presented by The Tech We Want 2025
March 8-9, 2025 at The Belmont in Austin, Texas.
No Charge. No Badge. Bring your friends!
LIGHT HOUSE 2025 IS ON IT'S WAY IN...
About The Light House
Join #TeamHuman to connect with funders and tech leaders that put people at the center of the digital revolution, and join an effort to collectively create a more responsible tech future.
Tech, Teamwork & Good Trouble
Over two days filled with inspiring talks, immersive activations, and exciting entertainment, The Light House is a wayfinding point and beacon for those seeking to find new teammates, get the ball rolling on new collaborations, or find new solutions to champion in our collective responsible tech future.
The Tech We Want is designed to be a broad platform for those seeking to seed and embed responsible tech values in emerging tech. The convening is designed to bring together a coalition of funders, tech leaders and workers co-creating an alternative tech ecosystem built on inclusivity, mutualism, sustainability, accountability, and responsible innovation.
Working with our fellow champions Omidyar Network, Siegel Family Endowment, Stanford d.school, and Black Innovation Alliance, The Light House offers a vision of a tech ecosystem that centers people, not technology, as protagonists in shaping our shared technological future.
Join us for The Light House on March 8th
Day 1
Day 1 of The Light House offers talks, games, networking, and interactive fun—all while putting people at the heart of tech. Explore the Library of the Future too!
Join us for The Light House on March 9th
Day 2
Day 2 of The Light House, hosted by Omidyar Network, dives into AI’s impact and tech’s role in shared prosperity. Visit the Library of the Future before it closes!
Join us for The Lights Out on March 9th
Lights Out
Join us at The Belmont for the closing party! Dance, sing karaoke, and vibe with #TeamHuman allies as we celebrate, connect, and unwind beyond the conference grind!
What is The Tech We Want?
Our mission is to build a new tech ecosystem by centering, amplifying and shifting power to leaders, advocates and entrepreneurs in the tech space already working toward a future in which everyone thrives; and together, experimenting with and funding new cultural and economic infrastructure.
Where
The Belmont in Austin, Texas.
When
March 8-9, 2025
What does it look & feel like?
In 2024, over 1500 attendees joined us for a day packed with interactive networking, thought-provoking panels, curated entertainment, and one of the best parties of the weekend. Watch the recap video here.
Schedule
March 8th
Day 1
12:00 PM — Doors Open
12:00 PM — Networking Lunch
Welcome to THE LIGHT HOUSE, have lunch with our organizers and community partners at the top of the day and don’t forget to check out the Stanford d.school Public House Creative bar while you’re here.
1:30 PM — Welcome to the Main Stage!
The Tech We Want Facilitator Jocelyn Macdougall and Program Leader Aniyia Williams open the day providing grounding in this year’s outlook and community gathering goals.
1:45 PM — Panel 1: Meeting the Moment: Building Coalition When the World is on Fire
The need to come together and build collective strength has never been more urgent. But let’s be clear: coalition-building is not easy. From structural constraints, finding momentum in movements, resourcing, to personalities, there are real obstacles and complexities to contend with. This panel brings together seasoned leaders with extensive experience in fostering coalitions across diverse ecosystems, cities, and backgrounds. Drawing on years of hands-on work in coalition-building, the panelists will share their insights on how they work with and across disparate constituencies.
2:30 PM —Lightning Talks 1
The Lightning Talk is the “variety pack” of talks. This work requires an orchestration of diverse strategies and perspectives. Each talk highlights how we each hold “a different piece of the puzzle” when it comes to building a responsible innovation ecosystem.
Deon Gordon, TechBirmingham
“Civil Rights, the Original Disruptor”
Lili Gangas, Kapor Foundation
“State of Tech Diversity: Building an Inclusive Tech Future”
Jessica Norwood, RUNWAY
“How Does Reparative Capital Enable Innovation?”
Avriel Epps, AI For Abolition
“AI For Abolition: Is It Possible? Notes From the Field”
3:15 PM — Panel 2: Getting our $$$$ together: Strategizing with Funders for a Resilient Tech Ecosystem
This panel, featuring leaders from the philanthropic sector, will offer an inside look at what a collective-action approach to technology investment looks like in practice—highlighting both the opportunities and the challenges.
4:15 PM — Mainstage Break
Explore THE LIGHT HOUSE on site activations and don’t forget to show a little love to Tech Bingo swag contest.
4:45 PM — Lightning Talks 2
The Lightning Talk is the “variety pack” of talks. This work requires an orchestration of diverse strategies and perspectives. Each talk highlights how we each hold “a different piece of the puzzle” when it comes to building a responsible innovation ecosystem.
Rachel Antell, Archivals Producers Alliance
“Protecting Futures by Protecting the Past: GenAI and Documentary Storytelling”
Elaine Atherton, Camelback Ventures
“Wellness for Black & Brown Founders: Thriving, Not Just Surviving”
Julia Collins, PlanetFWD
“Where Consumer and Climate Collide”
Harold Hughes, NFNTE Capital
“Why Social Capital is an Untapped Infinite Resource”
5:10 PM — Day 1 Wrap Up
Closing Remarks and Venue Closure
6:00 PM — Private Event (Invitation Only)
Event space is closed to the public at this time.
Library of the Future Schedule
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM — Black Innovation Alliance Library Takeover
Come vibe with BIA for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community! We’re taking over the library, so grab some lunch and join us for inspiring chats, meaningful connections, and time with fellow changemakers. Let’s build together!
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM — The Library is OPEN
Come explore a physical collection of books, essays, and other media that have shaped our thinking and imaginations.
3:00 – 5:00 PM — Library Take over for Summit of Cities Led by Urbane
The Summit of Cities Library session brings together innovation hubs committed to building inclusive economies, fuelled by innovation. The session will lay the groundwork for an alliance of hubs looking to build a responsible and representative alternative to Silicon Valley in their growing innovation economy hot zones.
This is an invitation only event, please get in touch if you require more information.
Stanford d.school Public House: Shaping the Intersection of Technology and Humanity
Designed as an open, drop-in space, the Public House invites attendees to engage on their own schedule. Visitors can explore our interactive exhibits and engage in creative connections experiences which bring people together to build visions of the future, build their emerging technology skills, tackle design challenges, and design pathways for taking action at home.
12:30 PM – 5:00 PM — ACTIVATIONS, ASSETS & GAMES
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM — The Library is OPEN
Creative Bar
Creative Coaches guide participants at the bar to rethink challenges and uncover innovative solutions and provide access to prolific resources and assets.
March 9th
Day 2
12:00 – 1:30 PM — Doors Open: Day 2 - Curated by Omidyar Network
More details coming soon.
12:00 – 1:30 PM — Networking Lunch
Welcome to THE LIGHT HOUSE, have lunch with our organizers and community partners at the top of the day and don’t forget to check out the Stanford d.school Public House Creative bar while you’re here.
1:15 PM — Opening Remarks
Welcome to the Main Stage! Shining the spotlight on Omidyar Network’s Generative AI Portfolio.
1:30 – 2:30 PM — Between Dystopia and Delight: Powering Human Stories for a Digital Age
This conversation at the intersection of storytelling and the digital revolution will explore how science fiction has transcended entertainment to become a cultural compass in an increasingly digital world. From Star Trek’s bold visions of equity to Octavia Butler’s prophetic narratives, speculative fiction serves as both mirror and window – reflecting issues in society while opening portals to possibility. We’ll delve into these legacies to ask: How do we craft new stories for our digital age? Join us for a journey through dystopia, storytelling, and afrofuturism, as we envision a future where technology becomes a bridge, not a barrier, to our shared humanity.
2:50 – 3:50 PM — Panel 2: I Don’t Dream of Labor: Reimagining Work, Purpose, and Solidarity in the Age of AI
Cultural trends around labor in recent years reveal a cross-collar workforce that’s increasingly discontent with the nature of work as it stands, highlighting the systemic inequities from which these conditions stem. Whether it’s the low pay and lack of opportunities for advancement that led to the Great Resignation, or the confluence of corporate greed, low unemployment, and high public approval of unions that sparked Hot Labor Summer in 2023, these trends show both individual and collective actions that workers are taking to improve their working conditions. Today, these concerns remain, and are amplified by technological advancements around AI, putting into question its short- and long-term impact on jobs and workers. What is “meaningful work” in the age of AI? How can we build a more representative labor movement? How do we ensure that the future of work is pro-worker? This conversation will explore the role of building worker power in ensuring that our collective tech future is pro-worker.
4:20 – 5:20 PM — Rewiring Relationships: Navigating Connection in a Tech-Mediated World
AI is changing the ways in which we communicate, learn from, and connect with each other. But in our world of increasingly complex algorithms and companion bots, how can we ensure that AI strengthens human connections? This panel will dive into the critical intersection of technology and human relationships and explore the nuanced dynamics between artificial and human connection, unpacking both the transformative potential of AI to foster community and the risks of over-reliance on artificial companionship. Panelists will speak to the ways in which AI systems can amplify our inherently social nature while examining the ethical obligations of AI developers to embed human values and prioritize societal wellbeing as they shape tools that will profoundly impact how future generations connect and coexist.
5:30 – 6:30 PM — Control+Alt+Laugh: Comedy as a Force for Social Change with TechRoast Comedian Austin Nasso
Join viral comedy sensation Austin Nasso for an unforgettable fusion of stand-up and social commentary that proves laughter may just be our most powerful tool yet. In this unique session, Nasso delivers razor-sharp observations about our digital age while revealing how comedy can be the ultimate platform for processing our collective digital growing pains and catalyzing meaningful social change.
Following his set, Nasso sits down with Nicole Allred for a fireside chat exploring how culture and humor can bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and social progress. Whether you’re a pop culture maven, social changemaker, or just someone trying to make sense of our world, this session promises to make you laugh while making you think.
6:30 – 9:00 PM — Venue closed - rejoin us later tonight!
9:00 PM – 1:00 PM — Lights out! THE LIGHT HOUSE Wrap Party
We dim the lights as we turn up the energy on the dance floor. Our DJ will be spinning the latest hits while you mingle with fellow tech enthusiasts. This is your chance to let go of what you’ve been holding down and enjoy yourself in good company.
– Dance with us to throwback disco, funk, R&B tunes with DJ Helios
– Sing your heart out at karaoke
– Glow up and add some glitter at the Shimmer bar
– Grab a friend and some props for photos at the Chrome Photo Booth!
– Enjoy some LIGHT HOUSE libations with great company
– Vibe out, make new friends and have fun!
Library of the Future Schedule Day 2
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM — Art of the Pitch with Emily Best, CEO & Founder of Seed&Spark
This one hour workshop will connect what you really want to do with your career ー that big, hairy, audacious goal ー with how to prepare to pitch to the different audiences you will need along the way.
Knowing how to convey the specifics about your creative project/idea/company in a dynamic, succinct way can land you not only investors, but also collaborators, audience members, and more. Skills learned in this workshop include: crafting your story, preparing for (and excelling in) a pitch meeting, adapting a pitch to different audiences, and then following upー setting your work up for success.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM — Team Human: Innovating for the Public Interest with Andreen Soley, PIT-US
An alternative tech ecosystem built by #TeamHuman for #TeamHuman is underway in the burgeoning world of public interest technology (PIT). Public interest technology refers to a set of practices to design, deploy and govern technology in ways that advance the public interest…and the ecosystem is taking shape as we speak.
Join PIT pioneer Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) and its director Andreen Soley to explore how the Network has been actively working to collectively build a more responsible tech future on a national scale.
Learn how PIT-UN has coalesced 63 universities and colleges on a six-plus-year journey to build the PIT field and cultivate a career path for #TeamHuman technologists interested in co-creating for the most exposed to and impacted by technological harms.
Next, hear from PIT practitioner/PIT-UN grantee Raymar Hampshire of University of Michigan and product lead for Braid, an open-access storytelling platform that empowers educators to promote shared learning, student perspectives, and deeper knowledge.
Also, learn how but especially why Tynesha McCullers, PIT-UN Operations Manager, teaches her students practical approaches that interweave optimism and skepticism when engaging media technologies in the classroom and in community.
You’ll see firsthand why PIT is crucial to placing people at the forefront of the digital revolution and walk away inspired that The Tech We Want is already in motion.
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM — Book Giveaway - Take What You Will Read!
Book Giveaway – Take What You Will Read!
The library is open and books are up for grabs, stop by and claim your next page turner, choosing from our collection of books, essays, and other media that have shaped our thinking and imaginations
Stanford d.school Public House: Shaping the Intersection of Technology and Humanity
Stanford d.school Public House: Shaping the Intersection of Technology and Humanity
Designed as an open, drop-in space, the Public House invites attendees to engage on their own schedule. Visitors can explore our interactive exhibits and engage in creative connections experiences which bring people together to build visions of the future, build their emerging technology skills, tackle design challenges, and design pathways for taking action at home.
12:00 PM – 5:30 PM — ACTIVATIONS, ASSETS & GAMES
This one hour workshop will connect what you really want to do with your career ー that big, hairy, audacious goal ー with how to prepare to pitch to the different audiences you will need along the way.
Knowing how to convey the specifics about your creative project/idea/company in a dynamic, succinct way can land you not only investors, but also collaborators, audience members, and more. Skills learned in this workshop include: crafting your story, preparing for (and excelling in) a pitch meeting, adapting a pitch to different audiences, and then following upー setting your work up for success.
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM & 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM — The Library is OPEN
Creative Bar
Creative Coaches guide participants at the bar to rethink challenges and uncover innovative solutions and provide access to prolific resources and assets.
Throughout the day at THE LIGHT HOUSE, the Library of the Future is a parallel activation that provides an opportunity to engage with visionary thinking about responsible innovation.
(More details soon.)