As Wales Tech Week 2025, powered by Technology Connected, prepares to welcome business leaders, policy-makers, investors and innovators from across the globe this autumn (24-26 November) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Wales in Newport, all eyes are on this year’s keynote speaker Matthew Griffin, a globally renowned futurist and strategist.

As a futurist working at the intersection of emerging technologies, global policy and societal change, his perspective offers valuable foresight into the forces reshaping the world. Griffin, often referred to as ‘The Fanatical Futurist’, embraces the title with purpose. “It was a nickname given to me by the people at the United Nations and it’s kind of stuck,” he explains. “While we can’t change the past, looking ahead we can shape the future. And therefore, I’m fanatical about it because the potential to do good is infinite but so too are the challenges.”

Aiming to go beyond predictions and uncover how individuals, organisations and governments can actively prepare for a future that is not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, sustainable and impactful, Griffin delivers a deeper insight into the forces shaping our collective future.

With a client list that includes governments and Fortune 500 companies, Griffin helps organisations navigate the seismic shifts driven by emerging technologies. “The two things keeping leaders up at night are the volume and speed of change,” he says. “They struggle to see what’s coming, understand the impacts and build resilient strategies to thrive.”

Griffin’s work spans 50-year horizons, and he believes we’re on the cusp of profound transformation. “AI is becoming autonomous, not just automated. The cost of accessing intelligence is falling to zero. These shifts are society-changing, and no one is truly prepared.”

Despite the complexity, Griffin remains optimistic. “We’re unlocking human potential like never before. AI is already revolutionising healthcare by developing treatments, accelerating diagnoses, and in education, it’s helping people learn 12 times faster. The next decade could be the most transformative in human history.”

But he’s quick to challenge common misconceptions. “People underestimate where we are today with technology and its threats, opportunities and capability. They also underestimate the overall trajectory of its development, especially AI, and its impact on jobs and society. The UN keeps saying, we must educate people first before we can talk about how we use it to benefit people.”

So how do we separate hype from real impact? “Talk is cheap,” Griffin says. “We can switch the planet to carbon-neutral energy with sustainable supply chains but unless we act, it won’t happen. True innovation creates measurable, equitable impact.”

Griffin’s decision to speak at Wales Tech Week is personal. “I live in the UK, went to university in Bangor, in North Wales, and I want to give back. Wales has a rich history, great people and a thriving startup ecosystem. I hope my experience helping countries like the UAE and India can help accelerate Wales’s growth.”

As for his keynote address, “Expect the unexpected,” he teases. “It’ll be a journey into the near and far future, challenging assumptions and inspiring action.”

With themes of Tech for People, Tech for the Planet, and Tech for Performance, Wales Tech Week 2025 promises to be a landmark event. And with Matthew Griffin leading the charge, it’s not just about what’s next, it’s about what’s possible.

Wales Tech Week 2025 is free to attend. For more information and to book your place please visit: www.walestechweek.com