Elon Musk to Address WCIT 2024 as Armenia Hosts Global Tech Event

Armenia is set to host one of its largest technological events, WCIT 2024/DigiTec, from October 4 to 7, bringing together global tech leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. The event, held in Yerevan, will feature a mix of exhibitions, discussions, and performances, with notable appearances from Elon Musk and Jason Derulo.

A key moment at the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) will be a video message from Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). Musk, known for his leadership in electric vehicles, space exploration, and artificial intelligence, will share his thoughts on the future of technology. His participation, though virtual, shows the global significance of the event and positions Armenia as an important player in the tech world.

Musk’s address is expected to focus on the transformative power of AI and other emerging technologies, as well as the role these innovations will play in shaping the future. His contribution comes at a time when Armenia is looking to establish itself as a regional technology hub, attracting major companies like Nvidia, Adobe, and Siemens to open research and development centers in the country.

Adding an entertaining element to the tech event, American singer Jason Derulo will perform in Yerevan’s Republic Square on October 4. Derulo, known for hits like “Talk Dirty” and “Swalla,” will headline an open-air concert that follows a performance by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. The concert is part of the event’s opening, blending technology with entertainment in an effort to draw public interest and celebrate innovation.

While the concert offers a break from the tech-heavy discussions, it also reflects the wider goal of making technology accessible and engaging to a broad audience.

DigiTec Expo, running from October 4 to 6, will open at the Meridian Expo Center and will be the region's largest technology exhibition. The expo will bring together Armenian startups and international tech companies to display the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, software, and other technologies. The exhibition aims to build connections between local tech entrepreneurs and international investors, while also showcasing Armenia’s growing IT sector.

Attendees will hear from prominent global speakers, including Rev Lebaredian, Vice President at Nvidia, and Francesca Bertazzo, a leader in AI applications at Calvin Klein. These discussions are expected to focus on AI’s role in industries ranging from marketing to healthcare and its ethical implications for society.

This year’s WCIT is themed “The Power of Mind: AI Beyond Limits, Within Ethics,” and much of the conference will focus on how artificial intelligence is reshaping various sectors. The event will explore AI’s applications in fields like medicine, education, and business, while addressing the ethical challenges it presents. Speakers such as Nubar Afeyan, co-founder of Moderna, and Garo Armen, CEO of Agenus, will delve into AI’s role in transforming healthcare and drug discovery.

Armenia’s IT sector, already home to notable companies like PicsArt and Krisp, is positioning itself as a leader in AI and tech innovation, with government support driving research and development.

The four-day WCIT event will feature over 2,000 international participants, including tech leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. It will also host the WITSA World Cup startup competition, where startups from around the globe will present their innovations. Two Armenian companies, Text’nPayMe and AllClean, will compete, further demonstrating the country’s growing tech talent.

With discussions, panels, and B2B meetings scheduled throughout the event, WCIT aims to provide a platform for collaboration between Armenian tech companies and international investors. The event is expected to strengthen Armenia’s position on the global tech map and create opportunities for new business ventures.

In recent years, Armenia has seen a significant increase in international tech companies setting up operations, with the government offering tax incentives and funding for R&D to boost the sector. WCIT 2024/DigiTec is seen as an opportunity for Armenia to further cement its status as a growing tech hub and attract more foreign investment.