Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, turned the spotlight on the technological advances predicted and influenced by science fiction, at its recent 25th TechForum event. The TechForum also focused on the impact of science fiction on technological development in the modern world.
The event was held at the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), DSOA’s wholly-owned technology incubation campus and the largest of its kind in the region, under the theme Science Fiction to Science Fact. Seven speakers headlined the TechForum session and shared key insights with the audience on how science fiction played an instrumental role in predicting and shaping technologies of the future. As part of their presentations, they also focused on its contribution in building smart cities. In addition, a designated children’s reading corner for sci-fi short story readings proved to be a big draw at the forum.
Speaking on the success of the event and its significance, Hans Christensen, Director of Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus and Silicon Oasis Founders at DSOA, said: “The latest edition of the Silicon Oasis TechForum enabled all participants to better appreciate the extent of innovative and collaborative work that is being done by the public and private sectors. The possibilities imagined by our ancestors in the past have become our tangible reality in the present. Science fiction has undoubtedly harnessed several innovative ideas that continue to be realized on a daily basis. Dubai’s intention to become the smartest city in the world has seen it effectively embrace some of the most futuristic and advanced technology of our times.”
He added: “The quarterly forum provides a rallying point for entrepreneurs, start-ups and university students to engage with some of the major industry players. Facilitating a cross ventilation of ideas and experiences, the TechForum enables stakeholders to better coordinate their approach to overcome challenges across the board efficiently and consistently.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Dhrupad Mathur, Associate Professor of IT Management at SP Jain School of Global Management, highlighted the power of innovation through imagination and the progress made in the technology sphere during the last 20 years.
He said: “The concept of IT management has dramatically transformed in the recent past. With every new invention, a new definition emerges. Specifically with regard to the trend of intelligent automation, companies need solutions that weave systems, data and people together. This will result in fundamental changes within organizations, and provide a value addition over and above their current deliverables.”
For his part, Gautam Ahuja, Director of Business Development and Relationship Management at Digi Robotics, a robotics technology company based in the Middle East, shared insights on the most prominent systems implemented by Dubai in building the city of the future.
Ahuja said: “In its drive to become a leading smart city by 2020, Dubai has positioned itself at the forefront of the technology revolution. Serving as a fertile ground for harvesting several proof-of-concepts and local and international tech-focused innovative ideas, the city has reinforced its global credentials in this domain. Dubai is today increasingly perceived as a reference point for the technology sector and has established benchmarks for other leading cities to replicate.”
A wholly-owned entity of the government of Dubai, DSO operates as a free zone technology park for large enterprises, medium and small companies looking to set up their offices in Dubai.