One of our favourite annual events, the SingularityU South Africa Summit is back in person and now less than a week away.

Taking place on the 21st and 22nd of October at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, in collaboration with Old Mutual, the Summit is promising a packed agenda covering an array of exponential technologies, and more than 50 leading edge thought leaders sharing their knowledge and perspectives, as has been the case in previous years.

However, this year the event will also have its own metaverse track - which we were told is a  global first for a local event of this magnitude.

The allure of the SingularityU SA Summits has always been the breadth and topics of the topics covered, any one of which would easily justify attending it. As with previous years, rather than one topic or one or two notable thought leaders speaking about an exponential technology that will shape our lives and our world, the event boasts a multitude.

Forces shaping the Future

For example, topics that will be unpacked in detail include artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized identity, disruptive innovation, longevity mindset, scaling AI in the workplace, web3, metaverse, leadership, blockchain and the future of ESG and sustainability.

Mic Mann, the co-CEO of SingularityU South Africa, explained that this year's summit will emphasise artificial intelligence, explaining that we are now at the point where the technology is disrupting the status quo.

''We are witnessing this exponential surge in new applications and business models, which are both creating opportunities and disrupting traditional ways of living and working. There are more than fifteen sessions looking at various aspects of AI, from decentralization to the impact in the workplace to the influence on leadership and ethics and sovereignty and AI bias. I'm confident that it will empower and inspire those attending to build the next products and services of the future.,'' he continued.

Richard Sutton

Speak to me

Recently, Singularity SA also lifted the lid on the final batch of speakers that have been added to the line-up. These include Nchaupe Khaole, Chief Investment Officer at Mineworkers Investment Company, Jacob Hinson renowned-African Investor and Dr. Rutendo Hwindingwi, CEO and Founder of Tribe Africa Advisory, who will both delve into the evolving landscape of venture capital in Africa, exploring the opportunities and challenges for growth in the region.

Gilan Gork, a mentalist and bestselling author, will share insights on leveraging a growth mindset in an exponentially evolving world, while Dr. Reshma Sheoraj, Vice President for Strategic Engagements at World Data Lab, will offer a glimpse into the data-driven future with her talk on "The World of Tomorrow in Data."

Other world-class speakers include Dr. Divya Chander, founder of Lucidify and Chair in Neuroscience at Singularity Group, who will explore the potential convergence of biotechnologies and artificial intelligence as we edge closer to the singularity.

Richard Sutton, a renowned performance coach, will emphasize the importance of self-leadership with a focus on excellence over perfection, and MJ Petroni, Principal at Causeit, Inc., will unpack the concept of digital fluency.

Kris Østergaard, co-founder of the Rehumanize Institute, will address the significance of responsible innovation in shaping the future, while Nyari Samushonga, CEO of WeThinkCode, will take the stage with a session on coding and innovation with her "Coding Jam" presentation.

''We believe that through learning from these incredible minds who will be sharing their knowledge, it can create a spark and ignite ideas and passion to make a positive impact,'' enthused Mann.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the incredible lineup of speakers we’ve assembled for this year’s Singularity Summit. From artificial intelligence and blockchain to the future of venture capital and responsible innovation, the topics covered will offer invaluable insights into the forces reshaping our world,’’ added Shayne Mann, co-CEO of SingularityU South Africa.

Celiwe Ross

Summit Experience

Over 1 300 delegates are expected to attend the summit, which SingularityU SA stressed, ''aims to equip business leaders with the knowledge and insights needed to future-proof Africa and empower the continent to achieve an abundant future.''

The summit also includes an experiential expo, where sponsors and innovators in exponential technologies showcase various product offerings and give delegates the opportunity to be among the first in South Africa to be exposed to numerous experiences.

“We are thrilled to partner with SingularityU as the headline sponsor of the 2024 Summit, which aligns with our commitment to adapting to a world of accelerating change,'' added Celiwe Ross, Director of Group Strategy, Sustainability, People, and Public Affairs.

‘’This summit will empower business leaders and delegates alike with the knowledge and tools to not only adapt but to lead in this new era of exponential change,” concluded Mann.

 To learn more or purchase tickets for the event, you can visit the site here and view the schedule for the two days summit here.