RE.WORK tech summit to launch in September

RE.WORK, a new summit bringing together science, tech and entrepreneurship together to solve the world’s greatest challenges, is launching in Shoreditch this September

The first RE.WORK summit, held on September 19, has “technology” as its theme. It is the first in a series of summits that aim to “re-work” some of the globe’s greatest challenges.

The summit will explore ideas and encourage collaboration on how technology can help solve issues ranging from urbanisation, healthcare and energy. In particular, talks will cover the internet of things, 3D printing, nano- and bio-technology, robotics and artificial intelligence, among others.

“From the smallest start-up to larger businesses and research institutions, it is important to realise we have a responsibility as well as the potential to make big changes happen in order to improve the way we work and live,” says RE.WORK founder Nikita Johnson.

“This is what the RE.WORK summit aims to inspire and put into action. By 2050, there may be around nine billion people on the planet. So understanding, knowledge and collaboration is vital to help steer the way to a better future.”

Bridge between tech and academia

Johnson adds that the event will act as a bridge between academia and tech startups. “We want to bring them together. Once a presenter has finished, the room will have the opportunity to discuss how tech could be used and how it could impact their sector,” she says.

The event will feature around 30 speakers from MIT, Oxford University, The Future of Humanity Institute and Google Lunar X Prize, as well as entrepreneurs and tech leaders.

“Progress in science and technology are in the important territory where they intersect and can be greatly enhanced through the freedom to explore basic science and rapidly communicate new findings,” says Hagan Bayley, professor of chemical biology at the University of Oxford. “At the RE.WORK summit, I will be looking at the benefits of getting back to basics, emphasising how research for its own sake is fundamental to advancement.”

First of several events

The technology RE.WORK summit in London will be followed by further events around Europe, focusing on areas such as future cities, health and the environment. There will also be a series of meet-ups and workshops following the summits, to ensure ideas and potential partnerships are progressed.