Our partnership with BBD, which began in 2019, continues to be a source of inspiration for us. The team at BBD did the most to make the Esc@pe 2023 Conference valuable and interesting. The event was a testament to the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, illustrating how their intersection moves innovative ideas forward.
In this era where innovation and accessibility are so important, we're reminded not to merely chase the next big thing, but to consider how these advancements can enhance our lives and benefit all. The Esc@pe 2023 conference kept to the theme with talks that encouraged innovators that by simply safeguarding technology, making it inclusive and allowing equal access to technology we can drive effective progress. The conference boasted the exploration of cutting-edge innovations, discovering emerging trends, and networking with industry leaders. The global event was held in seven cities, offering in-person and online attendance options. For the first time, Esc@pe 2023 welcomed technologists beyond BBD.
Sheena O’Connell, our tech wizard CTO at Umuzi, shared an inspiring story of resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. At Umuzi we pride ourselves in our unique educational approach and we found ourselves with 250 learners in need of support. Sheena and our remarkable team swiftly responded by creating Tilde, a custom-built, "Kanban"-style remote learning platform that kept learners organized and engaged, even through mobile devices. At Umuzi, our commitment to reducing inequality through digital education shines through in our ability to transform challenges into opportunities.
In addition to this insightful conference, Phindi, a member of our Alumni Council, delivered an inspiring talk on drawing inspiration from others to unlock new pathways of learning and professional growth for developers. Her journey from a young tech enthusiast with us, to a creative innovator in the industry, underscores the importance of embracing unique ideas and exploring new creative horizons.
From Prometheus to GPT, technology has continually improved our lives. Yet, as we make strides forward, we must remain mindful of the ethical implications of our creations. The prevailing theme of the BBD conference was a reminder to preserve our humanity in the midst of technological innovation. Our focus should be on creating solutions that elevate the human experience and solve unique problems.
Our partnership with BBD continues to invigorate us, reminding us of the limitless potential at the intersection of humanity and technology. As we navigate this exciting landscape, at Umuzi we are committed to fostering innovation while keeping our shared humanity at the forefront of our endeavours. It's a path toward a brighter future for all.
We cannot wait to see what the team at BBD has in store for us next year!