Maker Forum 2024 Now Open for Registration!
Countdown to
Maker Faire Shenzhen 2024
15 days to go!
Nov. 16-17
Vanke Design Commune, Shenzhen
There are many reasons to visit Maker Faire Shenzhen.
Some come to take a look at the innovative applications of technology by global makers,
Some come to get involved and experience the fun of hands-on creation.
Some come to learn about the highlights of science and technology and the crossover collaborations by artists
But the greatest highlight of all is the Maker Summit Forum, which gathers heavyweights in the maker ecosystem to share about the latest developments in the global innovator community.
Before we reveal this year's forum guests
Let's take a look back at the greats of the Forum from previous years!
Kevin Kelly, known as the “prophet of digital culture,” is a global tech trend visionary and co-founder of Wired magazine. He is a staunch supporter and spiritual leader of the maker movement, advocating for pushing the limits of personal creativity through the DIY spirit and technological innovation.
Chris Anderson, founder of 3D Robotics and former editor-in-chief of Wired, is known for identifying trends in data and is the creator and advocate of the Long Tail theory in economics. His works, including The Long Tail, Free: The Future of a Radical Price, and Makers: The Third Industrial Revolution, have actively fueled the maker movement, inspiring countless individuals to dive into the world of innovation and manufacturing.
Clay Shirky, hailed as “one of the greatest thinkers of the internet revolution” and “the most insightful observer of new culture,” has long been engaged in writing, teaching, and consulting on the social and economic impacts of the internet, with a particular focus on the intersection of social and technological networks. His books, Here Comes Everybody and Cognitive Surplus, along with his research and promotion of maker culture’s core concepts, encourage public participation in open innovation and collaboration, adding depth and social value to the maker movement.
These technology leaders support the Maker Faire Shenzhen with their actions and passion, inspiring makers worldwide to pursue their dreams and create the future.
This year, we have also invited influential guests from the maker and research communities, both domestically and internationally, to share the latest in technology insights. We’re confident that everyone will leave enriched and inspired!
As one of the classic segments of the Maker Faire Shenzhen, the 'Maker Forum' will kick off on November 16-17 at Lecture Hall, Area B, Vanke Design Commune.
Maker Faire Shenzhen 2024
「 Maker Forum 」
The rapid evolution of technology is transforming our lives in unprecedented ways. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer, with new models and products reshaping our digital landscape — from ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence to AI smartphones and smart glasses. AI is proving to be an incredibly versatile tool, unlocking new horizons for social and technological advancement.
Under the theme of “Enchant Everything with AI”, this year's forumwill spotlight groundbreaking innovations at the intersection of AI and hardware, showcasing the immense potential of AI’s integration across diverse industries. We’ll also highlight the innovative achievements of makers who are embracing AI. Our aim is to convene a dynamic group of experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and makers to explore the latest trends, share insights, and foster greater engagement with AI-driven progress. Through a rich and inclusive agenda, we seek to spark creative energy, address ongoing challenges, and advocate for the widespread adoption of AI within the maker community.
Highlight from Past Events
AI is increasingly integrating with various industries, delivering unprecedented intelligent experiences to consumers and becoming a critical force in driving digital transformation.The advent of large language models (LLMs) is revolutionizing content creation, coding, visual design, and even the crafting of virtual worlds, providing makers with unprecedented efficiency and creativity. Are we entering a new era for the maker movement?
In this session, we will invite AI experts, industry leaders, tech visionaries, and entrepreneurs to explore the latest advancements, trends, and applications of AI technology. We'll dive deep into how AI, in areas such as AI + hardware/software, market trend and technological evolution, is not just driving the maker movement forward but also acting as a powerful engine of innovation and sustainable growth across industries.
Eric Pan：Eric Pan is the Founder and CEO of “Seeed Studio” and “Chaihuo Makerspace”, as well as the Producer of “Maker Faire Shenzhen”. He believes in the potential of open-source technology and social innovations in achieving the UN’s SDGs. Moreover, he is one of the recognized leading figures of the Maker Movement and Maker Culture in China. In the era towards the UN’s 2030 Agenda, he is keen on cooperating with multi-stakeholders and technological partners to provide open source solutions for a variety of SDGs-related projects, through which ground-breaking solutions can be co-created and scaled up at the global level so as to contribute to a sustainable future. In 2013, he was selected by Forbes Magazine as “China’s 30 Entrepreneurs Under 30” and appeared on the cover of Forbes China. Likewise, he was listed as the “2017 China 100 List of Business Creative People”.
Derek Qian：Derek Qian is currently the Marketing Director of Arm China, responsible for marketing and ecosystem promotion. Derek worked for Baidu, ZTE and other industry companies in the semiconductor, telecommunication and cloud computing markets. He has rich experience in Internet area cooperation, good at marketing and business development, and has artificial intelligence alliance operation experience.
Xianrong Liu：Worked on technical support for robotics solutions. Responsible for robot training, simulation, runtime product support, and deployment and optimization of customer application loads on NVIDIA hardware platforms.
Taotao Zhang：B.S. and M.S. in Electronic Engineering from Tsinghua University. He worked at the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute and New Element Healthcare. He has more than ten years of working and entrepreneurial experience in the medical and healthcare field. He has overseen and guided the development of more than a dozen domestic leading smart medical and health devices.
Arseniy Sergeyev：Arseniy is a deep-tech founder, ecosystem builder and user experience/conversion rate optimization strategist. He manages Omi's online presence, has been involved in bringing hard tech from labs to market for the past 6 years, and is working on enabling adaptive user interfaces for seamless spatial interactions. Arseniy is passionate about creating magical interactions with technology that translate the user's intent into action without overwhelming them with friction, following calm tech principles. Through that, he aims to enable people to live life, not technology.
Henri Pang：Henri completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, with a primary focus on product design, industrial design, human-computer interaction design, global market promotion, and brand planning. In 2015, they founded Walnut Technology Co., Ltd. On October 24, 2018, as a representative of young entrepreneurs and innovators in the Qianhai-Hong Kong-Macao area, they had the honor of a cordial meeting with General Secretary Xi Jinping. In 2019, their achievements were recognized as one of TIME magazine’s ‘TIME 100 Best Inventions’ globally. In February 2021, they were officially designated as a ‘B-Class’ high-level overseas talent (Peacock Plan) by the Shenzhen city government. In June 2021, they took on the additional role of the first official Greater China region strategic representative and senior advisor for Kickstarter, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform.
The power of interdisciplinary research lies in its ability to transcend traditional academic boundaries, fostering innovation by integrating diverse perspectives. AI, with its capacity to analyze and integrate vast datasets, has become a critical catalyst for this type of research. The 2024 Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry, both recognizing AI-related research, mark a significant milestone in the integration of AI into various scientific disciplines. This reflects not only AI's growing societal impact but also the emerging era of interdisciplinary breakthroughs where scientific frontiers blend.
In this session, we gather top scholars and pioneers from biology, engineering, and more, to share insights on the integration of AI and interdisciplinary research, exploring the diverse possibilities under the theme of "AI for Science." Through practical case studies and thought-provoking discussions, we hope to inspire new ideas on how AI can accelerate scientific progress and foster interdisciplinary synergy.
Jianxi Luo：Jianxi Luo is a Professor of Systems Engineering at City University of Hong Kong, with expertise at the intersection of engineering design, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. He holds a PhD in Engineering Systems and an MS in Technology Policy from MIT, along with an MS in Automotive Engineering and a BE in Energy & Power Engineering from Tsinghua University. Luo has taught technology entrepreneurship at New York University, Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, fostering hundreds of student-founded startups across the USA, Singapore, and China. Ranked 1st in Hong Kong and 22nd globally in the field of Design Practice and Management according to Stanford’s world top 2% scientists list, his work has led to the development of industry-adopted AI tools for design. His research has earned numerous awards from prestigious organizations such as ASME, INFORMS, and the Design Society.
Chen Xiong：Chen Xiong, Associate Professor, PhD Supervisor, and recognized as Shenzhen High-Level Talent. His research focuses on earthquake engineering and disaster mitigation of urban building structures. He has published over 40 papers, authored an academic monograph, contributed to the development of four standards, and holds 10 authorized invention patents. He has led two projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and developed a wireless smart vibration sensor for civil structures. His proposed regional seismic damage simulation model has been applied to urban seismic assessments in areas such as the Beijing Central Business District, Shenzhen, Xi'an, Taiyuan, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Jianjun Zhuang：Jianjun Zhuang obtained his Ph.D. in Signal and Information Processing from Nanjing University in 2008 and stayed on campus to work until 2020. He is now a Professor at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, and also the Director of Engineering Training Center, who became one of The First Batch of 10000 Outstanding Innovation and Entrepreneurship Mentors in China, and got Exemplary individual of Entrepreneurship Education in National Universities. His research focuses on medical electronics and the application of AI in the medical field, Multiple research achievements have been transformed into medical products, such as constipation treatment devices, electronic insulin injectors, and neonatal jaundice detection devices. He has Guided students to win over 200 awards in various competitions such as the "Challenge Cup" special prize.
[ Swipe up to view speakers' bio ]AI is transforming how we live and work. From enabling smarter urban management and automating production lines to monitoring wildlife habitats for conservation, AI's applications are diverse and impactful. In the "AI for Good" session, we will spotlight cases where AI helps achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We’ve brought together thought leaders from international organizations, environmental protection agencies, and research institutions to share their insights on AI’s transformative potential in advancing sustainable development. They will explore how to harness AI responsibly to merge technological innovation with social impact, aiming to contribute to the creation of a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society.
Ally Nyamawe：Dr. Nyamawe is a computer scientist with over 15 years of experience in academia and research. He earned his PhD in Computer Science and Technology from the Beijing Institute of Technology in 2020. Currently, Dr. Nyamawe is a researcher at the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau), focusing on the intersection of AI and Sustainable Development. Before joining UNU Macau, Dr. Nyamawe was a senior lecturer at the University of Dodoma, Tanzania, where he contributed to advancing the university’s research agenda through AI-related projects. In recognition of his effort to accelerate AI in Africa, Dr. Nyamawe was awarded the Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators by The World Academy of Sciences under UNESCO funding in 2022. He is passionate about AI for Social Good and is committed to promoting responsible AI technologies.
Nik Fadzly：Nik Fadzly is an Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia, specializing in plant-animal interactions and conservation technology. With over a decade of experience, his work integrates IoT solutions, including drones and environmental sensors, to solve ecological challenges. He is proficient in building sensors using ESP32, Raspberry Pi, and Pi Pico ecosystems for environmental monitoring. As Program Manager for Animal and Plant Sciences, Nik mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students while actively conducting research. He served as a Scientific Advisor for the Malaysia Primatological Society and has secured numerous research grants. Nik has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and focuses on applying cutting-edge technology, such as machine learning and autonomous drones, to enhance conservation efforts. His work is dedicated to inspiring future ecologists to adopt innovative solutions for sustainability.
Marco Zennaro：Marco Zennaro received the Ph.D. degree from KTH-the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. He is currently a Research Scientist with the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy, where he coordinates the Science, Technology and Innovation Unit. He is a Visiting Professor with KIC-Kobe Institute of Computing, Japan. His research interests include ICT4D, the use of ICT for development, and in particular he investigates the use of the IoT in developing countries. He has given lectures on wireless technologies in more than 30 countries. He is the TinyML4D Chair and Academic Network Co-Chair of the TinyMLEdu initiative.
Lakshantha Dissanayake：Lakshantha is an Embedded Computer Vision Engineer at Ultralytics, specializing in maintaining YOLO models on edge devices. Through performance benchmarking, he offers valuable insights to the developer community, assisting in hardware and model selection. He also keeps "Getting Started" documentation up to date, simplifying YOLO deployment on edge devices for users. Actively engaging with the community, he resolves technical issues, contributing to the advancement of real-time AI applications on low-power hardware. Graduating from Beihang University with a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Information Engineering, Lakshantha previously worked at Seeed Studio, where he honed his hardware expertise. He has brought this extensive knowledge to Ultralytics, enhancing the integration of software and hardware solutions in computer vision.
Jessica Zhou：Jessica Zhou has held positions in renowned companies in the semiconductor and IoT sectors. As a long-term technology enthusiast, she currently serves as the head of the innovation startup department at ABeam Consulting China. In this role, she focuses on researching innovative technology trends in China and is responsible for building ABeam China's startup ecosystem. Jessica has also led multiple strategic consulting projects supporting innovation, with clients spanning various fields such as Japanese automotive companies, pharmaceutical firms, and the retail industry.
Arihant Chindalia：Arihant Chindalia is a technologist and sustainability practitioner, and Co-founder of Sustainable Living Lab India, where he focuses on bridging technology gaps in underserved sectors like agriculture. With expertise in AI, Systems Thinking, and Futures Thinking, he has led teams to create impactful technology education programs that have reached 4 million learners across 27 countries. Arihant also co-created Futures+, an initiative that empowers university students to develop sustainable solutions using technology and the power of communities as a lever for addressing sustainability challenges. A key leader in the maker movement in Warangal, he has positively impacted over 4,000 students through maker education.
Li Zi：Dr. Li Zi, senior expert on AI and sustainable development. He was the Senior Expert in Sustainable Development at Tencent Research Institute (Tencent Group). He also served as a research fellow at Alibaba Group before. Prior to this, he was a guest critic at MIT and a research fellow at NUS. Li Zi's primary focus is on providing scenario analysis and strategic planning in the areas of technological transformation (AIGC), geopolitics, and climate change for digital platforms. As a result of his work, he was awarded "The 10 Years Best Research Fellow (2009-2019) on digitalization" at The New Economy Think Tank Summit 2020.He holds a doctoral degree from the NUS and a master's degree from TU Delft. With 15 years of professional experience, he has worked extensively in the field of digitalization in Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Li Zi also served as a guest editor for Domus , where he initiated the "Online" series of publications, including topics such as "Smart Nation" and "Online Urbanism". His book, titled "Online Urbanization: Online Services in China's Rural Transformation", has been recognized by SpringerLink as one of the most referenced works related to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The book "AI and Sustainable Development Outlook" and its Chinese version "AI 与可持续发展展望" edited by him explore human-machine symbiosis and sustainable development and have received extensive praise from the industry.
[ Swipe up to view speakers' bio ]Nov. 17 Sun 14:00-18:00
The rapid rise of digital technologies such as open-source hardware, AI and IoT is fundamentally transforming traditional agricultural production. At the forefront of this digital transformation is a group of cross-disciplinary agricultural entrepreneurs who aim to leverage scientific and digital solutions to address targeted challenges.
In the "Cyber Farm" session, we will highlight their stories, showcasing how these technologies enhance productivity and create new opportunities in rural areas. This session aims to support the growth of a new generation of agricultural professionals, empowering them with new products, technologies, and applications. We will also invite agricultural researchers, representatives from smart agriculture companies, new-generation farmers, and media representatives. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in the development of digital rural areas from multiple perspectives, sharing valuable experiences from practical applications.
Registration Details
Maker Forum Agenda
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Venue
Lecture Hall, Area B, Vanke Design Commune, Shenzhen
How to Register
Scan the QR code to register for your ticker passes at Huodongxing活动行, and check in on-site with the ticket passes. You can also click "Read the original text" in the lower-left corner of the article to register.
Tips for Visitors
Wanna register your ticket for the whole event? You're all invited to register as a professional visitor. As a professional visitor, you can:
1. Avoid on-site registration.
2. Easily access to the exhibitor directory.
3. Get first-hand event updates.
Scan the code to register by choosing the 'Professional Visitor' ticket type. After registration, you'll get a confirmation text message. Check-in at the Information Desk (Booth Number: A09)on-site to get an e-version of the exhibitor directory.
Be an Ecovisitor!
The event venue offers a limited number of parking lots, and we encourage you to visit us with eco-friendly transportation options! The nearby subway stations and bus stations are listed as follows:
Metro: Exit A, Liuxiandong Metro Station(Line5)
Bus: Zhongxing Talent Apartment East Bus Station
Vanke Cloud City Bus Terminal