How can wireless technologies improve the world?

Carolina Costa, Managing Director, Orange Innovation UK, will start the conference by stting out the trends in global resources, demographics, economic and scientific developments that will shape the landscape over the next 20 to 30 years. Additional speakers include: Jonathon Porritt, Founder and Director, Forum for the Future, will present on Wireless Technology’s Role in the Future of the Planet, along with Shawn Covell, Vice President, Government Affairs, Qualcomm Wireless Reach; Simon Saunders, Co-founder, Real Wireless; Steve Jones, Chair of Trustees, Humanitarian Centre; Stuart Orr, Managing Director, Communications, Accenture; and Finbarr Moynihan, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, MediaTek. These speakers will consider a variety of topics, including supporting economic development, improving literacy and health, ensuring public safety, improving the sustainability of the earth’s resources and cultivating entrepreneurship.

On top of the keynote sessions, the conference offers hands-on workshops, facilitated brainstorms and panels, established plenary sessions and exhibition zones including the Start-Up Zone for small technology companies. An Innovation Hothouse will showcase the winners of the 2013 Discovering Start-Ups competition for next generation wireless companies, while Peter Day, Business Correspondent, BBC Radio 4 and BBC World Service, will chair the Cambridge Debate. Also, Cherie Blair, CBE, QC, Founder of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women will address delegates at the Future of Wireless International Conference Dinner.

Organised by Cambridge Wireless (CW) in partnership with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the 6th Future of Wireless International Conference (30 June and 1 July at The Møller Centre and Churchill College in Cambridge, UK) will bring together some 400 delegates from around the world to explore how the wireless industry can be a major force for positive change. It is sponsored by: Accenture, MediaTek, Real Wireless, Qualcomm Wireless Reach, Rohde and Schwarz, TTP Group, Microlease and Agilent, Cambridge Consultants, S-Tech, IC Group, u-blox, Arkessa, Anite and InterDigital UK.

David Cleevely CBE, Chair of CW, comments: "With well over half the world’s population now owning a mobile phone, wireless technology has arguably had more impact on the world than any other human invention in such a short space of time, fundamentally changing the way we communicate, relate to each other, share information and do business. The conference is very timely and will examine how innovative wireless technologies can harness a new generation of ‘connected citizens’ and resources to help address some of the major global challenges and create opportunities for millions more individuals, societies and businesses.”

“Wireless technologies have already connected billions of people together, providing huge benefits to individuals and society. The opportunities to harness emerging wireless technology to create further business growth while also having a major positive social and economic impact are significant. This is an exciting time to be working in the wireless technology sector. As well as connecting people and information together, we are now connecting everyday objects, enriching interactions in our homes and workspaces, our cities and in broader society,” commented Peter Whale, Board Member, CW.