Tech & AI LIVE London: AI Innovation Insights from Google
Through a range of engaging keynotes and panel discussions featuring internationally-acclaimed industry experts, Tech & AI LIVE London 2024 was an all-round success.
The event represented a continuation of Tech & AI LIVE’s mission: to foster connections within the technology and AI space.
Becky Power, Managing Director for EMEA Strategy & Operations at Google, delivered an inspirational keynote exploring the incredible potential AI holds, both in society and for businesses, as well as the significant shifts it has already created.
To discover our next Tech & AI LIVE event, Tech & AI LIVE New York, click here.
The evolution of technology: from the internet to AI
Becky began her keynote by explaining how we "often think about AI as the third big shift" in technological innovation after the internet and the rise of smartphones.
She went on to revisit her first days at university in the UK, explaining how she had to rely on limited access to shared computers to send emails to her parents, who were living in the US.
By delving into her own story, Becky highlighted the extent to which the internet has changed how we communicate and ensured an abundance of information is available at our fingertips.
This seamless access to information paved the way for the next big leap: smartphones. Becky explored how the use of mobile phones has transformed our everyday interactions and facilitated instant communication, before emphasising the changes that AI is now driving.
However, she highlighted that, although excitement and curiosity is growing, plenty of questions remain: "What does it mean for us as people? What does it mean for companies that we work in?”
AI’s impact on people and society
Becky continued to share inspiring examples of where AI has already been used to benefit society.
She delved into the healthcare industry and spoke passionately about Google's work with hospitals to improve breast cancer detection, a project close to her heart given her background in biology and personal connections to the disease.
Becky stressed the incredible potential AI holds in permitting early detection of breast cancer, explaining that AI is as accurate as radiologists in detecting early-stage breast cancer – making it a valuable source of second opinion. Her vision is for AI to enhance accessibility to screenings, ultimately improving early detection worldwide.
Going on to highlight everyday uses of AI and how it has enhanced existing tools, she pointed to Google Maps and features like fuel-efficient routing and the innovative "Immersive View", which offers users a 3D-like exploration of cities.
The role of AI in transforming businesses
Becky then shifted the discussion to the impact AI could have on businesses, citing Google research that found AI could add £400bn to the UK economy by 2030 – the equivalent of about 2.6% annualised GDP growth.
She continued to share practical examples of AI’s role in boosting productivity, particularly through Google Workspace products.
Becky explained how AI helps with tasks like slide creation and email drafting, saving a huge amount of time in the workplace.
By simply entering prompts, users can generate visuals and text instantly, reducing time spent on routine tasks and allowing employees to focus on more complex work.
Focusing on Google’s Performance Max, an AI-powered tool used in advertising services to uncover demand and optimise campaigns, she said: "It streamlines a lot of the detailed implementation, tracking, monitoring and optimisation that companies used to have to do.
"On average, the businesses we've been working with say that's about 18% more conversions at a similar cost per action with this product. So, it's cutting out a lot of costs. It's becoming a lot more effective, a lot more efficient.”
Preparing for an AI-driven future
Concluding her presentation, Becky called on businesses and governments to invest in the infrastructure and workforce required needed to fully harness AI’s potential.
She highlighted how organisations can utilise AI efficiently and ensure everyone benefits if they ensure careful planning and collaboration processes are in place.
Overall, Becky’s discussion highlighted the transformative impact of AI, whilst also showcasing the importance of embracing change with the right focus and investment.
One message was particularly clear throughout: every development in AI will impact our future.
Essential diary dates for 2024 and 2025
Expanding the Tech & AI LIVE portfolio, Technology Magazine will host both virtual and in-person events in 2024 and 2025. See below for the essential diary dates:
2024 dates
- Tech & AI LIVE New York | 20 November
2025 dates
- Cloud & 5G LIVE | 4 February
- Data Centre LIVE | 25 March
- Tech & AI LIVE London | 14-15 May
- Tech & AI Awards | 14 May
- Tech & AI LIVE: Gen AI | 21 October
- Tech & AI LIVE New York | 18 November
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