Program

Norway Summit is the premier knowledge-sharing conference of Norway Chess, one of the world’s strongest and most innovative chess tournaments. Since 2016, Norway Summit has brought together world-leading thinkers, innovators, investors, and decision-makers to explore the intersection of technology, innovation, and economics.

This year, under the theme "The Next Move," we tackle the pressing question:
How do we navigate uncertainty and shape a better future?

What’s the common thread?
Norway Summit is built around the idea of strategic decision-making, how we can anticipate challenges, seizeopportunities, and shape the future. Drawing inspiration from chess as ametaphor for foresight and planning, the program explores how these principlesapply to technology, economics, healthcare, leadership, and global trends.

‍Join us on June 4th in Stavanger for a day of thought-provoking discussions, forward-looking insights, and networking opportunities.
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Meet some of this year's speakers:

JAMES altucher

Bringing his trademark of wit and curiosity, James Altucher will serve as this year’s moderator. A serial entrepreneur, angel investor, bestselling author, and chess master, Altucher’s experience spans tech, finance, and media, making him the perfect guide for thought-provoking discussions.
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Read more about James Altucher here.

ISHITA BARUA

Dr. Ishita Barua is a medical doctor and AI in medicine researcher, focusing on the intersection of technology and healthcare. Her work explores how artificial intelligence can revolutionize medicine, from diagnostics to patient care, shaping the future of healthcare.

Talk: AI Can Save Lives, but Can It Preserve Humanity?
‍AI is transforming healthcare, improving diagnostics, and personalizing treatments, but it also raises critical ethical questions about the balance between technology and human empathy. Dr. Ishita Barua will explore how we can harness AI’s potential while ensuring it enhances, rather than replaces, the human connection in medicine.

Leontxo García

A leading voice in the chess world, Leontxo García has spent decades as a journalist, commentator, and advocate for chess education. His passion for the game has helped bring chess to new audiences, making strategy and intelligence accessible to all.

Talk:
Chess has played a pivotal role in the evolution of artificial intelligence, from early experiments by Turing and Shannon to Deep Blue’s historic victory over Kasparov and the groundbreaking discoveries of DeepMind’s AlphaFold. Leontxo García will reveal how chess has not only shaped AI research but also contributed to major scientific advancements in fields like medicine and other fields.

anna rosling rönnlund

As the co-founder of the Gapminder Foundation and co-author of Factfulness, Anna Rosling Rönnlund is on a mission to change how we see the world through data. Her innovative work helps people understand global trends in a more accurate and engaging way.
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Talk: Seeing the World as It Really Is – Factfulness in an Age of Change
‍Our world is changing fast, but our understanding often lags behind. In this engaging and eye-opening lecture, Anna Rosling Rönnlund explores the hidden biases and outdated assumptions that shape our worldview. Using clear data, vivid visuals, and real-world examples, she reveals how we can replace fear-driven misconceptions with a fact-based perspective.

With insights from Factfulness and 25 years of experience, she provides practical tools to think critically, make better decisions, and see the world as it truly is, more connected, more hopeful, and full of opportunities.

Read more about Anna Rosling Rönnlund here.

OLA KVALØY

Ola Kvaløy is a renowned economist and professor, currently serving as the Dean of the University of Stavanger’s Business School. His expertise lies in incentives, economic behavior and organization, and he has been published in top journals like American Economic Review and Journal of Labor Economics.

Talk:
The key to a thriving economy lies in smart industrial and financial policies rooted in sound economic principles. This talk will focus on how economic incentives, regulatory frameworks, and investment conditions can foster long-term competitiveness. What policies create the right incentives for businesses to grow and adapt? How can Norway balance market forces and state involvement to ensure sustainable value creation?

Viswanathan Anand

A true legend in the chess world, Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand is a five-time World Chess Champion and Deputy President of FIDE. His impact on the game extends beyond competition, shaping the future of chess education and strategy worldwide.

Thorir Hergeirsson

One of the most accomplished coaches in handball history, Thorir Hergeirsson led Norway’s women’s national team to multiple international championships over 15 years. His leadership insights extend beyond sports, offering valuable lessons in teamwork, motivation, and high-performance culture.

In this talk, Hergeirsson will share lessons on building high-performance teams and cultures.