Interview with Edouard Leonet, Head from Partnerships Asia-Pacific Region Acclime

Edouard Leonet, based in Brussels, Belgium, is a seasoned professional with a proven track record of supporting European companies in expanding their operations, with a specific focus on the Asia-Pacific region. Edouard has graciously agreed to answer our interview questions. Read more about Edouard here, and don't miss his panel on How to reach a new international market from Luxembourg on June (26th) at 12:30 PM on the PureTech District Stage

What has, so far in 2024, been the biggest surprise to you in technology?

The biggest surprise in 2024 has been the rapid rise and integration of artificial intelligence into daily life, particularly through advancements in generative AI. One notable application is the widespread use of AI-powered personal assistants that not only manage schedules and tasks but also provide real-time language translation and personalized education. These AI assistants leverage advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to understand and anticipate user needs, making them more intuitive and essential in both personal and professional settings. This evolution has significantly enhanced productivity and accessibility, bringing sophisticated technology into the hands of more people than ever before.

What do you expect will be announced in 2024, and by whom?

In 2024, I expect several significant announcements, particularly in the tech and automotive sectors:

Tesla - The unveiling of a fully autonomous vehicle ready for mass production, potentially revolutionizing the transportation industry.
Microsoft - A new quantum computing platform that is more accessible to businesses, accelerating the adoption of quantum solutions across different sectors.

Which five companies should we watch in 2024, and why?

OpenAI - As a leader in AI research and development, OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of what artificial intelligence can achieve. Their advancements in natural language understanding and generation are likely to bring new, innovative applications to market.

SpaceX - With ambitious plans for space exploration and satellite internet (Starlink), SpaceX is set to make significant strides in both interplanetary travel and global connectivity.

NVIDIA - Known for their cutting-edge graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI hardware, NVIDIA's technologies are crucial for the development of AI, gaming, and data centers. Their new products and partnerships are likely to drive significant advancements in these fields.

BYD (Build Your Dreams) - A leading electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, BYD is rapidly expanding its global footprint. With new models and technologies, it is poised to challenge traditional automotive giants and lead the EV market.

Stripe - A major player in fintech, Stripe's innovations in payment processing and financial infrastructure are essential for the digital economy. Their expansion into new markets and services could reshape online commerce and financial services.

What do you know about Luxembourg?

Financial Hub: Luxembourg is one of the world's leading financial centres, with a robust banking sector and a favourable business environment that attracts multinational corporations.

Multilingualism: The country has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. English is also widely spoken, especially in business and international affairs.

High Standard of Living: Luxembourg boasts one of the highest GDP per capita in the world, contributing to a high quality of life for its residents.

European Union: Luxembourg is one of the founding members of the European Union and hosts several key EU institutions, including the Court of Justice of the European Union.