A conference quite unlike any other
Each February, one of the top conferences on innovation takes-off in Geneva – Lift. Amongst the many things that Lift does well is approach the topic of innovation from a holistic perspective. So instead of focusing exclusively on the science, research or financing of innovation, they ask how these subjects plus such topics as societal or philosophical issues or emerging trends drive innovation. As a result, Lift attracts and brings together a highly diverse mix of participants including startupers, artists, academics, corporates, media, NGOs, government officials and, of course, innovation thought leaders and practitioners from around the globe.
This year’s edition will follow the well-received format of last year’s including talks, interactive workshops, exhibition area including the showcasing of the open data challenge winners, Venture Night showcasing Switzerland’s best and brightest startups, and the always anxiously awaited fondue night. Of course, the big highlight of Lift is undoubtedly the content and this year’s thought-provoking topics will continue to push the envelope and inspire. At first glance, a subset of some of the most intriguing talks and workshops look to be:
- Liquid Democracy as a Service – LDaaS
- Bio Hacking Or Tinkering With Life
- The Sharing Economy Backlash
- Algorithmic culture: new forms of expression
- Frugal solutions for the once so rich Western consumers
- Counter Culture Inspiring Industries
Got kids?
LIFT is also one of the few conferences that offers parents attending Lift a concurrent free one-day kids conference called Lift Youth. As this event was such a hit in previous editions, the organizers have expanded the program this year to include a bio-lab workshop, a talk by a teenage inventor, 3-D printing with the Neuchâtel Fablab, and a guided tour of our the experience exhibition.
Seedstars to kick things off at pre-Lift pitch event
In a nice addition this year, Lift will host the first Seedstars World Final Event on February 4th, featuring some of the top up-and-coming startups from around the globe. Throughout 2013, members of the Seedstars World team travelled the world meeting with entrepreneurs, accelerators/incubators, investors and organized regional pitching events to seek out the most promising startups. All in all, they visited 20 cities, attracting over 1k applicants from which just 20 have been selected to pitch at the big event pre-Lift event.
Generally there are about 1k people who attend Lift each year, but this year with 800 people already signed-up it looks like they’ll easily surpass that number. If you’re planning on attending, make sure you use code the special Rude Baguette code a_RUDEBAGUETTE_Lift14 which will get you a 15% discount on any ticket type. You can get your tickets here.