7 TNW Conference sessions we’re looking forward to

      The Netherlands’ premier tech festival is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. The TNW Conference gathers some of Europe’s brightest minds, most daring startups, and transformative tech leaders at Amsterdam's NDSM on June 19 and 20. It's a two-day event filled with groundbreaking ideas, intense discussions, and innovations poised to influence the future.

      We’ve sifted through the packed agenda to highlight seven sessions that you simply cannot miss — the ones likely to challenge conventional thinking and spark conversations.

      1. Where’s Iron Man? The Role of Technology in Defense — Purple Stage, Thursday 16:25 – 16:55

      Investments in defense technology are surging. Startups are securing substantial funding, landing significant contracts, and putting pressure on traditional military contractors, also known as “primes.” At the TNW Conference, four leaders in defense tech will gather to discuss the growth of this sector, its impact on future warfare, and the involvement of startups. Participants will include Jyoti Hirani-Driver, COO of NATO’s DIANA accelerator; Giuseppe Lacerenza, partner at Amsterdam-based Keen Venture Partners; Dr. Benjamin Wolba, co-founder of the European Defence Tech Hub; and Marc Wietfeld, CEO of ARX Robotics, a German firm focused on autonomous land vehicles.

      2. Gods of Industry: The Race for Deep Tech Supremacy — Purple Stage, Friday 10:30 – 11:00

      Next, we turn to another competition, this time in deep tech — the scientific and engineering advancements influencing areas from healthcare to transportation. Leading the discussion will be two industry icons: Peter Wennink, former CEO of chip giant ASML, and Young Sohn, managing partner at deep tech VC Walden Catalyst. They will analyze the powerful forces transforming the future of deep tech innovation, covering topics like geopolitics, supply chain challenges, the limits of Moore’s Law, and the emergence of AI-native hardware.

      3. Healing Burnout with Psychedelics: The Future of Storytelling, AI, and Mental Health — Purple Stage, Thursday 15:30 – 15:50

      This next session takes a more reflective approach. Emmy-nominated storyteller and futurist Jason Silva will guide us away from venture capital dealings and into the realm where AI art meets psychedelic therapy. Silva, known for hosting the National Geographic series Brain Games, will demonstrate how AI-generated psychedelic visuals can lead to a journey deep within one’s consciousness. The session promises a lively combination of philosophy, live performance, and vivid media, encouraging attendees to see AI as a collaborator in healing, innovation, and self-reinvention. Brace yourself — this is set to be quite a ride!

      4. The Quantum Race: Can Europe Lead in Quantum Technology? — Green Stage, Thursday 11:30 – 11:55

      Transitioning from psychedelics, we delve into the fascinating world of quantum mechanics, where matter exists in multiple states and particles can become entangled over large distances, defying classical physics principles. Quantum computing aims to harness these oddities for groundbreaking calculations and has become a fiercely contested area in technology, with startups and governments worldwide vying for dominance. The key question remains: Can Europe secure a leading position? In this session, Jan Goetz, co-founder and CEO of Munich-based quantum scaleup IQM, will join Tom Henriksson, general partner at VC firm OpenOcean, to discuss the necessary advancements in quantum hardware, networks, and infrastructure amid rising global competition.

      5. DEI or Die: Why Startups Must Not Skip Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion — Purple Stage, Friday 15:00 – 15:30

      Whether developing a deep tech powerhouse or tackling quantum challenges, industry experts largely agree that every tech startup should cultivate a diverse workforce. However, initiatives under Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) have faced setbacks recently, as major companies like Meta and Amazon have retracted their DEI programs amidst a broader conservative shift in Western politics. In light of these concerning developments, a panel of tech insiders and DEI advocates will discuss why startups should persist in their commitment to inclusive strategies and what that entails today. The session features Matthijs Welle, CEO of the Dutch unicorn Mews; Raashi Sikka, chief diversity officer at Ubisoft; Constantijn Van Oranje, special envoy at TechLeap; and Ingrid Tappin, CEO and founder of Diverse Leaders in Tech.

      6. Are We There Yet? Launching the EU’s Space Aspirations — Purple Stage, Friday 16:35 – 16:55

      Speaking of representation in technology, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe — the first Black woman to go on a commercial space flight — will also take the stage at TNW this year. Bowe will discuss progress in Europe, especially in light of the EU regaining sovereign access to space last year, energizing the continent’s space tech landscape. This session will investigate