Maryama’s reflections from TECHARENA on Innovation, Leadership, and Global Impact.
Attending TECHARENA—Scandinavia’s largest tech and business event—was an enriching experience. I connected with visionary leaders, innovators, and change-makers, and left with a refreshed perspective on our current challenges and how we’re collectively shaping the future.
Reconnecting for a unified future: Europe’s competitiveness roundtable
I started my TECHARENA journey with a roundtable titled “Europe’s Competitiveness in our Rapidly Changing Global Landscape.” Together with industry leaders, we explored the importance of entrepreneurial discovery, empowering regulations, and building robust ecosystems around change-makers. The conversation also highlighted the vital role of education and the need to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset—reshifting our focus toward capacity building by fostering curiosity and innovation. I was fortunate to hear from brilliant minds including:
- Wendy HL. C. (GP at Startup Wise Guys and Partner at Nordic Startup Ventures),
- Arielle LE BAIL (Product Manager at Stripe),
- Lotta Schibbye Fredrikson (VP Marketing & Business development, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden)
- Mårten Löfberg (International Political Strategist & Sustainable Governance Adviser),
- Kim McKayed (CEO of Protostars)
- Facilitated by Vinnova
Their insights drove home the urgent need for Europe to reconnect as a Union—leveraging collaboration to build a unified, competitive single market that can address our sustainability crisis. Big thanks to Alexander Engl for organizing such a meaningful conversation.
Navigating the dual edges of innovation: “AI, AI, AI – It’s All About AI”
Next up was the session “AI, AI, AI – It’s All About AI.” In this thought-provoking fireside chat, Alexander Norén and Anna Frankzén-Starrin took me on a journey through the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. Alexander shared his personal experiences with AI, revealing its incredible potential alongside the ethical dilemmas it brings.
Have you ever heard of or experienced “AI shame“? It’s that uneasy feeling when technology begins to take over tasks we once did ourselves—reminding me of the indispensable role of human judgment. Their balanced discussion left me both optimistic and cautious. As we move forward, I believe transparency in AI development is key—we all need to integrate clear policies when it comes to AI, and -as consumers- demand openness about data practices. So, let me go first…yes, I used AI to write this article and made use of Techarena’s Voxo summaries that were AI-generated. There’s no shame in being honest ;-).
Merging technology with human experience: “Take a Breath” – The future of immersive art & technology
The conversation then shifted to a more poetic space with “Take a Breath – The Future of Immersive Art & Technology.” Here, artist Gustaf Tadaa, showcased an innovative art project that he co-created with Malin Tadaa. Their intelligent pieces that are hooked to the internet feature optical fibre textiles that change color in response to recorded breath patterns. Where would we be in this world without art?
This beautiful fusion of art and technology was deeply moving and reminded me of how technology can create shared experiences that transcend borders. Gustaf’s call for designing tech that prioritizes hope and genuine human connection over mere engagement struck a personal chord. And if you’re in Stockholm, do check out their pop-up Andetag, designed by Linnéa Appert—it’s a powerful testament to mindful innovation.
Democratizing creativity and empowering the digital landscape: “The Future of the Web”
Curious about how AI is reshaping the digital landscape and influencing creativity, I joined the session “The Future of the Web.” Moderated by Greg Williams, the discussion featured insights from Mary Hubbard of WordPress and Thibault Imbert from Picsart.
Mary emphasized the critical role of open-source platforms in preserving a creative and inclusive digital future, warning against the pitfalls of closed ecosystems. Both speakers agreed that emerging AI solutions are democratizing creativity—empowering everyone, regardless of technical background, to bring their ideas to life. In this evolving landscape, AI is proving to be a powerful enabler, ensuring that creativity is accessible to all. At least for those who have access to it..
A journey of resilience and vision: Sir Richard Branson’s keynote
One of the most powerful moments for me was Sir Richard Branson’s keynote, “From Virgin to Space: How Sir Richard Branson Built a Multi-Billion Dollar Empire.” Listening to his journey—from leaving school at 15 to building a global enterprise—felt like a masterclass in resilience and visionary leadership. His mantra, “screw it, just do it,” embodies a bold spirit that has always resonated deeply with me.
What struck me most was how his story transcends the bottom line. With ventures like Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Galactic, Branson demonstrates that leadership can—and should—go beyond growth, using business as a vehicle for joy, trust, connection, peace, justice, and equality. His commitment to initiatives like The Elders and Big Change, which reimagine charity to promote peace and justice, along with his impassioned call for honourable peace treaties and robust support for Ukraine, reminds me that we need more leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and make a real, positive difference in people’s lives.
Looking forward: a collaborative Open Vision for a better future
Reflecting on my time at TECHARENA, one thing is abundantly clear: shaping a better future demands collaboration, ethical innovation, and a long-term vision anchored in genuine connection. Whether it was exploring Europe’s competitiveness, grappling with the ethical dimensions of AI, experiencing immersive art, or discussing the future of the web, every session reaffirmed that our collective efforts are the key to driving meaningful change.
I’m inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and to join forces with others who share my passion for visionary leadership, impact investing, innovation, and ethical AI. If my journey resonates with you, let’s connect and continue this conversation—together, we can create a future where innovation and positive impact go hand in hand.
I’d love to hear your thoughts and keep this dialogue going.
M.
