For many in our science, research and technology communities, science fiction has been a source of inspiration for breakthrough innovations. Star Trek inspired Martin Cooper to invent the first cell phone, for example. And Jules Verne’s writings led to the invention of the submarine and the helicopter.

On May 20, MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest hosts a three-part exploration of the fascinating intersection between science fiction and reality — featuring nationally and internationally renowned publishers, authors and researchers— Science Fiction, Catalyst for Reality.

Part 1: Jason Pontin, Greg Bear, Nancy Kress
The evening begins with a fireside chat led by Jason Pontin, editor-in-chief and publisher of MIT Technology Review and its special science fiction anthology, Twelve Tomorrows.

Jason joins award-winning science fiction authors and visionaries Greg Bear and Nancy Kress to explore science fiction’s awe-inspiring vision of the future and its impact on reality.

Part 2: Paul Yager
Prominent University of Washington scientist, Paul Yager, follows with a brief TEDx-type talk. Paul is a self-acclaimed child of the future who credits Star Trek and his collection of science fiction literature with influencing his work.

 

Part 3: Rick Rashid
Rick Rashid, Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Applications and Services Division concludes the evening with an inspiring and thought-provoking presentation all about executing the vision and turning science fiction into reality.

 

Event Details and Registration

Join us to discover how the writers of today influence our leading scientists and researchers in creating the reality of tomorrow.

Science Fiction: Catalyst for Reality will be held on Microsoft’s Redmond campus in Building 99, Room 1919 on May 20, from 5:30 to 8:30. Advance tickets are $49 for general audience ($39 for a block of ten tickets) and $29 for students.

Register here!

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About MIT Technology Review

MIT Technology Review’s mission is to equip audiences with the intelligence to understand a world shaped by technology. The company, which is wholly owned by MIT, creates award-winning technology-related editorial content on a variety of platforms for an audience of millions of business leaders, innovators, and thought leaders, in six languages and in 147 countries. At www.technologyreview.com, readers access daily news and analysis, and the award-winning MIT Technology Review magazine has set the standard for technology publications since 1899. In addition to producing engaging live events, the company manages the global entrepreneurial organization MIT Enterprise Forum.

 

About MIT Enterprise Forum 

MIT Enterprise Forum is a global organization of dedicated professionals with local chapters, affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) through MIT Technology Review. We help early-stage technology entrepreneurs succeed faster through relevant programming and practical content to help them tackle real-world challenges. We are open to and engage all participants of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The local chapter is MIT Enterprise Forum Northwest (www.mitefnorthwest.org).