Amanda Razani speaks with Chris Shaw, CMO of NTT Research, about the Upgrade 2025 conference, key announcements, the latest technology advancements and research being showcased, and the top focus of business leaders attending the conference.
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At the Upgrade 2025 conference, Chris Shaw, CMO of NTT Research, shared key announcements and insights into how the company is paving the way for future innovations through foundational research. NTT Research, based in Sunnyvale, California, operates similarly to historical institutions like Bell Labs, focusing on deep scientific work in fields such as cryptography, photonics, and medical informatics. Shaw emphasized that today’s technological breakthroughs often begin with fundamental research—such as the kind that led to the large language models (LLMs) currently dominating the AI space.
One major highlight of the conference was the announcement of the translated publication on “IOWN”—Innovative Optical and Wireless Network—NTT’s long-term vision for a photonics-based networking infrastructure. Shaw explained how IOWN was conceptualized as a more sustainable alternative to traditional electronic networks, especially in light of the energy demands of modern AI systems. While full-scale implementation will take years and involve rebuilding key infrastructure components, the transition has already begun, particularly within data centers. Shaw likened this evolution to the gradual shift from dial-up internet to 5G, predicting that IOWN will become standard infrastructure over time.
Another significant development was the unveiling of a new AI-based video inference chip, designed for high-definition facial recognition with built-in privacy protections. This technology blends advancements in AI and cryptography to ensure that while cameras can enhance safety and security in public spaces, individual privacy remains intact. The chip uses encrypted data to mask identities unless a specific infraction requires a targeted reveal. Shaw pointed out that this could prevent misuse of surveillance footage—like unauthorized sharing from doorbell cameras—while still providing authorities with necessary tools when genuinely required.
Finally, NTT Research announced the launch of a fourth lab focused on the physics of artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to peer inside the AI “black box” to better understand how these systems make decisions, with the goal of making AI more reliable and ethically sound. At the conference, which Shaw compared to a modern-day World’s Fair, attendees included technologists, journalists, investors, and business leaders—all exploring how fundamental research shapes both existing and emerging technologies. Shaw’s takeaway message emphasized the collaboration between creative and process-driven minds as essential to turning bold ideas into practical realities that move society forward.
