DLD Conference

Last Friday, we brought a taste of #Bavaria to Palo Alto with our traditional DLD Brunch, accompanied by the lively sounds of Tegernseer Tanzlmusi. It was a pleasure to welcome innovators and change-makers from around the world. Andreas Urschitz from Infineon Technologies, along with Steffi & Yossi, and our guests, shared valuable insights on how we can collectively advance the green and digital transformation. Connecting thought leaders is essential for building a more sustainable, digital future – and together, we’re ready to make an impact!

Can #AI still wow you? Let’s see. Please meet Art and Isabel, our new #podcast hosts (pictured below). We asked them to produce a nice little audio summary of our recent #DLDNature conference about #biodiversity, #technology and #investing in a healthy planet. If, while listening, you find yourself thinking “Is this for real?”, then Google managed to give you another AI wow moment, thanks to the new Deep Dive feature in its #NotebookLM service. NotebookLM, currently labeled as an “experiment” and free to use, is meant to be an AI assistant, similar to Microsoft’s Copilot. What’s making headlines now is the system’s new ability to auto-generate “audio overviews” that sound like professionally produced podcasts. All we had to do for our DLD Nature summary was copy and paste a link to the recap #article we recently published: https://lnkd.in/gM8E8DMc Writing the article still took a lot of – human – labor, but generating the AI podcast was a matter of a couple of clicks. Within a few minutes, the audio file was ready. Granted, there are some limitations. At this point, you cannot change the voices or influence the outcome. The AI chooses, in typical “black box” fashion, which aspects it finds interesting and how it wants to present them. But it’s easy to see how podcasting could soon become #promptcasting, with a few technical improvements here and there that allow users to tweak the results to their liking. How did we give Art and Isabel, our podcasters, a face? Similarly easy: We asked You.com to generate several pictures for us, and then we chose the one we liked best. When You.com founder Richard Socher spoke at #DLD23 about #ChatGPT and generative AI, he was still focused on building an alternative search engine. By now, You.com has become more of a #productivity engine, with various AI features and large language models under one roof.   The pace of progress in AI is truly breathtaking, and we’ll discuss it in-depth at #DLD25 in Munich, from January 16-18. Perhaps we’ll ask Art and Isabel to give you a preview as we’re getting closer. Stay tuned!

🎉 A big congratulations to Demis Hassabis, co-founder & CEO of Google DeepMind, for winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry! 🏅 Demis joined us at #DLD17, where he shared his visionary thoughts on AI and its potential. Today, his groundbreaking work on #AlphaFold is transforming science by solving one of biology’s greatest challenges: predicting how proteins fold. This breakthrough accelerates drug discovery, helps in understanding diseases, and opens up new possibilities in bioengineering. By accurately mapping protein structures, AlphaFold is changing how researchers approach everything from developing new treatments to creating sustainable solutions in chemistry and beyond. We're proud to have been part of his journey and celebrate this remarkable achievement. Well deserved! You can re-watch Demis' DLD session here: https://lnkd.in/eiDjTS5Y

Looking to explore how AI is revolutionizing leadership, work, and collaboration? Then you shouldn’t miss the AI@WORK conference on October 10, 2024, in Munich. Hosted by Isabell Welpe (TUM Chair for Strategy and Organization) and Gunther Friedl (TUM School of Management), this one-day event will feature insights from global experts and innovators. 📅 When? October 10, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM CEST  📍 Where? TUM Audimax, Arcisstraße 21, Munich  💡 Costs? Free, but spaces are limited – register early! Why attend? - Hear from leading speakers from academia, business, and politics, including experts from Stanford, NYU, Microsoft, Google, Allianz and more. - Network with industry leaders and top talents driving the future of AI. - Explore cutting-edge technologies shaping tomorrow’s workplace. This is a must-attend for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, leadership, and collaboration. 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/dS5gzDj4 Let’s explore the future of work together! #AI #Leadership #FutureOfWork #AIatWork #Networking #Innovation #TUM

Just. Wow! 🌿   We’re still amazed by the overwhelming positive feedback from #DLDNature! Over the course of two inspiring days, we delved deep into what it truly means to assess the value of nature from a variety of crucial angles: economic, technological, philosophical, and societal. 🌍💡   We were privileged to welcome extraordinary guests like Ursula von der Leyen, Johan Rockström, Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Dr. Markus Söder, Maja Göpel, Felix Neureuther, and so many more. Their insights fueled powerful discussions and left our heads buzzing with fresh ideas and visions for action. 🌱   The message was clear: biodiversity loss isn't just an environmental issue – it’s a critical challenge that touches every aspect of our lives. We dug deep into solutions that blend innovation and collaboration, with a focus on actionable strategies that can help us protect the planet and secure a sustainable future.   This is just the beginning. Let’s build on the momentum and take these ideas forward, working hand in hand to combat biodiversity loss and protect what’s most valuable – our planet and its future. 🌳🌾 A big thank you also to our incredible co-hosts: Maria Furtwängler (MaLisa Stiftung), Dr. med. Eckart von Hirschhausen, Helmut Schoenenberger, Prof. Dr. Martin R. Stuchtey, Jan-Gisbert Schultze, and Auguste von Bayern. Your support and vision made this conference possible! 🙏   Tell us in the comments below: What was your most insightful moment during the conference? What idea or perspective surprised you the most? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 👇   #DLDNature #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #Sustainability  

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if we could understand what #birds tell each other, how #elephants communicate, and what a #whale song is about? Artificial intelligence is now putting this dream of many #nature lovers within our reach. “AI has progressed to the stage where it can learn human languages”, says Jane Lawton, Director of Impact at the Earth Species Project, a non-profit that is developing #AI models specifically trained on the sounds of different animal species. The goal is to build an “animal GPT” – a kind of universal translator that’s able to decipher the communication of various types of #animals. “If we can translate human languages without dictionaries, then essentially the model can start to learn any kind of language with the right training data”, Jane told us in an interview ahead of  #DLDNature  – our #biodiversity and #innovation conference which begins tomorrow in Munich: https://lnkd.in/euFPm3P9 This isn't just about scientific curiosity, Jane makes clear – it's also about protecting endangered species and #ecosystems. “Understanding the language of other animals”, she says, opens the window “into the sophistication and wonder of the natural world. There can be real, immediate benefits for #conservation.” Make sure to read our #interview to find out more about the #technology, how it can even help decode #spider communication (hint: they dance) – and why it might not necessarily be a good thing if we could actually talk to wild animals, as opposed to simply understanding their needs. Altogether fascinating. Click here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gCXRpyvH If you want to join us for DLD Nature and missed the ticket application deadline, no worries – we’ll have a #livestream on our website on both days, tomorrow and Friday. See you soon!

It's DLD Nature week, and we're thrilled to welcome both familiar and new faces to the Munich Urban Colab this Thursday and Friday!   While applications are now closed, you can still be part of the experience by joining our live stream on September 12, starting at 09:45 am CEST, available on our website: https://lnkd.in/dRurkmJ   Get ready for an engaging discussion on the value of nature with our incredible lineup of speakers joining us in person:   Dr. Markus Söder is the Minister-President of the German Free State of Bavaria. A member of the local Christian Social Union party, he was elected in 2018 and previously served as Bavarian Minister of Finance, Regional Development and Regional Identity.   Stientje van Veldhoven is the Vice President and Regional Director for Europe of the World Resources Institute. A prominent politician in the Netherlands, she has a longstanding involvement in environmental issues, especially related to climate change, energy and the circular economy.   David Diallo is Co-Founder and CEO of goodcarbon, a global platform for high-quality, nature-based carbon projects that support leading companies in achieving their climate and nature goals.   Hussain Aga Khan is a nature photographer and conservationist. Through numerous exhibitions, publications and talks, he has raised global awareness about the protection of threatened species and ecosystems.   Dr. Frauke Fischer heads the Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology at the university of Würzburg. She’s also the founder of Agentur auf!, a consultancy specializing in biodiversity, and co-founder of PERÚ PURO GmbH, wich pays smallholder farmers in Peru fair prices for high-quality cocoa.   Benedikt Franke is Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Munich Security Conference. Previously he worked as Special Assistant for the former Secretary-General of the United Nations and Nobel Laureate, Kofi Annan.   Markus Blume is Bavarian State Minister for Science and Art. Previously he was Secretary General of the CSU party from 2018 to 2022. Blume has been a member of the Bavarian state parliament since 2008.   A Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, Solveigh Hieronimus co-leads the the McKinsey Center for Government and predominantly serves clients in the public sector on a broad range of issues covering sustainability, education, employment, public health, and public finance.   Frederik Zohm is Executive Board Member for Research & Development at MAN Truck & Bus SE, one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers. He holds a doctorate from the Technical University of Aachen, where he studied production technology and industrial engineering, and an MBA for managers from the University of St. Gallen.

Almost there! This Thursday and Friday, we’ll put #biodiversity, #technology and nature’s #capital front and center at our #DLDNature conference at the Munich Urban Colab. We’re excited to welcome a stellar group speakers from #science, #business, #politics and #culture – including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Johan Rockström, Director of the PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research; transformation expert Maja Göpel; and Dirk Rossmann, founder of one of Europe’s largest drugstore chains, Dirk Rossmann GmbH. The list could go on and on, with far too many exciting speakers for one post, so we’ve put together an overview on our website: https://lnkd.in/eNwX5zKU As you’ll see we’re covering a wide range of topics because first, we need to understand where the planet is hurting – from #species loss to #overfishing, #deforestation, industrial #agriculture and #climatechange. Fixing these issues will require a big rethink of our economic system and the way we do #business. But the good news is: Many new #technologies are here to help – think #AI, #sensor data, #satellite monitoring and better #supplychain control. Corporate #leaders who think ahead and make their business more #sustainable can hope to be richly rewarded by #customers and #investors, as well as young #talent looking to align their #career with their #values. We’ll discuss all this, and more, at DLD Nature. Please note that ticket applications are now closed – but you’ll still be able to join us online via #livestream on our website. We look forward to seeing you, in person or online, on Thursday – to truly make the world a better place.

Tackling biodiversity loss starts with reimagining our relationship with nature – truly experiencing, understanding, and appreciating it in all its diversity.   Our upcoming DLD Nature speakers build on this idea, offering fresh perspectives through technological innovation, sustainable design, economic strategies, and rethinking urban spaces. They explore how the fusion of technology, design, and culture can reshape our relationship with nature and enhance efforts to protect it.   Learn more about their insights on our website: https://lnkd.in/dRurkmJ   Felix Neureuther is the most successful German alpine skier in World Cup history. From a young age, he has been involved in social projects. He created the Felix Neureuther Foundation to encourage children to be active and address deficits in brain development through special training programs.   Stefan Schwarz is CEO at SWAROVSKI OPTIK, having been appointed in 2023. At SWAROVSKI OPTIK, the world's leading manufacturer of premium long-range optics, Schwarz is enthusiastic about developing the company's future strategy, aligning it with contemporary challenges, and unlocking its potential.   Andrea Gebhard was elected President of the Federal Chamber of German Architects in 2021. She has been involved in professional policy on national and European level for many years. She is also co-owner of the Munich-based office for urbanism and landscape architecture, mahl gebhard konzepte Lanschaftsarchitekten und Stadtplaner.   Prof. Dr. Martin R. Stuchtey is the Founder of The Landbanking Group, a financial organization that uses systems-thinking to stop and reverse nature loss, and redefine prosperity for the long-term. In addition, Stuchtey is an Honorary Professor of Resource Strategy and Management at the University of Innsbruck School of Management.   Alexander S. Gerfer is Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer of Würth Elektronik Group, one of Europe's largest manufacturers of electronic and electromechanical components. As the executive in charge of product design, he is continuously exploring new fields of innovation, such as 3D-printing, LED horticulture and Integrated Passive Components.   An experienced art historian and curator, Sabine Hansky is the Program Director of Munich Urban Colab, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for the city of the future. Previously, she worked in leading positions at the interface of culture, science and business, including at the Deutsches Museum and Herzog & de Meuron.   Nikola Baumschlager is the Venture Consultant for Food & AgriTech startups at UnternehmerTUM and the EIT Food Accelerator Programme Lead in Germany. She has dedicated her academic and professional career to meat alternatives and future-proof agriculture as she believes that changing our food system is crucial to combating the climate crisis. #DLDNature #biodiversity #conference #economy #sustainability

Another bright day in Munich, and another update on DLD Nature happening next week, where we’ll explore the vital role of nature as both the foundation of life and a critical resource for the global economy.   Sounds exciting? Seats are going fast, but a few are still available. If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry – the event will be live-streamed on our website on September 12 and 13: https://lnkd.in/dRurkmJ   Whether you’re there in person or watching online, don’t miss out on these incredible speakers 👇   Maja Göpel is a German political economist and an influential voice for a sustainable transformation of society, working at the intersection of economy, politics and society.   Dirk Rossmann is the founder of Dirk Rossmann GmbH, one of Europe’s largest drugstore chains. He considers addressing climate change and its impacts on our planet as the most urgent issue of our time.   Katrin Habenschaden plays a key role in shaping the sustainable mobility transition in Germany. As Head of Sustainability & Environment at Deutsche Bahn AG she is responsible for the company’s green transformation.   Stefan B. Wintels is CEO of KfW, one of the world’s leading development banks which is committed to improving economic, social and environmental living conditions across the globe.   Dr. Heba Aguib is a Member of the Board of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt since August 1, 2023. She brings expertise in health tech, R&D, and sustainable innovation and played a major role in establishing the Aswan Heart Research Centre in her home country, Egypt, in 2009.   Mara-Daria Cojocaru is a philosopher and award-winning poet from Germany, affiliated as private lecturer with the Munich School of Philosophy.   Torsten Kurth is the Global topic leader for nature (biodiversity, water and regenerative land use) across industries and sectors at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).   Niclas-Alexander Mauss is co-founder of CIRCULAR REPUBLIC at UnternehmerTUM. While working on his doctorate he initiated CirculaTUM as now largest circular economy research hub in Germany, embedding circularity as a major strategic pillar of the university. #DLDNature #Biodiversity #Sustainability #Economy