Watch

Imagine floating among the stars and seeing Earth from above: Astronaut Catherine Coleman lived the dream and will be at DLD20 to tell you all about it. But even space can run out of space. Currently, some 5,000 satellites are orbiting the Earth, observing our planet, collecting weather data and giving us guidance via GPS tracking, for example. Thousands of additional satellites are scheduled for launch over the coming years – which means the risk of debris (a.k.a. “space junk”) causing accidents is increasing. What’s the best way to clean up before something serious happens?

Exponential Technologies and Sustainable Investing

Any groundbreaking invention starts small and needs money to prosper and conquer the world. Ideally, the outcome is not just a healthy return for investors but a brighter future for all of us.

And Much More …

We’re also welcoming Roshni Mahtani, CEO of theAsianparent; Iceland’s former President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle; and the founder of AboutYou, one Europe’s fastest growing fashion e-tailers.

You can find the complete list of speakers and topics on our conference page, which also has a detailed program overview.