Annual Conference | MIT Kuo Sharper Center for Prosperity and Entrepreneurship

300+ Attendees
Insightful Panels
Engaging Workshops
Networking Opportunities

Each spring, the MIT Kuo Sharper Center hosts its annual flagship conference, bringing together over 300 global ecosystem players to our home in Cambridge, MA.

From policymakers and investors to entrepreneurs and industry experts, attendees come from around the world to explore bold, innovative solutions driving prosperity across global growth markets.

The conference features insightful panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking—creating a space where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and the future of impactful entrepreneurship is shaped.

Countries Represented by Attendees in 2025

This year, we welcomed over 80 speakers and panelists to our conference, including Vice President and Minister of Finance for the Republic of Botswana H.H. Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering and co-founder of Moderna Noubar Afeyan, and John C. Head III (Interim) Dean Dr. Georgia Perakis, MIT Sloan School of Management. The sessions covered critical topics such as harnessing AI for achieving prosperity in global growth markets, strategies for new capital models, and redefining the narrative of today's fastest-growing economies.

H.H. Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe

Vice President of the Republic of Botswana

Dr. Georgia Perakis

John C Head III Dean (Interim), MIT Sloan School of Management

Noubar Afeyan

Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering. Co-founder of Moderna

Dina H. Sherif

Executive Director, MIT Kuo Sharper Center

H.E. Sayasat Nurbek

Minister of Science and Higher Education, Kazakhstan

Adam Sharkawy

Founder, Material Impact

See the Full list of our 2025 speakers and panelists

The Innovation in Global Growth Markets conference fosters numerous networking opportunities, enabling attendees to engage in productive side meetings and collaborative discussions.

In-person and Virtual Attendees

The conference also fostered a strong sense of community and pride among the Center’s fellows, partners, and stakeholders, solidifying the Center's position as a thought leader within MIT and the global development space.

By bringing together a diverse range of voices and perspectives, the conference successfully expanded the Center’s reach, increasing its visibility and reinforcing its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and innovators worldwide. As the Center looks forward to building on this momentum, the event marked a significant step in its mission to drive sustainable development and prosperity through entrepreneurship and innovation.

View our 2025 Conference Photo Gallery

Ridzki Kramadibrata

Commissioner, Grab Indonesia

"From engaging in public panel discussions to sharing insights in the classroom and having meaningful one-on-one sessions with the Legatum Fellows, community, and Indonesian MIT students, it's been an enriching experience...I’m grateful and excited to be part of the commemorative events by the Legatum Center!"

Maria Fernanda de Velasco Septien

'16 Student Fellow

"The Legatum Center was instrumental in my journey, particularly after my MBA. Without the support and resources provided by the Center, continuing with Play Business would have been a much steeper challenge. For this, I am deeply grateful...I am eager to maintain and strengthen my connection with the Legatum community as I would love to give back in any way I can and help foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Chizitere "Chizi" Obioha

'24 Student Fellow

"I am immensely grateful to you all for an epic year and events of lasting memories and for gifting me the opportunity to build, learn, and grow alongside you. Thank you also to all our supporters, advisors, friends, and advocates, especially The Legatum Partners, who brought this dream to reality. The journey continues."

Bunmi Akinyemiju

Partner at GreenHouse Capital Africa

"I was incredibly impressed with The Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT...It's rare to find a US university that is deliberate and focused on Growth Markets (such as Africa) + Innovation as a pathway to Prosperity. So, we LOVE these guys already!"

Bolanle Austen-Peters

'23 Foundry Fellow

"It was indeed an honour and a privilege to be a part of this conference.
It was also such a blessing to see everyone again."

Tolu Ladele

Sloan MBA 2024

"I’m a 2nd year MBA here at MIT, Excited to be here at the Legatum Conference. MIT is a school of very entrepreneurial and innovative people. So I'm glad that the Legatum Center has hosted this conference to discuss ways to support Africa."

Anderson Pereira

'23 Student Fellow

"As a student fellow and founder at Kapitale in Brazil, I can confidently say that the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT played an instrumental role in our journey as founders and entrepreneurs. A heartfelt thank you to the Legatum Center for its invaluable support and "for events like this!

David Capodilupo

Assistant Dean for MIT Sloan Management's Global Programs

"I am the Assistant Dean of Global programs, The Legatum Center and Global Programs have had a close relationship, and we try and build bridges with each other, not just among ourselves, but among the institute. What Dina is doing, Fiona, and Phil, the whole team is just amazing. I’m proud to work at MIT and this part of our mission and our values to improve the world, and the entrepreneurial way to do this with the Legatum Fellows is something that is very unique."