The Future Debates

June 24 - 25, 2009, Cambridge Council Chambers

The Future Debates are comprised of four events entitled The Earth Debate, The Communication Debate, The Life Debate and The Machine Debate.

Each Debate will be led by a Chairman accompanied by expert witnesses, for and against each of the topics for debate. The debates will focus on the most contentious issues emerging from each theme and will look to find a consensus resolution for the future within an interactive environment where all attending can participate freely. 

Presentations from some of the most exciting and disruptive companies from each sector will serve to support either side of each of the debates. Companies will be chosen from the Library House databases which include rigorously selected groups of private companies, deemed to represent the hottest prospects for the future.

The four debates will close with shortlisted ‘Future Prize' finalists competing for cash prizes of £20,000 each plus access to serviced offices in a corresponding Innovation Centres for a year. Each Debate will deliberate a winner who will then be announced on the conference stage at a FutureFest Grand Finale at the end of the Festival.