The future will be explained to you in Palo Alto

On Wednesday evening, PlayGround Global in Palo Alto will serve as the venue for a remarkable gathering of visionary thinkers who are set to unveil the future of technology. This event marks the conclusion of the 2025 StrictlyVC series, which has showcased incredible talent across the globe under TechCrunch's banner. The series has seen events in various locations, from Steve Case hosting in Washington D.C. to discussions held with Greece’s prime minister in Athens, and Kirsten Green at the Presidio in San Francisco. The aim remains consistent: to bring together innovators who are at the forefront of significant technological advancements before they become mainstream. A standout moment from past events includes Sam Altman’s 2019 assertion about OpenAI’s monetization strategy, which was met with laughter but proved to be serious. This time, attendees can look forward to hearing from Nicholas Kelez, a particle accelerator physicist and former Department of Energy employee, who is now addressing major challenges in semiconductor manufacturing. He is developing cutting-edge technology in the U.S. to produce advanced chips that currently rely on expensive machinery from a single Dutch company. Mina Fahmi will also present the Stream Ring, a device designed to transcribe whispered thoughts into text. Fahmi and co-founder Kirak Hong, both with extensive experience from Meta, aim to enhance cognitive capabilities rather than replace human interaction. Backed by Toni Schneider, who previously scaled WordPress, Sandbar has emerged from stealth mode with promising innovations. The lineup continues with Max Hodak, founder of Science Corp and a former Neuralink co-founder, who has successfully restored vision to numerous blind individuals through retinal implants. He is now pioneering 'biohybrid' brain-computer interfaces that integrate with brain tissue, enabling paralyzed individuals to operate devices using their thoughts. Hodak believes that the landscape of technology will be drastically transformed by 2035. Furthermore, venture capitalists Chi-Hua Chien and Elizabeth Weil will share insights from their successful investments in companies like Twitter, Spotify, and SpaceX. Chien, from Goodwater Capital, argues that Silicon Valley is misinterpreting the current AI landscape, while Weil, founder of Scribble Ventures, has achieved impressive returns on her investments and identifies overlooked consumer tech opportunities. Hosted by PlayGround Global and general partner Pat Gelsinger, the event promises an evening filled with networking, delicious food, and insightful discussions. Seating is limited, so those interested should secure their spots quickly. For potential partnerships in the upcoming 2026 series, inquiries are welcome.