IEEE Seminar on Universal Affordable Access in the Age of Intelligence—Power the Mind, Machines, and Mankind
Welcome to IEEE Seminar
Spark to Synapse: Universal Affordable Access in the Age of Intelligence—Power the Mind, Machines, and Mankind
Presented by Lawrence Jones, Ecosystem Builder, Energy Nexus Entrepreneur, Brain Capitalisy
Abstract: We stand at the precipice of an unprecedented societal shift driven by the collision of four converging eras: the rise of brain capital, the expansion of electricity, the dominance of artificial intelligence, and the ubiquity of hyperconnectivity. To navigate this new frontier, we must harmonize three distinct dimensions of intelligence: Human Intelligence (HI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Real Intelligence (RI)—the synergistic fusion of HI and AI. When these intelligences interact dynamically, they ignite the fundamental spark for human creativity, invention, and breakthrough innovation.
At the center of this evolution is the power of human curiosity and the questions we dare to ask. By looking at complex systems, like the human brain and our global energy grids, we face a profound engineering challenge: Can we design energy systems that match the unmatched energy efficiency of the biological mind? As these technological ages converge, the demand for resources (e.g., electricity, water, critical minerals, land) will surge exponentially. Addressing this requires a new framework for "trusted electrification," built on six interrelated pillars: affordability, accessibility, adaptability, availability, predictability, and reliability.
This talk bridges the gap between neuroscience and electrical engineering, offering a radical new paradigm for the future of infrastructure. For researchers, investors, inventors and operators of electricity and other critical infrastructures, this session highlights the grand challenges and massive market opportunities ahead. It is a call to action to solve the urgent engineering problems of our time, ensuring that the Age of Intelligence delivers universal, affordable access that sustainably powers our machines while unlocking the limitless potential of mankind.
This presentation will directly address three critical questions:
- How can we engineer an energy grid that mirrors the ultra-efficient architecture of the human brain?
- In what ways can electric utilities, researchers, and tech innovators collaborate to ensure resource scalability as AI and hyperconnectivity demand more power?
- How do we protect and grow global brain capital to ensure that AI elevates human intelligence and agency rather than diminishing it?
BIO:
Lawrence Jones is an award-winning, polymathic thought leader, author, and practitioner with over twenty-five years of experience in the energy industry. He is an ecosystem builder, energy nexus entrepreneur and a brain capitalist. Mr. Jones is involved with several initiatives, including the Institute for Global Electrification, NOTORA Ventures, and Enervores Global Advisory. He is founder and host of Influential Minds; the founder and host of Minds Across the Vineyard: A Community Forum on Brain Health & the Brain Economy; and the co-author of a forthcoming book on rebuilding trust in the world. He is a fellow of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, a member of the Global Board of the World Resources Institute, and a non-resident Senior Associate in Energy and National Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He also serves on the board of several companies. Mr. Jones was previously Senior Vice President of International Programs at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Under his leadership, EEI’s International Programs grew to over 65 member companies with operations in over 90 countries. Prior to that he held management positions at ALSTOM USA, worked on special projects for ABB in Sweden, and was a research scientist at EDF in France. In 2000, while at KTH, he cofounded the International Workshop on Large-Scale Integration of Wind Power and Transmission Networks for Offshore Wind Farms. He holds several patents for technologies that enhance situational awareness for operators in control centers. Mr. Jones was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia. He received his M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and his Ph.D. in Power Systems Engineering from the KTH.
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- Teknikringen 33
- Stockhom, Stockholms lan
- Sweden 11428
- Room Number: Ivar Herlitz
- Starts 12 October 2026 10:00 PM UTC
- Ends 21 October 2026 11:00 AM UTC
- No Admission Charge