Check Out Highlights From WIRED’s 2025 Big Interview Event
WIRED’s Big Interview series prides itself on being the place for engaging conversations with political leaders, creators, executives, and scientists moving the world forward. Following the groundbreaking success of its inaugural stage event in San Francisco in 2024, WIRED once again pushed the boundaries of intellectual discourse, bringing its signature deep dives to a live audience for the 2025 Big Interview. This year, the event transcended expectations, assembling an unparalleled lineup of visionaries, including AMD CEO Lisa Su, Wicked director Jon M. Chu, Anthropic cofounder Daniela Amodei, Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince, and many more, each offering profound insights into the rapidly evolving landscapes of technology, culture, and society.
What It Is: A Day of Innovation at The Midway
The Big Interview, a one-day, in-person event held at The Midway in San Francisco on December 4, served as a vibrant nexus for innovation. More than just a series of talks, it was an immersive experience designed to provoke thought, inspire action, and connect the dots between disparate fields. Each session featured an in-depth, illuminating Q&A with some of the biggest names in innovation today, expertly led by a WIRED journalist who masterfully navigated complex topics and extracted candid insights. The atmosphere at The Midway buzzed with energy, as attendees mingled with speakers, journalists, and fellow enthusiasts, fostering spontaneous discussions and unexpected collaborations. Beyond the main stage, WIRED also hosted its unique take on a modern-day science fair, complete with hands-on demos, interactive exhibits, and other fun experiences that brought cutting-edge technologies directly to the audience, making the future feel tangible and accessible.
The venue itself, The Midway, with its industrial-chic aesthetic and versatile spaces, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the event—a blend of raw innovation and refined presentation. From the moment attendees walked in, they were greeted by an environment that encouraged curiosity and engagement. The main stage provided an intimate setting for the one-on-one interviews, allowing for genuine connection between speakers and audience. Breakout areas offered opportunities for networking and deeper dives into specific topics, while the science fair showcased the practical applications and exciting possibilities of emerging technologies.
Speaker List: Unpacking the Future
The 2025 lineup was a testament to WIRED’s commitment to covering the full spectrum of innovation, from the silicon powering our digital lives to the narratives shaping our cultural consciousness. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, challenging conventional wisdom and offering a glimpse into the future. Click to view a recap of each session:
Lisa Su, CEO of AMD: The AI Chip Revolution and Beyond
Kicking off the event with an electrifying keynote, AMD CEO Lisa Su delivered a captivating session that delved into the escalating AI chip arms race and AMD’s pivotal role in shaping the next generation of computing. Moderated by WIRED’s chief technology editor, Su articulated AMD’s aggressive strategy in the data center and AI segments, emphasizing the company’s commitment to open ecosystems and high-performance computing. She highlighted the critical importance of hardware innovation in unlocking AI’s full potential, discussing how AMD’s MI300X accelerators are challenging NVIDIA’s dominance and enabling new breakthroughs in large language models and scientific research. "The future of AI isn’t just about more compute, it’s about smarter, more efficient, and more accessible compute," Su stated, underscoring AMD’s vision for ubiquitous AI. The conversation also touched upon the broader implications of AI for various industries, from healthcare to entertainment, and how AMD is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this technological paradigm shift. Attendees gained a deep understanding of the complex interplay between hardware design, software optimization, and strategic partnerships that will define the AI era.
Jon M. Chu, Director of Wicked, Crazy Rich Asians, and Silicon Valley: Crafting Worlds in the Digital Age
From the cutting edge of silicon to the magic of storytelling, director Jon M. Chu offered a fascinating exploration of how technology is transforming the art of filmmaking. Known for his visually stunning work on Crazy Rich Asians and the upcoming Wicked adaptation, Chu captivated the audience with insights into leveraging virtual production, advanced CGI, and even nascent AI tools to bring his cinematic visions to life. He discussed the intricate balance between technological innovation and authentic human storytelling, sharing anecdotes from the set of Wicked about how digital tools allowed for unprecedented creative freedom in building the fantastical world of Oz. "Technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a collaborator," Chu remarked, explaining how virtual reality pre-visualization allowed his team to iterate on scenes with unparalleled speed and precision. The session, led by WIRED’s culture editor, also touched upon the evolving landscape of content creation, the impact of streaming platforms, and the challenges and opportunities for filmmakers in an increasingly digital world. Chu’s passion for pushing creative boundaries while staying true to emotional narratives resonated deeply with the audience.
Daniela Amodei, Cofounder of Anthropic: Navigating the Ethics and Safety of AI
The conversation shifted to the profound ethical and safety considerations surrounding artificial intelligence with Daniela Amodei, cofounder of Anthropic. In a timely and critical discussion, Amodei shared Anthropic’s unique approach to developing AI systems, emphasizing "Constitutional AI" and the imperative for responsible scaling. She articulated the dangers of unchecked AI development, from algorithmic bias to the potential for misuse, and outlined Anthropic’s commitment to building AI that is helpful, harmless, and honest. "It’s not enough to build powerful AI; we must build trustworthy AI," Amodei stressed, detailing the rigorous safety protocols and ethical frameworks embedded in Anthropic’s research and development. The session, moderated by WIRED’s AI editor, explored the challenges of alignment, the complexities of defining and measuring AI safety, and the ongoing dialogue with policymakers and the public to ensure AI benefits humanity as a whole. Her insights provided a sobering yet hopeful perspective on the future of advanced AI systems.
Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare: Securing the Internet’s Future
Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, took the stage to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of internet security, resilience, and the critical infrastructure that underpins our digital lives. In a world increasingly reliant on online connectivity, Prince’s insights into protecting against cyber threats, ensuring data privacy, and building a more robust internet were invaluable. He detailed Cloudflare’s efforts to defend against massive DDoS attacks, combat misinformation at the network edge, and leverage AI to predict and mitigate emerging threats. "The internet is under constant siege, but it’s also incredibly resilient," Prince explained, sharing how Cloudflare’s global network is designed to withstand even the most sophisticated attacks. The discussion, guided by WIRED’s cybersecurity correspondent, also explored the implications of quantum computing for encryption, the future of web standards, and the crucial role of open-source initiatives in fostering a more secure and decentralized internet. Prince’s vision for a faster, more reliable, and universally accessible internet left the audience with a renewed appreciation for the unseen guardians of our digital world.
Diogo Rau, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Eli Lilly (Sponsored by Omidyar Network): Digital Transformation in Life Sciences
Diogo Rau, the Chief Information and Digital Officer at Eli Lilly, offered a compelling look into the digital revolution sweeping through the pharmaceutical industry. In a session sponsored by the Omidyar Network, Rau detailed how AI, big data analytics, and digital platforms are fundamentally transforming drug discovery, clinical trials, and patient care. He discussed the enormous potential of personalized medicine, where data-driven insights allow for tailored treatments, and the ethical considerations involved in handling vast amounts of sensitive health data. "Digital is not just a support function; it’s at the core of how we innovate and deliver health solutions," Rau asserted, highlighting Eli Lilly’s strategic investments in advanced analytics and automation to accelerate therapeutic breakthroughs. The conversation, led by WIRED’s health tech editor, also covered the challenges of integrating legacy systems, fostering a culture of digital innovation within a highly regulated industry, and the promise of using AI to predict disease progression and optimize treatment protocols.
Michele L. Jawando, President, Omidyar Network (Sponsored by Omidyar Network): Tech for Good and Digital Rights
Rounding out the main speaker list, Michele L. Jawando, President of the Omidyar Network, delivered a powerful address on the critical importance of ethical technology and digital rights. Her session, also sponsored by the Omidyar Network, focused on the philanthropic organization’s mission to reshape technology to serve the public good. Jawando spoke passionately about combating misinformation, promoting responsible AI development, protecting user privacy, and ensuring that technology empowers rather than exploits individuals. "We have a moral imperative to build technology that respects human dignity and strengthens democratic institutions," Jawando declared, outlining Omidyar Network’s initiatives to support research, advocacy, and investment in ethical tech solutions. The discussion, facilitated by WIRED’s senior editor for policy, explored the societal impact of large tech platforms, the need for robust regulatory frameworks, and the role of civil society in holding technology companies accountable. Her insights underscored the urgent need for a human-centered approach to technological progress, advocating for a future where innovation is synonymous with equity and justice.
The Modern-Day Science Fair: Experiencing the Future
Beyond the intellectual feast on the main stage, the 2025 Big Interview’s modern-day science fair was a highlight for many attendees. This interactive zone was designed to bring theoretical discussions to life, offering hands-on demos and engaging experiences. Imagine stepping into a virtual reality lab showcasing the latest advancements in immersive training simulations for surgeons, or interacting with collaborative robots demonstrating their precision in manufacturing. One popular exhibit featured an AI-powered art generator that allowed attendees to co-create unique digital masterpieces in real-time, blurring the lines between human and artificial creativity. Another station showcased sustainable tech innovations, from biodegradable plastics derived from algae to advanced sensors monitoring urban air quality. The fair also included a "Future of Food" pavilion, with tastings of plant-based proteins developed through cellular agriculture and demonstrations of vertical farming technologies. Children and adults alike were captivated by drone racing simulators, augmented reality games, and interactive displays explaining complex scientific principles in an accessible and entertaining way. The science fair was a vibrant testament to the ingenuity of human innovation, providing a tangible glimpse into the technologies that are actively shaping our world.
The 2025 WIRED Big Interview Event was more than just a conference; it was a curated journey into the heart of innovation. It brought together diverse voices, fostered critical discussions, and provided a platform for experiencing the future firsthand. The profound insights shared by leaders like Lisa Su, Jon M. Chu, Daniela Amodei, Matthew Prince, Diogo Rau, and Michele L. Jawando, combined with the immersive experiences of the science fair, left attendees inspired, informed, and energized for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. As the world continues its rapid technological ascent, events like WIRED’s Big Interview serve as crucial touchstones, guiding the conversation and ensuring that progress is made with purpose and foresight.
