Most Compelling Tech Reads by World Future Awards

Unlocking Tomorrow: Most Compelling Tech Reads by World Future Awards

The World Future Awards is thrilled to present a bespoke list of must-read books that delve into the ever-evolving world of technology. This carefully selected collection offers invaluable insights into AI, automation, the metaverse, and the digital divide, empowering readers to stay informed and inspired as they navigate the future. Below is a curated list of some of the best tech books to read in 2024, with thought-provoking explorations into what the future may hold for society, work, and daily life. Each book is linked for easy access on Amazon.


1. The Age of AI: And Our Human Future

  • Authors: Daniel P. Huttenlocher, Eric Schmidt, Henry Kissinger
  • Published: 2021
  • Why Read: An essential exploration of AI’s role in shaping society, politics, and humanity’s future, co-authored by prominent thinkers.
  • Buy on Amazon

2. AI 2041: Ten Visions for Our Future

  • Authors: Kai-Fu Lee, Chen Qiufan
  • Published: 2021
  • Why Read: Blending fiction and futurism, this book paints a vivid picture of life with AI in the next two decades.
  • Buy on Amazon

3. Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation

  • Author: Kevin Roose
  • Published: 2021
  • Why Read: With practical advice, this book offers ways to stay resilient in an era of rapid automation and AI.
  • Buy on Amazon

4. Exponential: How Accelerating Technology Is Leaving Us Behind and What to Do About It

  • Author: Azeem Azhar
  • Published: 2021
  • Why Read: A look at how exponential tech growth outpaces human adaptability and what we can do to bridge the gap.
  • Buy on Amazon

5. Dignity in a Digital Age: Making Tech Work for All of Us

  • Author: Ro Khanna
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: Advocates for an inclusive digital future, ensuring that technology works for all communities.
  • Buy on Amazon

6. The Metaverse: And How It Will Revolutionize Everything

  • Author: Matthew Ball
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: Delves into the metaverse, offering insights into its potential to transform our social and commercial lives.
  • Buy on Amazon

7. Age of Invisible Machines: A Practical Guide to Creating a Hyperautomated Ecosystem of Intelligent Digital Workers

  • Author: Robb Wilson
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: A guide for businesses and tech enthusiasts on creating digital ecosystems with automated workers.
  • Buy on Amazon

8. Converted: The Data-Driven Way to Win Customers’ Hearts

  • Author: Neil Hoyne
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: For marketers and business leaders, this book shows how to win over customers with data-driven strategies.
  • Buy on Amazon

9. Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence

  • Authors: Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: Explores the economic implications of AI, ideal for business strategists and tech enthusiasts alike.
  • Buy on Amazon

10. Future Ready: The Four Pathways to Capturing Digital Value

  • Authors: Stephanie Woerner, Peter Weill, Ina Sebastian
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: Outlines four pathways businesses can take to thrive in a digital world.
  • Buy on Amazon

11. Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology

  • Author: Chris Miller
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: An insightful look at the global race for semiconductor dominance, touching on economic and political stakes.
  • Buy on Amazon

12. The Loop: How Technology Is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back

  • Author: Jacob Ward
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: Examines the psychological effects of tech-driven decision-making, empowering readers to reclaim choice.
  • Buy on Amazon

13. The Work of the Future: Building Better Jobs in an Age of Intelligent Machines

  • Author: David A. Mindell
  • Published: 2021
  • Why Read: This MIT-based study discusses how we can create a future with better jobs amid AI advancements.
  • Buy on Amazon

14. Metaverse: The Visionary Guide for Beginners to Discover and Invest in Virtual Lands, Blockchain Gaming, Digital Art of NFTs, and More

  • Author: Clark Griffin
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: A guide for newcomers looking to invest in and understand the metaverse, NFTs, and virtual lands.
  • Buy on Amazon

15. Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit

16. The AI Mirror: How to Reclaim Our Humanity in an Age of Machine Thinking

  • Author: Shannon Valor
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: Offers insights on balancing AI’s rise with human values, ensuring we remain in control of our future.
  • Buy on Amazon

17. The Algorithm: How AI Decides Who Gets Hired, Monitored, Promoted, and Fired and Why We Need to Fight Back Now

  • Author: Hilke Schellmann
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: Examines AI’s role in employment decisions, urging readers to reflect on fairness and ethics.
  • Buy on Amazon

18. The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma

  • Author: Mustafa Suleyman
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: Discusses the complex challenges posed by AI and the ethical decisions facing humanity.
  • Buy on Amazon

19. Digitally Invisible: How the Internet Is Creating the New Underclass

  • Author: Nicol Turner Lee
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: Turner Lee investigates how digital inequality leaves vulnerable populations behind, revealing how internet access—or the lack of it—affects opportunities and deepens social divides. Essential for readers interested in the social impacts of technology.
  • Buy on Amazon

20. How Data Happened: A History from the Age of Reason to the Age of Algorithms

  • Author: Chris Wiggins
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: A deep dive into the evolution of data from its earliest uses to today’s algorithm-driven landscape. Wiggins’ exploration provides context on how data has come to wield such influence, making it a must-read for those curious about the historical and ethical implications of our data-centric world.
  • Buy on Amazon

21. The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation

  • Author: Cory Doctorow
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: A rallying cry for digital rights, Doctorow’s book examines who really holds power online. He offers a vision for reclaiming control of the internet from corporations, advocating for a more democratic and user-driven digital future. Ideal for readers passionate about tech activism and internet freedom.
  • Buy on Amazon

22. Plurality: The Future of Collaborative Technology and Democracy

  • Authors: E. Glen Weyl, Audrey Tang, and Community
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: An innovative take on how technology can enable a more collaborative democracy. This book highlights ways that tech can strengthen democratic engagement, with insights from international voices. It’s an inspiring read for those interested in the intersection of technology and civic engagement.
  • Buy on Amazon

23. The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI

  • Author: Dr. Fei-Fei Li
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: Renowned AI researcher Dr. Fei-Fei Li shares her journey and reflections on the exciting possibilities of AI. With a focus on curiosity and discovery, this book is both a personal narrative and a forward-looking exploration of AI’s potential to expand human understanding.
  • Buy on Amazon

24. Your Face Belongs to Us: A Secretive Startup’s Quest to End Privacy as We Know It

  • Author: Kashmir Hill
  • Published: 2023
  • Why Read: This investigative exposé unveils the dark side of facial recognition and the privacy risks posed by a single startup’s ambition to track identities. Hill’s reporting raises important questions about privacy, ethics, and surveillance, making it an eye-opening read for anyone concerned with personal freedom in the digital age.
  • Buy on Amazon

25. Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy

  • Author: David J. Chalmers
  • Published: 2022
  • Why Read: Chalmers tackles the philosophical questions surrounding virtual reality, examining what’s real in a world where digital and physical realms overlap. This book is ideal for readers interested in tech philosophy and the potential of virtual worlds to reshape reality.
  • Buy on Amazon

26. Imagination Dilemma: Tools to Overcome It and Thrive Through

  • Author: Lydia Kostopoulos
  • Published: 2024
  • Why read: This book is a must-read for anyone looking to sharpen their competitive edge in an era of rapid technological change. Packed with powerful stories, innovative frameworks, and practical strategies, it helps individuals and organizations strengthen their imagination muscles to stay ahead of disruption.
  • Buy on Amazon

These books offer a roadmap for anyone looking to understand and anticipate the changes technology will bring to our lives and society. Whether for personal curiosity or professional insight, each title is a step toward being future-ready. This list offers a variety of perspectives on technology’s evolving role in society, covering everything from data ethics and digital democracy to AI’s potential and privacy issues. Each book provides unique insights and challenges readers to think critically about our tech-driven future. Save and share this article with your colleagues and friends keen on technology and the world of innovation.

Pigalle Tavakkoli Joins the Board of World Future Awards: A New Era of Experience Design Leadership

World Future Awards is proud to announce the newest addition to its board of directors: Pigalle Tavakkoli, an internationally recognized expert in Experience Design. With her extensive background in creating emotionally resonant experiences across industries, Pigalle brings a wealth of knowledge and a strategic, creative approach to World Future Awards.

Pigalle Tavakkoli is an acclaimed thought leader who has spent over 15 years revolutionizing how organizations craft and deliver unforgettable experiences. As an educator, consultant, and keynote speaker, Pigalle has collaborated with globally recognized brands such as Apple, McDonald’s, Unilever, L’Oréal, and Pukka Herbs. She combines cutting-edge research from neuroscience, physiology, and biochemistry with her practical experience to help teams unlock creative challenges and deliver high-impact solutions that engage audiences on a deeper, more emotional level.

Since 2012, Pigalle has co-developed and taught the UK’s first course in Experience Design at the University of the Arts London. Her innovative methods have earned her the Empowering Learning Journey Hero award by the European consortium of academies, businesses, and networks, Educators for Impact. Her unique approach has made her a sought-after speaker at events such as London Design Week, IMEX Frankfurt, and the BEA World Festival, where she was voted Best Speaker at Conventa Crossover.

In addition to her consultancy and speaking engagements, Pigalle is a Council Member of the World Experience Organisation (WXO), and a jury member for the prestigious Conventa Best Events Awards. Her thought leadership extends to writing articles and white papers for leading publications such as Vogue and Business Forward AUC.

Pigalle’s expertise and visionary approach to creating emotionally impactful experiences aligns with the World Future Awards’ mission to celebrate innovation, creativity, and forward-thinking leadership. As a new member of the board, Pigalle will help shape the direction of the organization, bringing her experience and passion for empowering teams to elevate the future of experience design and creative distinction.

World Future Awards looks forward to the valuable insights and contributions that Pigalle Tavakkoli will bring as a key member of the board. Her unique expertise and commitment to innovative design will be instrumental in shaping the future of the awards and the industries they serve.

Visit Pigalle’s LinkedIn profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pigalletavakkoli/

The World’s Finest in Tech and Innovation World: WFA Presents TOP 100 Next Generation Companies 2024

Building on the success of our 2023 initiative, the World Future Awards is proud to present the Top 100 Next Generation Companies 2024 — a showcase of the most promising companies transforming industries and redefining the future.

Each year, our dedicated team of researchers undertakes an extensive global search to identify startups and companies that are making an impact across various sectors. Using open data resources, award platforms, and other publicly available materials, we evaluate companies against our rigorous selection criteria. These criteria ensure that only those demonstrating exceptional innovation, disruption, and potential are shortlisted.

After months of in-depth analysis, the result is a definitive list of companies that bring fresh ideas, challenge traditional models, and push the boundaries of what is possible. From cutting-edge tech innovators to sustainability pioneers, these 100 companies represent the very best the world has to offer.

This effort goes beyond celebrating their success; it fosters a culture of inspiration and innovation. By spotlighting these, we hope to encourage the next generation of founders to dream big and forge new paths. The Top 100 Next Generation Companies 2024 proves the hard work, ingenuity, and the power of visionary thinking. Explore the full 2024 list below to discover destinations that promise unforgettable journeys. The winners, in alphabetical order, are:

Nr.Company NameWebsiteCountry
1360Learninghttp://www.360learning.com/USA
24Dviewshttp://www.4Dviews.comFrance
3AiDASHhttps://www.aidash.com/USA
4Airwayzhttp://www.airwayz.coIsrael
5AISPECOhttp://www.aispeco.comLithuania
6Akeneohttp://www.akeneo.com/France
7Allisonhttp://www.allisonworldwide.comUSA
8Array Insightshttps://arrayinsights.com/USA
9Artlisthttps://artlist.io/Israel
10Astranishttps://www.astranis.comUSA
11Aurora Solarhttps://www.aurorasolar.comUSA
12Beewisehttps://beewise.agUSA
13Beta Technologieshttps://www.beta.teamUSA
14BigHaathttp://www.bighaat.comIndia
15Blackshark.aihttp://www.blackshark.ai.comAustria
16Bluewhitehttp://bluewhite.aiIsreal
17Brevohttp://www.brevo.com/France
18Carbominerhttps://carbominer.comUkraine
19Cognigyhttp://www.cognigy.comGermany
20Cognotahttp://www.cognota.comCanada
21Cosmhttps://www.cosm.comUSA
22Curacelhttps://www.curacel.co/USA
23Datapelhttps://datapel.com/Australia
24Deelhttps://www.deel.com/USA
25Electric Hydrogenhttps://eh2.comUSA
26Electric Mileshttp://www.electricmiles.comUnited Kingdom
27Exactly.aihttps://exactly.ai/United Kingdom
28Exostarhttp://www.exostar.comUSA
29Fintilecthttps://www.fintilect.com/United Kingdom
30Flowerhttp://www.flower.seSweden
31Form3http://www.form3.tech/United Kingdom
32FORT Roboticshttps://www.fortrobotics.comUSA
33Fuel50https://fuel50.comUSA
34Gamestreamhttps://www.gamestream.biz/France
35Genesis Globalhttp://www.genesis.global/United Kingdom
36Gitlab Inchttp://about.gitlab.com/USA
37Gusto Snackshttps://snackgusto.com/United Kingdom
38Hiikerhttps://hiiker.appIreland
39Humanehttps://humane.comUSA
40iAdvizehttp://www.iadvize.com/France
41iCoverhttp://www.icoverinsure.comUSA
42Insite AIhttps://insite.aiUSA
43Insured Nomadshttps://insurednomads.com/USA
44Kodiak Roboticshttp://www.kodiak.aiUSA
45KUNA Payhttps://kunapay.ioLithuania
46Kushkihttps://kushkipagos.com/Ecuador
47Kyndrilhttp://www.kyndryl.comUSA
48Leihohttp://www.leiho.co.ukUnited Kingdom
49LELOhttp://www.lelo.comSweden
50Liquid AIhttps://www.liquid.ai/USA
51Maevinghttps://maeving.com/United Kingdom
52MAGIC AIhttp://www.magic.fit/United Kingdom
53Minestohttp://www.minesto.comSweden
54Modvionhttps://modvion.comSweden
55Muddy Machineshttp://www.muddymachines.com/United Kingdom
56Mushroom Materialhttps://www.mushroommaterial.com/New Zealand
57NaraXRhttps://nara.com.tr/USA
58Narration Boxhttps://narrationbox.comLondon
59Nimblehttp://nimble.aiUSA
60Noibuhttp://noibu.comCanada
61Noonhttps://www.learnatnoon.comUnited Kingdom
62Novaihttps://www.novai.co.uk/United Kingdom
63Novus Diagnosticshttps://novus-dx.com/Ireland
64onezonehttps://www.onezone.app/United Kingdom
65Our Next Energyhttp://one.ai/USA
66Pasqalhttp://www.pasqal.com/France
67People.aihttp://www.people.aiUSA
68Pivthttps://www.pivtapp.com/USA
69Playdatehttp://www.gotoplaydate.comUnited Kingdom
70Proximahttps://proximagroup.comLondon
71Quantum Metrichttps://www.quantummetric.comUSA
72Rad AIhttps://www.radai.com/USA
73RobotPlusPlushttp://www.robotplusplus.comChina
74SEALSQhttps://www.sealsq.com/France
75Secureworkshttps://www.secureworks.com/USA
76Shippeohttp://www.shippeo.com/France
77Skydiohttps://www.skydio.comUSA
78Skyportshttp://www.skyports.net/United Kingdom
79Snowflakehttp/snowflake.comUSA
80Soldohttp://www.soldo.com/United Kingdom
81Splunkhttp://splunk.comUSA
82Strados Labshttps://stradoslabs.comUSA
83Sustonablehttp://www.sustonable.comNetherlands
84Syzygy Plasmonicshttps://plasmonics.techUSA
85TAC SECURITYhttps://tacsecurity.com/USA
86Templafyhttp://www.templafy.com/Denmark
87Tevel Aerobotic Technologieshttps://www.tevel-tech.comIsrael
88Traydstreamhttps://traydstream.com/United Kingdom
89Trullionhttp://www.trullion.comUSA
90UiPathhttp://www.uipath.comUSA
91Vertical Aerospacehttp://www.vertical-aerospace.com/United Kingdom
92Vista Eco Solutionshttp://www.vista-eco.comUAE
93VMWarehttps://www.broadcom.com/info/vmwareUSA
94Vouchedhttps://www.vouched.id/USA
95WASPhttps://www.3dwasp.com/en/Italy
96Wayvehttp://www.wayve.ai/United Kingdom
97WeWALKhttp://www.wewalk.io/United Kingdom
98Xectahttp://www.xecta.comUSA
99Zappihttp://www.zappi.io/USA
100Zest AIhttp://zest.aiUSA

Emerging Technology and the Future of Marketing: A New Era of Customer Engagement

The landscape of marketing is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the rapid advancement of technology. As we navigate the digital age, leading companies are harnessing the power of emerging innovations to create more personalized, data-driven, and immersive experiences for their customers. From artificial intelligence (AI) to augmented reality (AR), these technologies are reshaping the way brands connect with their audience, paving the way for a future of marketing that is both innovative and impactful.

AI and Machine Learning: The Intelligent Marketing Assistants

At the forefront of this technological revolution is AI and machine learning. These powerful tools enable marketers to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging AI, companies can:

  • Personalize customer experiences: AI algorithms can analyze customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history to deliver highly tailored content and recommendations. This level of personalization fosters stronger customer relationships and increases loyalty.
  • Optimize marketing campaigns: AI can help marketers identify the most effective channels, messaging, and targeting strategies. This data-driven approach ensures that marketing efforts are efficient and yield maximum results.
  • Predict customer behavior: AI can predict future customer actions, allowing brands to anticipate needs and proactively address potential issues. This predictive capability enables companies to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional customer service.

Augmented Reality: Bridging the Gap Between Digital and Physical

Augmented reality (AR) is another technology that is transforming the marketing landscape. By overlaying digital information in the real world, AR creates immersive experiences that captivate consumers and drive engagement. Some innovative applications of AR in marketing include:

  • Interactive product catalogs: AR-powered catalogs allow customers to visualize products in their own space, providing a more realistic and engaging shopping experience.
  • Virtual try-ons: AR can enable customers to virtually try on clothing or makeup, eliminating the need for physical fitting rooms and reducing returns.
  • Gamified marketing campaigns: AR can be used to create interactive games and challenges that reward customer engagement and encourage brand loyalty.

Beyond AI and AR: Emerging Trends to Watch

While AI and AR are currently making significant waves, several other emerging technologies are poised to shape the future of marketing. These include:

  • Voice search: As voice-activated devices become more prevalent, marketers must optimize their content for voice search to capture this growing audience.
  • Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots can provide instant customer support, answer questions, and even assist with purchases, enhancing the overall customer experience.
  • Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices can collect valuable data about consumer behavior and preferences, enabling marketers to deliver more targeted and relevant messages.

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, marketers must stay ahead of the curve and embrace these emerging innovations. By leveraging AI, AR, and other cutting-edge technologies, brands can create more personalized, engaging, and effective marketing campaigns that resonate with modern consumers. The future of marketing is bright, and the possibilities are endless.

Are you ready to be part of this exciting revolution? Apply now for the World Future Awards and showcase your innovative ideas on how technology is shaping the future of marketing. Together, we can drive the industry forward and create a more personalized, engaging, and customer-centric world.

The Intersection of Technology and Storytelling: How Strategic Narratives Humanise Complex Innovations

By Daniel Aitken, Board Member and Vice President of Global Marketing and Communication at LeddarTech, an automotive software company.

In an era of unprecedented technological advancement, tech companies are challenged with building groundbreaking products and conveying their value in a way that resonates with audiences. Having spent nearly thirty years in marketing and communications, most of which working with pioneering tech firms across the globe, I’ve seen firsthand how storytelling can be the bridge that connects complex technology to the people who use it.

At first glance, the technical intricacies of autonomous driving, AI, or payment processing systems may not seem like the foundation for a compelling story. However, storytelling allows us to humanize these technologies, making them clear, relevant, and emotionally resonant. From my experience managing marketing and investor relations for companies like LeddarTech, I know that successful campaigns simplify complex ideas into relatable narratives, helping customers understand not only what a product does but also how it solves real-world problems.

I have always believed that we must tell our stories to appeal to the business side of a customer and their emotional side. It is essential that customers feel confident in your product and that it meets the technical expectations they require, but for the purpose of this article, I will also make a case for appealing to the often-overlooked emotional side that affects their decision-making.

Why Tech Companies Struggle with Messaging

Tech companies often struggle with messaging because they’re deeply passionate about their innovations. This enthusiasm can sometimes lead to jargon-heavy communication focused on specs rather than benefits, alienating non-technical stakeholders. While tech-savvy audiences may appreciate the nuances, most customers and investors need accessible, human-centered messaging to truly understand a product’s value.

From my work across diverse industries—from tech to financial and not-for-profit sectors—I’ve learned that every product has a story, and even the most complex solutions can be made relatable. For instance, at LeddarTech, we communicate our ADAS technology through the lens of specifications, and we also position it as a solution that enhances safety, reliability, and connectivity on the roads. By framing our messaging around how the technology helps rather than just how it works, we created a narrative that felt accessible and meaningful to a broader audience.

Storytelling as a Bridge Between Tech and People

Another example from my time with companies in Germany and California involved developing customer-focused stories that placed user experiences at the forefront. Rather than detailing complex scientific elements, we showcased how our products enhanced everyday technology, from improving car safety to boosting energy efficiency in industrial applications. Effective storytelling shifts from a product-centric narrative to a customer-centric one—showing how technology translates into meaningful, tangible benefits.

The Power of a Unified, Human-Centric Brand

In tech, it’s easy to get lost in technical details and forget the people behind the products. Yet every successful brand I’ve worked with recognizes that true strength lies not only in what it makes but also in why it matters. Positioning technology as a means to improve lives elevates a brand to one that is relatable, trusted, and admired.

At the intersection of technology and storytelling, brands transform from cold, technical entities into accessible, human-centered organizations. For tech companies looking to engage deeply with their audiences, storytelling is as vital as technology. It’s the difference between a product that impresses and a brand that inspires.

Daniel is a World Future Awards board member and an award-winning marketing and business professional with nearly 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including not-for-profit, fashion, financial, and technology. A serial entrepreneur and respected tech executive, he has held leadership roles globally in countries like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico. Now based in Mexico, he manages marketing and investor relations for LeddarTech, a leader in advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving technology.

Making Banking Personal Again: Agent IQ’s Lynq Platform Honored

Agent IQ, a leader in revolutionizing digital banking through human-centered AI, has been honored with a World Future Awards in 2024 in the Technology category for Best AI-Powered Customer Engagement Platform. This recognition celebrates Agent IQ’s commitment to making digital banking personal, fostering stronger customer relationships, and driving innovation in the financial services sector.

In an era where automation and self-service dominate the financial landscape, Agent IQ has championed a unique approach that combines state-of-the-art AI with human interaction. Through its flagship Lynq digital engagement platform, Agent IQ empowers financial institutions to deepen customer relationships, improve satisfaction, and boost profitability while retaining the vital human element that traditional banking embodies.

The company believes that augmenting the human side of banking is far superior to replacing it. Their vision is to ensure digital banking remains personal, loyal, and connected. Their AI-driven platform enables financial institutions to scale like never before while delivering the trust and engagement that customers deserve.

Innovative Features of Agent IQ’s Lynq Platform

Agent IQ’s award-winning platform delivers an unmatched suite of services, including:

  • Mobile Messaging, Video Chat, Webchat, CoBrowsing, SMS, and Social Messaging – Engage with customers anytime, anywhere.
  • AI-Driven Insights – Real-time data to inform strategic decisions and anticipate customer needs.
  • Personal Banker Selection – Customers can choose their own banker, creating personalized, loyal relationships.
  • Multilingual Support – Expanding accessibility and inclusivity across diverse audiences.

The Lynq platform stands out for its ability to simulate the branch experience in the digital realm:

  • A Branch in Every Pocket: Customers can engage with their personal banker across any digital channel, fostering familiarity and trust akin to in-person banking.
  • Proactive Insights: The AI-powered dashboard categorizes customer inquiries and trends, enabling financial institutions to prioritize strategies with unparalleled accuracy.
  • Loyalty and Profitability: With Lynq, financial institutions have reported a 15% increase in product holdings and higher customer satisfaction, transforming call center deflection into an opportunity for meaningful conversations.

In a survey of Lynq users, 75% of customers preferred having their own personal banker, even if it meant waiting for availability. This underscores the enduring importance of human connections in an increasingly automated world.

Agent IQ’s platform also addresses critical industry challenges, such as serving the unbanked, compliance management, and creating virtual branches to extend services to underserved communities. By bridging the gap between human expertise and technological efficiency, Agent IQ is reshaping the future of banking. For more information on Agent IQ and its award-winning Lynq platform, visit www.agentiq.com.

GreenPlat Wins 2024 WFA for Best Blockchain Technology for ESG Management

GreenPlat™, an enterprising technology company dedicated to accelerating cleaner production, has been awarded a 2024 World Future Awards in the Cleantech category for Best Blockchain Technology for ESG Management. This award highlights GreenPlat’s innovative use of blockchain technology to transform environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices globally.

GreenPlat’s blockchain-based SaaS platform, known as PlataformaVerde, offers comprehensive tracking and monitoring of supply chains and processes, specializing in circular economy solutions. The company’s sustainable practices and its smart city solutions have earned recognition from notable global entities, including the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Since 2016, GreenPlat has empowered its customers to achieve zero landfill through unrivaled traceability and management of production chains. The software’s capabilities extend from tracking raw material extraction to overseeing production processes and waste disposal, ensuring proper environmental compliance and sustainability practices at every stage. To date, GreenPlat’s platform has managed nearly 1 million tons of waste, all disposed of responsibly, benefiting the environment and promoting public health.

PlataformaVerde provides companies with the tools to track production losses, manage waste internally and externally, and monitor partners and branches. This technology incorporates deep legal and regulatory knowledge, allowing businesses to maintain environmental compliance and manage documentation effortlessly.

ESG’s real-time monitoring feature on PlataformaVerde allows companies to attract investments, create social and environmental impacts, and strengthen relationships with consumers and stakeholders. By using this platform, businesses can enjoy benefits such as reduced costs, minimized regulatory interventions, higher employee productivity, and optimized investment outcomes.

GreenPlat’s achievements in reverse logistics underscore its innovative approach. One significant project, in collaboration with iFood, launched in December 2019. This initiative aimed to achieve Zero Landfill by tracking and managing the collection and environmentally appropriate disposal of old or damaged backpacks used by delivery partners across Brazil. Within a year, iFood reached its goal of Landfill Zero, demonstrating the power of GreenPlat’s technology.

Another notable case involves Puig, where GreenPlat facilitated reverse logistics, traceability, certification, and credit issuance for improved sustainability practices. By connecting generators, transporters, and final destinations, GreenPlat ensures that recycled waste reenters the production cycle as raw material, reinforcing its commitment to the circular economy.

As global interest in sustainable solutions continues to grow, GreenPlat is devoted to further enhancing its technology and supporting more businesses in achieving their sustainability objectives Visit https://greenplat.com/ for more information.

Championing Change in Fintech: A Conversation with Dr. Jasmin B Gupta, WFA’s Newest Board Member

Dr. Jasmin B Gupta, a renowned fintech expert and enterprising leader, has recently joined World Future Awards as its newest board member.

With over two decades of experience in digital and consumer banking, Dr. Gupta has been at the forefront of driving innovation and financial inclusion in India and beyond. She has held leadership roles at Equitas Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and HDFC Bank and played a pivotal role in launching two of India’s leading digital banks, NiyoX and FreoSave.

Dr. Gupta’s appointment brings a wealth of knowledge and forward-thinking insights to World Future Awards. In this exclusive interview, we explore her journey, accomplishments, and her vision for the future of fintech and digital transformation.

World Future Awards: With two decades of experience in fintech and banking, what inspired you to focus on co-founding Lxme & MeitMoney and how do you see its impact evolving in the future?

Dr Jasmin B Gupta: The first two decades of the career are focused on learning and leadership, the next two are focused on giving back and impact. And that’s what inspired me to launch innovative platforms around financial education and inclusion. As per World Bank’s Global Findex data, while the financial inclusion index has improved, there is still a lot that needs to be done to achieve inclusion in true letter and spirit by improving not just access but also financial literacy, quality and usage. Fintechs by focusing on niche segments such as women, youth, MSMEs, gig-workers, etc. are better placed to drive deeper wholistic digital financial inclusion across savings, payments, investments, insurance & credit.

WFA: You’ve led the launch of two of India’s leading digital banks, NiyoX and FreoSave. What were the most significant challenges you faced during these projects, and how did you overcome them?

JG: While world over we see licensed Digital Banks such as Revolut or Monzo, India still believes in Partnership based Digital Banks. Hence NiyoX and FreoSave had its fair share of collaboration challenges where agile innovative fintechs learn to work with highly regulated process-driven Banks. It’s about bringing the best of both worlds together, where the ultimate winner is the customer. It’s also an opportunity for both sides – banks and fintechs to understand and appreciate what each side brings to the table. So, while I have seen banks learning/unlearning Customer Experience and Innovation, I have seen fintechs learning Fraud Control and Risk Management. It is a win-win.

WFA: As someone who has won numerous awards, such as the Fintech Leader of the Year and Global Fintech Excellence in Leadership Award, how have these recognitions shaped your approach to leadership and innovation in the fintech space?

JG: Fintech is one space where you can lead innovation by creating fresh solutions to unsolved problems. As a banker with in-depth financial knowledge and digital expertise, I realized that building research-based innovative solutions backed by the right domain skills and know-how, can lead to disruption in the market. While awards and recognitions are indeed motivating stepping stones, impact is what matters most when you are building towards leaving a legacy behind.

WFA: Financial inclusion and digitalization are at the heart of your PhD. How do you think the integration of these two areas will transform banking in the next 5-10 years, especially for underserved communities?

JG: There is no faster way to achieve financial inclusion, other than making it digital or phygital. Smartphone penetration has increased 10x in the last ten years and every household today has at least one smartphone. Just last month I launched – a cutting-edge multi-lingual App – PahalSangini – India’s first financial inclusion platform for women offering financial literacy, credit, payments, insurance, e-commerce, etc. all rolled into one common mobile application, for rural women. While this is just one solution, there is scope for many such digital innovations to achieve financial penetration in the underserved communities.

WFA: You’ve been associated with prominent institutions like Equitas Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and HDFC Bank. How did your experiences at these organizations prepare you for your founder role and shape your leadership philosophy?

JG: HDFC Bank, one of the largest and leading banks in the world, was a great learning school for me where I learned real banking with its stringent processes & regulations. I joined the Bank straight out of business school, through campus placement, and went on to become the youngest branch manager at the age of 25. Kotak Mahindra Bank offered a 360-degree banking perspective across multiple business, product, and digital functions along with an intrapreneurship exposure of leading several disruptive analytics and AI-based digital initiatives. And Equitas Bank opened up the world of fintechs for me, right from NiyoX to Lxme. From then on, there was no looking back as I jumped into the fintech world with the entire 360-degree banking perspective, giving me a unique edge in the space. And the best is yet to come…

WFA: As a global thought leader and a TEDx speaker, how do you ensure that you stay at the forefront of fintech innovation? What key trends do you believe will dominate the fintech industry in the coming years?

JG: I look forward to research, networking, forums and conferences, industry workshops, leadership meetings, etc. to contribute as well as to keep a tab on what’s happening in the space. Blockchain, AI, Defi, embedded finance, open banking, digital banks, cybersecurity, superapps, etc. are some of the key fintech trends expected to dominate the industry.

WFA: You’ve been recognized as a Top Performing Banker and a visionary digital leader. What career milestones do you consider your most significant accomplishments, and what advice would you give to young professionals aiming for leadership roles in fintech?

JG: There have been many career milestones, significant amongst which are getting awarded as Best Relationship Manager in Switzerland and Australia with highest scorecard of 351%; youngest branch manager at 25; doubling up 10 years of banking business in just 1 year; initiating Analytics and AI-based Digital solutions; launching India’s fastest growing neo-bank NiyoX with 2 million+ customers; co-founding India’s first financial platform for women LXME; launching India’s first financial inclusion platform PahalSangini and many more. My advice to young professionals aiming for leadership roles is to take risks early on without fearing failure and keep learning/unlearning continuously.

WFA: Aside from your professional career, you’ve represented India as a Youth and Cultural Ambassador and excel in various arts like dance and music. How do these diverse interests influence your work in fintech, and what role do creativity and versatility play in your success?

JG: I am a trained professional dancer and can dance in 10+ different dance forms right from Garba to Bharatnatyam to Salsa, performing dance shows in France, Spain & Japan. I have excelled in creative arts right from childhood, and hence when I took up banking, which is otherwise considered to be a very boring profession, I poured all my creativity into making it the most interesting job on earth. I have done creative banking all throughout and the same gets reflected in my various fintech initiatives as well. Innovation lies at the core of fintech, and I am a natural at it.

Thank you for sharing your time and insights today, Dr Gupta!

To learn more about our revered newest board member, visit her LinkedIn Profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminbgupta-digitalbank/

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