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Last updated: 13 March 2023
Published on: 21 April 2017
6 MINS READ
The annual celebration of global innovation will showcase technologies shaping our future.
Learn about the latest and greatest in innovative tech at the Smart Nation Innovations (SNI) Week this April and May. (Photo credit: unbound)
By Amy Tan
Singapore's vision of becoming a Smart Nation is taking shape. Whether it is driverless cars at One North or new e-payment solutions, Singaporeans are starting to see the tangible benefits of living in a city connected by technology.
Against this backdrop, this year's Smart Nation Innovations (SNI) Week will be an important showcase of the Republic's potential as a centre for disruptive innovation and emerging technologies.
To be held from 29 April to 4 May at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, 2017’s edition will see over 20,000 local and international guests gather in Singapore to share and learn about the impact of disruptive technology and celebrate the success of innovators across Asia.
Whatever industry you’re from, there is surely a compelling reason to attend SNI Week 2017.
1. Listen to tech's superstars
Get to hear from some of the tech industry's leading figures on the trends shaking up the world of tech today, including Dirk Ahlborn, CEO of Hyperloop, Hiroshi Saijou, CEO and Managing Director at Yamaha Motor Ventures and Laboratory, and Tan Min-Liang, CEO, co-founder and creative director of Razer. With over 200 distinguished speakers across various tracks, there is almost certainly something to pique your interest and learn from at the event.
2. Advertising's high-tech makeover
Learn about digital technology’s disruptive impact on the advertising and media businesses at the inaugural run of convergence. The event will gather global brands, local advertising agencies as well as media and tech professionals to discuss the coming together of content, communications and technology, and look at how this will impact the advertising sector in today’s digital age.
3. Discover the next big thing
Where's the next big tech disruption likely to take place? SNI Week will see over 400 start-ups and established companies showcase their latest tech offerings, ranging from wearables and automation to the bionics space.
4. An entire ecosystem under one roof
With over 20,000 participants and more than 200 distinguished speakers from across the technology and media sectors expected to attend SNI Week, get invaluable insights on how venture capitalists, start-ups and commercial vendors connect in one vibrant ecosystem.
5. Tech tinkering for everyone
Pilot your first drone flight, be a tank commander for the day and try out a 3D printing pen. This year’s Tech Saturday has been upsized with more tech, more innovation and more fun. This free public event is great for the whole family to get in touch with their inner Steve Jobs and get hands-on with the latest tech.
Smart Nation Innovations Week will happen from 29 April to 4 May at the Marina Bay Sands. For more information, visit sniweek.com. SNI Week is brought to you by IMDA, organised by NUS Enterprise and Unbound, in support of Smart Nation Singapore.
Key events at SNI Week 2017
innovfest unbound
If you only have time for one event this year to learn more about the technologies that matter today, then SNI's anchor event innovfest unbound would be it. Leading industry figures from the global tech ecosytem will share their insights about how trends such as augmented reality, robotics and computing analytics is transforming the way we live and work.
Held on 3 and 4 May, innovfest unbound is organised in partnership with the Infocomm Media Development Authority, NUS Enterprise and London-based event organiser, unbound.
Views from the top:
Speakers at innovfest unbound include:
- Dirk Ahlborn, CEO, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies
- Hiroshi Saijou, CEO and Managing Director, Yamaha Motor Ventures and Laboratory
- Robert Gilby, Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company South East Asia
- Rahul Shinghal, General Manager, PayPal SEA
- Steve Leonard, Founding CEO, SGInnovate
- Vegard Aas, Head of Innovation, Telenor Group
- Tan Min-Liang, CEO, co-founder and creative director, Razer
This year, innovfest unbound also hosts four new tracks that highlight trends shaping the world of technology in 2017: futurenow (3&4 May), convergence (3&4 May), arise (3 May) and fintech360 (4 May).
futurenow
Curated by NUS Enterprise, futurenow will showcase leading technologies - from research to application - taking place in universities, corporations and in the start-up space.
Themes include urbanisation, healthcare, automation and wearable technology.
convergence
This year’s new entrant, convergence shines a light on the deepening synergy between advertising, media and technology.
Attend and understand, for the first time in Asia, the transformation of the advertising and media business by technology through a series of workshops, panel discussions and fireside chats from companies such as Vice Media, Kantar and Facebook.
arise
Is the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) a seamless, automated experience? And if so, how do we get there? Will we see a future of robots ala I, Robot? Or smaller, intelligent IoT devices combining into a unified whole? Join us at arise, a key track with sessions exploring AI, big data, intelligent robots, bionics, AI-powered mobility and more.
fintech360
Co-organised by unbound and the Singapore Fintech Association, this track will bring together players from the financial services sector to explore innovations and business opportunities emerging in the vibrant fintech space.
Sessions here will cover topics such as the blockchain, e-payments, security and more.
Tech Alley
Beyond keynote speeches and panel sessions, be intrigued by over 400 companies showcasing their wares. Tech Alley, managed by IMDA, will highlight 50 interesting showcases ranging from startups to established businesses. See the latest innovations in the sphere that will include solutions from all the above tracks.
Tech Saturday (Upsized!)
Time to have some fun! People of all ages can get their hands on some exciting technology at this interactive carnival to be held on the weekend of 29 and 30 April.
After two successful runs in 2015 and 2016 that attracted close to 30,000 participants, this year’s tech carnival will feature learning-tinker stations, gadget demonstrations, and a RC tank-racing arena!
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