This event is exclusive to Friends of Tortoise
- About
- Sessions
- People
Human impacts on the environment are accelerating. So too is the impact of computing on science, finance, social interactions and trust. As the interactions between artificial intelligence and the systems that support our everyday lives get more intense; how do we make sense of these rapidly changing relationships?
The theme of accelerations raises some immense questions, all of them urgent: Can technology help us reduce harm and conserve resources, or will it speed up consumption that’s already in overdrive? Do cryptocurrencies and “smart money” stand to benefit us all, or drive more wealth into the hands of a few? Will algorithmic decision-making ever be properly explainable, and who needs to be satisfied by the outcome of regulation?
In 2019, Tortoise launched the Global AI Index to understand the landscape of capacity to innovate and implement the toolbox of technologies that we call artificial intelligence. On December 2nd, we will release the third edition as the centrepiece of a discussion in which leaders in politics, technology and business will seek to answer these questions.
Our aim is to imagine what these accelerations mean going forward; and what needs to happen to address them.
Knowledge Partner

MEDIA Partner
How it works
The Tortoise Global AI Summit is a one day programme of virtual conversations hosted by Tortoise. The summit will bring together 20-30 leading thinkers and commentators along with individuals from around the world.
Your ticket will give you access to all of the sessions, but just like an in-person conference, you can dip in and out. Recordings will be available in our members’ app the next day.
Speakers
More INVITED EXPERTS TO BE ANNOUNCED…
12.00-12.50 GMT
The Global AI Index Results: Accelerating out of the corner
As businesses emerge from the pandemic, what indicators are there of accelerating activity? Larger pools of talent, higher levels of investment and increased governance are all signs that artificial intelligence is undergoing an acceleration; but where in the world is this happening fastest? We discuss findings from the Global AI Index and consider their geopolitical implications.
Editor
Speakers
13.00-13.50 GMT
Is artificial intelligence an eco-friend or eco-foe?
As the climate crisis worsens, a new cohort of businesses are looking to artificial intelligence as a way of conserving energy, reducing carbon dependence and using material more efficiently. From smart grids to vertical farming, what role can AI play in the green transition? Does technology really hold the key, or could artificial intelligence (with its potential to accelerate existing consumption trends) add to the problem, rather than address it?
Editor
Speakers
14.00-14.50 GMT
Ambition versus uncertainty on the journey to adoption
Businesses face a number of challenges when it comes to adopting or absorbing more artificial intelligence. From the availability of talent to making a financial case for investment; these challenges demand unique and sector-specific solutions. What can we learn from case studies of successful adoption and who stands to benefit from accelerations in the sales of AI systems?
Editor
Speakers
15.00-15.50 GMT
Opening the black box: can you have trust without explainability?
If you are denied insurance – by an algorithm – what should you be able to demand by way of explanation? As AI-driven decision making becomes more common, so will the “black box” criticism that suggest AI should be explainable, unbiased and human-centric before it is deployed. What are the practical implications of explainability and can we rely on companies to be transparent without regulation?
Editor
Speakers
16.00-16.50 GMT
The perfect storm – is AI the panacea for financial services?
A global pandemic, Brexit, society moving towards being totally cashless, increasing inequality the many winds are blowing and financial services is taking a buffeting whilst booming at the same time. AI solutions contribute to both the top and bottom line for firms by powering nearly every function, including customer service, cybersecurity, new account acquisition, portfolio management and regulatory compliance. Everyone from executives to data scientists are involved with determining how much to invest, the most profitable use cases to pursue and the biggest challenges that must be overcome in 2021 and beyond. Join us to discuss the challenges and opportunities of applying this new technology.
Editor
Speakers
17.00-17.50
Fireside Chat with Stuart Russell and Helen Margetts: Living with Artificial Intelligence
A fireside chat between Stuart Russell, Helen Margetts, and James Harding