Alicia Asín is the CEO and co-founder of Libelium, the Spanish IT company that has created “Waspmote”, a wireless, modular, and open-source sensor hardware platform for the Internet of Things (IoT).
As a speaker, Alicia Asín provides great insight into data mining, particularly addressing the big questions surrounding Big Data and the relevance of security and privacy in the new IoT era. In addition, thanks to her considerable professional experience, Asín is considered a ground-breaking keynote speaker on issues concerning the use of IoT to promote democracy and transparency, intelligently addressing the risks technology will face, as well as the opportunities it offers as a catalyst for sustainability. Alicia clearly explains the potential of technology in general and of IOT in particular to maximize the social impact for organizations - especially in the private sector - already in the development phases, as well as their capacity to contribute decisively to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, thus responding to a generation of committed consumers.
Alicia has dedicated a considerable part of her career to figuring out how technology can change the world through the development of programs such as smart cities and precision agriculture. Libelium develops projects to monitor and improve crops efficiently via environmental control systems to prevent climate change. Their IoT technology is also helping developing countries to universalize access to health care services thanks to e-health control equipment. These disruptive applications allow Libelium to be present in more than 120 countries worldwide. The Financial Times has praised Libelium after the Mobile World Congress 2016 by naming Asín’s company as one of Spain’s baby unicorns.
Alicia has been internationally awarded for her entrepreneurial career merits and contributions to technological innovation. In 2021, Alicia has been recognized as one of the Top 7 IoT Thought Leaders to Follow in 2021(AI Tech Park). In 2007 she was awarded the WCEA with the highest distinction for her research in Computer Architecture. She was also the first Spanish woman to receive the National Young Entrepreneurs Award in 2014. Her merits have also allowed her to become a “Spanish with Talent”, a distinction awarded by Marca España that allowed her to lead the worldwide campaign for the international diffusion of Spain’s prestige, where she featured with figures such as the singer Alejandro Sanz. The 2016 National Computer Science Price recognized the merits of her career and role in the progression and internationalization of her company. In October 2017, Alicia Asín received the Award “Rey Jaime I” from His Majesty the King and Queen of Spain, the highest distinction for scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs. In June 2018 she was awarded the 2nd position of the European Commission Price for Women Innovators.
Speaking Topics -
The Power of Data
Never before have we been able to access as much data as we can today. Data is an essential tool for improving the productivity of our organizations and has also become the currency for numerous digital services. Are we aware of what our digital footprint implies? Do we know who benefits the most from our data?
Datacracy: Data to promote democracy and transparency
Are data a tool to surveil us or to empower us? Alicia conducts an interesting analysis of how the Internet of Things (IoT) can be used to strengthen democracy and increase transparency in governance.
Technology Needs ALL of You
Technological advancements create a growing demand for profiles in STEM professions. However, unfortunately, there are fewer and fewer girls choosing these types of educations. In this talk, Alicia Asín shares her personal story of achievements and failures as a co-founder and CEO of a technology company while illustrating different biases present in artificial intelligence algorithms and opportunities to combat them.
The Main Challenges for Cities to be Smart and Sustainable
By 2050, 70% of the world's population will live in cities (smart or not). How do megacities affect our way of living and moving around? This conference explores the technological, regulatory, and ethical challenges that cities face on their path toward greater sustainability.
