a group of people standing in front of a neon sign
a group of people standing in front of a neon sign

High tech, low life.

The Brave New Tech Festival draws its inspiration from the sci-fi subgenre known as cyberpunk. This genre, characterized by its high-tech, low-life narratives, serves as both a creative muse and a cautionary tale. While we remain optimistic about the future, we acknowledge the complexities of the path ahead. We are moving towards a multipolar world, one where the balance of power and influence is distributed across various global players. In this landscape, some countries may inevitably evolve into technocracies, where technology and those who control it dominate societal structures and individual freedoms.

The high-tech, low-life prediction of cyberpunk is becoming an unsettling reality in certain parts of the world. The dazzling neon lights that often define the cyberpunk aesthetic are more than mere symbols of futuristic allure. At the Brave New Tech Festival, they embody a dual message. On one hand, they represent hope—the promise of technological advancements that can improve lives, foster creativity, and drive progress. On the other hand, they serve as a stark warning about the potential dangers and disparities that unchecked technological power can bring.

Our festival is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the potential of technology to enrich humanity. However, it is also a platform for critical reflection and dialogue about the ethical implications of our technological trajectory. We aim to raise awareness about the risks of a high-tech, low-life world, where the gap between the technologically empowered and the disenfranchised widens. By drawing inspiration from the vivid, thought-provoking world of cyberpunk, the Brave New Tech Festival encourages a balanced perspective—embracing the possibilities of the future while remaining vigilant against its potential pitfalls.