Salz21: when business meets innovations and needs a human touch
GAIA became a partner of the Salz21 ‘23 conference and co-hosted the Home of Innovation at Messezentrum Salzburg on March 14-15th. During the two-day event, Salz21 united various initiatives focused on economic trends and cutting-edge technologies offering insights into the future. Attendees included local businesses, startups, investors and leading international companies who come together to explore topics such as AI, big data, digital culture, educational technology and life science. The conference featured impactful presentations that pushed participants to consider the future of civilization and human potential. GAIA representatives challenged the audience to think critically about the role of technology in shaping our collective future by two powerful talks: “The sum of all fears” with Edi Pyrek and “How to use technology to increase human potential” with Mila Orlińska. The above explored future scenarios and emphasized the importance of conscious evolution. Both panels were covered by futurologists, superforecasters and AI represented by Mika, the first AI CEO female humanoid robot from Dictator.
From artificial to authentic: redefining the role of technology in humanity
GAIA presence at Salz21 marks the culmination of two-year efforts and strong commitment of Virtual Florence. It was the dedication of the international multidisciplinary team that led to the seamless integration of human elements into the technological and business aspects of Salz21. The March workshops of Virtual Florence, in collaboration with The Hague Center, were facilitated by the innovative Collective Creativity protocol developed at iMIND Institute.
The protocol played a crucial role in enabling participants to reach a coherent agreement within just one day during the workshops.
Global experts included: David Hanson, Professor Krzysztof Meissner, Carl Smith, Robert Kroplewski, Professor Włodzisław Duch, Mila Aliana, Scott Eastman, Anne Marie Voorhoeve, Adrian Iacobus, Jovanka Wilsdorf, Joanna Przetakiewicz-Rooijens, Robert Ługowski, Professor Paweł Holas, Seda Roder, Matthias Roder, Domen Kocevar, Mila Orlińska, Edi Pyrek and Damian Ciachorowski.
“GAIA’s first and ultimate objective was to bring forth Compassion AI, a ground-breaking technology designed to empower individuals to reach their highest potential. It is only when we align technology with our deepest human needs that it becomes truly meaningful. The application of scientific knowledge can enhance our lives only when done with compassion and empathy. When technology is designed with the human experience in mind, it can help us connect more deeply with each other and the world around us, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.” – stated Edi Pyrek, one of GAIA’s founders.
Tech for good: the new era of human-centered innovation
“Rather than asking if AI will strip away our humanity, the more important question to focus on is: ‘How can technology help us become more human?’ We should explore ways in which it can enhance our happiness, inner peace, spirituality, emotional connections with others and avoid the mistakes of the past. Smartphones made us mindless, the internet made us disconnected and GPS made us lost. By asking how AI can make us more human, we can leverage its potential to promote positive changes in our lives. That’s why GAIA’s mission is to ensure that technology serves humanity, rather than the other way around. By embracing technology as a means to enhance our humanity, we can unlock the true potential of AI and create a brighter future for all.” – said Mila Orlińska, GAIA’s CTO.
GAIA sparks a contest for human-centered tech
In the past the philosophers focused not on providing answers but on asking questions. 2023 is bringing back the Socrates era. With the world changing rapidly elders can no longer provide solutions to the younger generation but they still can ask relevant questions. That’s what Virtual Florence was focused on from the very beginning. Collective Intelligence Workshops brought to life by GAIA aimed at challenging assumptions, exploring different perspectives, stimulating curiosity and creativity. Answers can be limiting, while questions foster further exploration. During the Salz21 conference, one of the most intriguing inquiries that were raised was: “How to create?” announced from the main stage by Mika, the world’s first humanoid robot and Dictator’s CEO. The above served as the catalyst for a contest organized by GAIA and Dictador, the ultimate Art-House Spirit brand that embodies a dynamic and rebellious attitude. The contest encourages start-ups and individuals to come up with innovative ideas that can help them become more human by utilizing technology in a responsible and intelligent manner.
Join the Rebels: GAIA and Dictador’s contest with 200k EUR in awards
The collaboration between GAIA and Dictador is a testament to our shared belief that creativity and ingenuity are essential in shaping a better future. Participants are encouraged to prepare an environment, platform or solution that uses gamification and flow state to teach in a psychologically safe way. Applications will be accepted until the end of July 2023 and the winner will be selected in October with the prize granted during the Internet Governance Forum 2023 in Kyoto, Japan. The awards include cash, digital assets and collectible art from Dictador, currently valued at 200,000 EUR.
“The GAIA and Dictador collaboration for this contest is in line with our mission to develop technology that fosters personal growth and progress. We hope that this competition will inspire people to explore innovative ideas and push the boundaries of what is possible.” – stated Edi Pyrek.
