Bjorn Hovland - COO, CIQ

Bjorn Hovland, CEO of CIQ, discusses the role of technology in driving prosperity, particularly in the context of AI. Hovland emphasizes that the future of AI resides in the US, China, and the Middle East. He believes global AI infrastructure will be distributed and not a winner-take-all race. CIQ focuses on recreating the enterprise IT stack for the age of AI, and they are opening offices in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Hovland highlights the abundance of talent and desire to learn in the Middle East. He notes Saudi Arabia's potential to be a mutual partner for both the US and China in AI development. Hovland is impressed by Saudi's vision for the future, particularly Vision 2030. CIQ plans to establish an AI and high-performance computing academy in the region. The discussion highlights the optimism surrounding AI development and its potential to create abundant resources and economic activity.