San Francisco hosted a powerhouse of innovation on December 4 as WIRED’s 2025 Big Interview event brought global visionaries to The Midway for a day of intensive dialogue and technological exploration. The summit transitioned beyond traditional conferences, blending high-stakes Q&A sessions led by veteran journalists with a hands-on “modern-day science fair” that showcased the tangible future of silicon, software, and social policy.
A Convergence of Innovation and Insight
The event transformed The Midway into a hub for critical thinking, where attendees engaged with live demonstrations and immersive experiences. By pairing industry titans with investigative rigor, the summit provided a granular look at the forces currently disrupting the global economy and the ethical frameworks governing emerging technologies.
Defining the Future: Key Speakers and Sessions
The 2025 lineup featured a diverse array of leaders spanning artificial intelligence, entertainment, and civic governance. Each session dissected the challenges of scaling innovation while maintaining societal stability.
Silicon and Artificial Intelligence Pioneers
- Lisa Su (CEO, AMD): Explored the evolving landscape of high-performance computing and the hardware demands of the AI era.
- Daniela Amodei (Cofounder, Anthropic): Discussed the safety protocols and competitive dynamics within the generative AI sector.
- Matthew Prince (CEO, Cloudflare): Analyzed the future of internet infrastructure and cybersecurity in an increasingly fragmented digital world.
Culture, Health, and Urban Leadership
- Jon M. Chu (Director, Wicked): Shared insights on the intersection of cinematic storytelling and advanced production technology.
- Eric Topol (Author, Super Agers): Presented a data-driven outlook on longevity and the role of AI in medical breakthroughs.
- Daniel Lurie (Mayor, San Francisco): Addressed the specific challenges of governing the world’s premier tech hub during a period of rapid transformation.
Policy, Finance, and Social Advocacy
- Jeremy Allaire (CEO, Circle): Evaluated the trajectory of digital currencies and the institutionalization of blockchain technology.
- David Hogg (Gun-Safety Advocate): Detailed the tactical shift in modern activism and the role of youth-led movements in legislative change.
- Michele L. Jawando (President, Omidyar Network): Examined the impact of philanthropic capital on global social equity.
The Intersection of Governance and Emerging Tech
A specialized panel explored the friction between legacy government systems and disruptive software engineering. This session featured Leland Dudek (former Social Security Administration commissioner), George Foote (US Institute of Peace counsel), and Sahil Lavingia (Founder of Gumroad and former DOGE software engineer), who debated the efficiency of applying private-sector tech mentalities to public institutions.
The event concluded with a deep dive into digital tools and media integrity featuring Alex Komoroske (CEO, Common Tools) and Mike Masnick (Editor, Techdirt), who analyzed the tools necessary to navigate the modern information ecosystem.
