AFROTECH™ Conference Ignites AI, Innovation Talks

The AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 is in full swing, transforming Houston into a hub for groundbreaking conversations about the future of technology. Thousands of attendees are immersing themselves in powerful panels, insightful fireside chats, and hands-on workshops, all while exploring the expo hall to connect with industry leaders and discover the latest innovations.

Building What’s Next, Together

Simone Ashley Tyler, Senior Vice President of AFROTECH™ and Live Events at Blavity Inc., kicked off the event by affirming this year’s theme: “Building What Is Next.” She emphasized the collective effort required, stating, “We’re not just talking about building the future. We’re talking about what it looks like for us to build it together.” The conference lineup promises a diverse reflection of cultural brilliance, featuring sessions on AI, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and curated networking opportunities.

Building on this theme, artist Jidenna shared his personal connection to technology, inspired by his father, whom he calls “Nigeria’s Steve Jobs.” Jidenna discussed his work with Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs), noting his long-standing interest in tech. “I think that everybody in this room has way more dreams in their head and it’s probably used about 2% to 10% of their mind thus far in their careers,” he remarked during a panel moderated by Tyler.

Key Voices on AI, Ownership, and Innovation

The conference has featured a stellar lineup of speakers. Baratunde Thurston brought his signature humor to discussions on humanity, technology, and interdependence. Stacey Abrams delivered a powerful address on AI’s disruptive potential, warning that its impact extends beyond the job market to affect our very existence. “There are other facets that are coming after our lives, our resilience, our fortitude, our imagination, our existence, and they’re not shy about it,” she stated.

NBA star John Wall shared insights into his transition from athlete to commentator and the influence of technology today. Chris Lyons, president of Web3 Media at a16z Crypto, stressed the critical importance of ownership in the tech industry. “At the end of the day, we need to make sure that we’re owners of our products. We need to make sure that we are understanding where the next generation of wealth is happening,” Lyons asserted, highlighting the technology industry as the future of wealth creation.

Transforming Industries with New Technologies

Innovators like Lanny Smoot, holder of 74 patents with the Walt Disney Company, showcased his HoloTile floor, a product poised to revolutionize virtual reality by allowing users to move freely without physical limitations. The conference also delved into critical sectors such as medtech, energy, AI, engineering, cybersecurity, civic engagement, data, and marketing, offering learning opportunities on topics ranging from the future of gaming to AI-powered job searches.

Live tapings and interviews from #RolandMartinUnfiltered have also been a significant draw, focusing on leadership, representation, and Black entrepreneurship. Jeff Nelson, Co-Founder & COO of Blavity Inc., described AFROTECH™ as a “cultural phenomenon” that has grown beyond any single individual or company, emphasizing its collective impact.