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Celebrating INSEAD's Five-Year Journey in North America

In early February 2025, INSEAD, known as The Business School for the World, celebrated a significant milestone—the fifth anniversary of its San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation. This celebration coincided with the second Americas Conference, bringing together over 250 leaders in business, government, and academia to discuss pressing issues at the intersection of business, technology, and humanity.

The conference, held from February 7-8, revolved around the thought-provoking theme, "The Future is Now: Bridging Business, Technology, and Humanity." This event underscored INSEAD's commitment to fostering dialogue about the profound changes in the business landscape driven by technology.

The opening ceremony featured a vibrant lion dance led by key figures including Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, and Vic Woo, Senior Director of the San Francisco Hub. The festivities highlighted the importance of celebrating achievements, especially in the face of rapid technological advancements.

Throughout the conference, the central discussion focused on how to harness artificial intelligence (AI) effectively while maintaining a commitment to human-centric values. Topics of debate included moving beyond the hype surrounding AI, embracing disruption, and the necessity for organization-wide training that empowers employees to adapt and innovate. Dean Francisco Veloso remarked on the significance of the occasion, noting that this five-year milestone reflects the resilience and vision of INSEAD as a leader in business education and innovation. He stated, "By celebrating our San Francisco Hub's excellence, we affirm our dedication to making a lasting impact in North America."

A Legacy of Impact

The past five years have seen the San Francisco Hub emerge as a significant player in the local and regional business ecosystem through a multitude of initiatives. Key achievements include:

• - 2020: The official inauguration of the San Francisco Hub aimed to integrate cutting-edge technology and innovative education into INSEAD's global outreach.
• - 2021: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hub adapted by hosting virtual sessions that strengthened connections among alumni and business leaders across North America, reinforcing its role as a vital knowledge center.
• - 2021: The inaugural Master in Management class commenced, featuring a diverse group of 21 students benefiting from global exchanges and expert insights.
• - 2022: Custom programs tailored for U.S. companies were expanded, offering enhanced executive education opportunities and immersive experiences in Silicon Valley.
• - 2023: The Hub hosted its first Americas Conference, addressing sustainable innovation's impact on society while launching the INSEAD Business Sustainability Series.
• - 2024: Collaboration with esteemed institutions solidified its global influence, establishing the Hub as a go-to center for learning and exchange.
• - 2025: The Hub proudly serves over 4,000 U.S.-based alumni, contributing to thought leadership and professional growth.

Highlights from the 2025 Americas Conference

Among the many notable announcements was the launch of the INSEAD Institute of Human and Machine Intelligence, aimed at exploring technology's implications for society. Under the leadership of Dean of Research Lily Fang, the Institute seeks to stay at the forefront of technological developments while evaluating their societal impacts.

Additionally, the AI-First Entrepreneurship Lab was introduced, envisioned to support global entrepreneurs in launching high-growth startups through an acceleration program focused on AI best practices. This initiative offers mentorship and resources, further bridging the gap between business and technology.

A significant moment during the conference was the declaration of February 7 as 'INSEAD Day' by San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. This declaration celebrates the role of INSEAD in fostering innovative policies and initiatives, helping San Francisco solidify its status as a global hub for business and technology.

Moreover, the Second INSEAD Business Sustainability Award was presented to alumni making strides in aligning business success with sustainability. Honorees included:

• - Paul Manwell of TC Labs, advocating for AI in reducing energy consumption in heavy industries.
• - Georgina Grenon, working on sustainability for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
• - Zach Brown from Japan, transforming rice production with satellite technology.
• - Rafael Zanardo Nascimento at Lemon Energy, promoting affordable renewable energy access in Brazil.

As the conference concluded, the enthusiasm for INSEAD's future endeavors in North America was palpable. With innovative programs and a commitment to excellence, INSEAD continues to shape the landscape of business education and leadership, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders in the global economy.

For more in-depth insights and updates from the INSEAD San Francisco Hub for Business Innovation, please visit their official website.