Mark Heynen isn’t here to hype Artificial Intelligence. He’s here to ground it. Ahead of World Summit AI USA 2025 (June 18–19, San Francisco), the Knapsack co-founder opens up about the real risks of power concentration, the promise of privacy-first tools and why the future may depend less on regulation—and more on responsible founders.

What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?

I dream of having it do my dishes and laundry. Simple, but telling -- it could then really save us all from life's drudgery.

Before taking the stage at World Summit AI USA 2025 (June 18–19, San Francisco), Bernardo Flores shares why bridging academia and industry is critical now. From student-led tools for mental health to sustainable tech with IBM, he’s focused on using Artificial Intelligence to empower—not replace—human potential.

What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?

A dream scenario for me would be seeing AI applications and systems being used for social good. To empower individuals not just knowledge wise, but to allow them to find ways to solve or mitigate issues within their communities, in a way that it can be beneficial for all. For instance, something that gives me great hope is when my students, for their master project, want to focus on building multi-agentic AI systems for healthcare (e.g. mental health, wellbeing, ...), education (e.g. pre-school learning companions) and other causes that show the commitment that future work forces have to use AI for a greater good.

Ahead of his talk at World Summit AI USA 2025 (June 18–19, San Francisco), we caught up with Robert Petrosino, Strategic Engagement Advisor: AI, FBI. From bedtime storytelling to medical decision-making, Petrosino envisions a future where AI is a deeply personal support system woven into our daily lives. In this conversation, he reflects on his work bringing agent-based systems to the private sector, the overlooked role of chip manufacturing and energy in achieving AGI, and why 2028 may mark a turning point in our relationship with intelligent machines.

What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?

Personalized support system for the hardest decision in our lives from entertainment choices to medical recommendations.

Ahead of his talk at World Summit AI USA 2025 (June 18–19, San Francisco), we caught up with Thorsten Zander, Founder and Chief Scientist of Zander Labs. A pioneer in neuroadaptive technology, Zander envisions a future where AI seamlessly integrates with human cognition, using real-time brain-computer interfaces to create intuitive, personalized digital experiences. In this interview, he shares breakthroughs in passive brain-computer interfaces, the potential of cognitive-aware AI across sectors, and why aligning technology with human mental states is essential for a truly human-compatible future.

What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?

Our ultimate aspiration is to develop AI systems that seamlessly integrate with human cognition, enabling technology to intuitively understand and adapt to our mental states in real time. By leveraging passive brain-computer interfaces (pBCIs), we aim to create a world where human-computer interaction is effortless and personalized, enhancing productivity, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

Ahead of his talk at World Summit AI USA 2025 (June 18–19, San Francisco), we caught up with Vijay Karunamurthy, Field CTO at Scale AI. In this interview, Karunamurthy offers a refreshingly pragmatic view of AI's future—one where collaboration, conversation, and career-aligned learning take center stage. From building voice agents for TIME Magazine to designing AI tutors with purpose, he explores how AI can shift from static tools to dynamic partners that reshape how we learn, communicate, and engage with the world.

What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?

Fundamentally rethink how businesses collaborate.

Ahead of World Summit AI Americas (24th-24th April 2024, Palais de congrès de Montréal, Montréal), we asked Ajinkya Malasane, Senior Director, AI Product Strategy at TELUS International, his thoughts on the future of AI.

If you could solve any global problem in the world with AI, what would it be and why?

Growing up in a developing yet ambitious country like India I believe I would like to solve the problem of knowledge and information asymmetry using AI in scientific research and technology at the grassroots. This will level up skillset for large population to then contribute their creativity and hard work for faster and bigger technological advancements for humanity as a whole.

Ahead of World Summit AI Americas (24th-24th April 2024, Palais de congrès de Montréal, Montréal), we asked Sasha Przybylski, Activator at The Knowledge Society (TKS), her thoughts on the future of AI.

If you could solve any global problem in the world with AI, what would it be and why?

I would want to solve the problem of battery waste. In particular, I think AI has a lot of potential for dynamic cell balancing within an EV battery pack. This can help to optimize battery function, and can also make second life batteries more feasible. The main issue right now is that the batteries degrade at different rates, and so we need really complicated algorithms to be able to use those batteries in a second life. I think AI can help with a lot of different BMS functionalities, which would serve to help us navigate the fine line between battery failure and maximum performance.

Ahead of World Summit AI Americas (24th-24th April 2024, Palais de congrès de Montréal, Montréal), we asked Fatih Nayebi, Vice President of Data & AI at ALDO Group, his thoughts on the future of AI.

If you could solve any global problem in the world with AI, what would it be and why?

I would focus on combating climate change. This is an urgent issue impacting every corner of the globe, threatening biodiversity, human health, and economic stability. AI can play a pivotal role here, especially through its ability to analyze vast datasets—more than any human team could manage. By using AI, we can better predict weather patterns, optimize energy consumption, and even develop new, more efficient materials for capturing carbon dioxide.

Ahead of World Summit AI Americas (24th-24th April 2024, Palais de congrès de Montréal, Montréal), we asked Raul Rodriguez, Vice President of Woxsen University, his thoughts on the future of AI.

If you could solve any global problem in the world with AI, what would it be and why?

While AI can be a powerful tool, complex problems like climate change require a multifaceted approach. I'd propose an AI-powered platform facilitating global collaboration. This platform could:

• Aggregate and analyze real-time environmental data: Track emissions, resource depletion, and weather patterns
• Facilitate communication and resource sharing: Connect scientists, policymakers, and businesses to develop sustainable solutions
• Model and predict environmental impacts: Simulate scenarios with different policies and interventions

Ahead of World Summit AI Americas (24th-24th April 2024, Palais de congrès de Montréal, Montréal), we asked Philip Alm, Founder and CEO of Norditech, his thoughts on the future of AI.

If you could solve any global problem in the world with AI, what would it be and why?

Global water access.