The Consumer Technology Association has continued its commitment to driving diversity in tech, after announcing a $10 million funding commitment on stage at CES 2019. The multi-million commitment goes to venture firms and funds that invest in women, people of color, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the first-ever, all-digital CES 2021 made history as the largest digital tech event. Almost 2000 companies unveiled next-gen innovation for a better future.
“The all-digital CES 2021 engaged the global tech community to experience innovation, make connections and conduct business,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “CES showed how the pandemic accelerated the arc of innovation and illustrated the resilience and innovative spirit of our industry. From the latest innovations for the home and entertainment, and advances in 5G, vehicle technology, AI and digital health, the technologies at CES 2021 will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
Mary Barra, chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM), launched product lines from GM, including the Cadillac eVTOL, a concept air taxi; and a new business unit devoted to electrifying the goods delivery market.
Dr. Lisa Su, president and CEO of AMD, revealed the new Ryzen 5000 series mobile processors with two categories – the H-series, for laptops intended for gaming and content creation and the U-series, for ultraportable notebooks.
Corie Barry, CEO of Best Buy, shared how the company shifted during the pandemic and put the customer in control of buying, whether from home, curbside, or in person.
The Global Tech Challenge, launched at CES 2020, in partnership with the World Bank and CTA, rewards tech solutions in three areas: digital health in East Africa, resilience in India, and gender equality around the world. The selected winners were announced from more than 1000 applications, with three winners selected for gender equality, 10 for resilience, and 17 for digital health.
CES 2021 kicked off Jan. 11 with Media Day, featuring 19 press conferences with companies including Bosch, Canon, Caterpillar, Hisense, Intel, LG Electronics, Mercedes-Benz, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics, and Sony breaking news and launching products.
Trends from Media Day focused on “the home” with innovation that personalizes work, health, and entertainment at home, as well as advancements in transportation and mobility.
Exhibiting companies included tech giants, such as Intel, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics, and Sony, as well as non-traditional tech companies, from AARP to Bridgestone, Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge, John Deere, L’Oréal, Moen, and Procter & Gamble.
“The industry came together digitally at CES 2021. This was a medium for companies to make announcements, launch products, and connect with their audiences,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, CES. “The all-digital format brought new voices to the tech conversation.”
New companies exhibiting at CES 2021 included ASUS, BioIntelliSense, Bose, Sono Motors, and Volvo Penta.
Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard, and Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, predicted tech trends they expect to see over the next decade.
Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart, discussed ways 5G, AI and robotics will change the business; how Walmart pivoted to keep employees healthy and customers satisfied, and the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, gave his vision on ensuring cybersecurity and customer privacy protection, and discussed the tech industry’s responsibility to exercise our conscience.
Michael Kassan, chairman and CEO of MediaLink, and Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, described the ever-evolving entertainment industry and what the industry will look like in a post-pandemic world.
Maverick Carter, CEO of The Springhill Co.; Adrienne Lofton, VP, North America Marketing, NIKE; and Deborah Wahl, Global CMO of General Motors, discussed how marketers and brands are adjusting and creating in today’s landscape.
Key Themes at CES 2021
The heads of privacy at Amazon, Google, and Twitter discussed new privacy regulations and the need to increase consumer trust, stating that tech companies must give users more control over their data.
NASA was joined by leaders from Lockheed Martin and Space Tango to discuss technology’s role in accelerating space research and breakthroughs that will benefit all of humanity.
Government leaders and policymakers from the U.S. and around the globe participated in the all-digital CES 2021, sharing their insight into the future of innovation. Policymakers included Director-Designate of the U.S. National Economic Council for the incoming Biden administration Brian Dreese.
CES 2021 was truly a global event, with attendees joining from over 150 countries and over 1300 exhibitors coming from outside the United States, including more than 530 international startups.
Country Group Organizers brought large delegations of exhibitors included Canada, France, Israel, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. CES 2021 featured startups from Nigeria and Russia for the first time.
The CES conference program showcased more than 100 hours of programming. Sessions covered pressing topics including privacy, the future of AI and health care, autonomous transportation, trends in retail and tech policy.
Content can be accessed on-demand through Feb. 15, 2021. CES 2022 will take place in person in Las Vegas, and digitally, Jan. 5-8, 2022.
