The PICNIC conference opens with some words of welcome by the two PICNIC co-founders, Bas Verhart and Marleen Stikker. Emile Aarts delivers a kenote address entitled The Invisible Future: New ways to feel, make & play.
Philips explores the unknown to create new technologies, promotes and demonstrates innovative concepts, translates global innovation trends, and creates and maintains an exciting environment to attract top international talent. Emile Aarts demonstrates how creative thinking is at the heart of the company's success- PICNIC
Bio
Emile Aarts
Prof.dr. Emile Aarts holds an MSc. and PhD. degree in physics. For almost twenty years, he has been active as a research scientist in computing science. Since 1991, he has held a teaching position at the Eindhoven University of Technology as a part-time professor of computing science. He also serves on numerous scientific and governmental advisory boards. He holds a part-time position of senior consultant with the Center for Quantitative Methods in Eindhoven. Emile Aarts is the author of five books and more than one hundred and forty scientific papers on a diversity of subjects including nuclear physics, VLSI design, combinatorial optimization and neural networks. In 1998, he launched the concept of ambient intelligence and in 2001, he founded PhilipsÕ HomeLab. His current research interests include embedded systems and interaction technology.
Marleen Stikker
Marleen is co-founder of PICNIC - Amsterdam Cross Media Week.
Marleen Stikker is Founder and Director of Waag Society, a medialab which develops new creative technologies for culture, health, education and society. Waag Society initated the Mediaguild, an incubator that supports creative new media talent. Marleen is Co-Founder of Pakhuis de Zwijger, a warehouse for media and culture that opens it doors during PICNIC '06 Cross Media Week.
In 1993, Marleen initiated De Digitale Stad (DDS), the first Digital City on the Internet.
Marleen is a member of the national advisory board Netherlands ICT Research and Innovation Authority (ICTRegie).
Bas Verhart
Bas Verhart is co-founder of PICNIC and co-founder & CEO of Media Republic, a leading digital media and entertainment company based in Amsterdam. In December 2005, he sold Media Republics game development subsidiary, Guerilla Games, to Sony Computer Entertainment for an undisclosed amount. Earlier in 2000, he presided over the sale of another company he co-founded, MVLG eBusiness Consultants, to Lost Boys, part of LBI, where he subsequently served as chief commercial officer.
Bas Verhart is board member at Trendwatching.com and Eccky.com.