Data scientist Gautier Krings explores how telecom data is used to improve living conditions in developing countries. Subscribers are spending on average ninety minutes per day on their phones. Never before has so much unbiased and real-time information been available to make social development decisions. Telecom data is an opportunity for developing nations; combined with the right apps, they can address issues like fighting epidemics, urban planning or reducing poverty.

Gautier is Chief Scientist at Real Impact Analytics, where he leads the research and innovation agenda. Real Impact Analytics is a Belgian startup developing analytical solutions for telecom operators, with a strong focus on emerging markets. Prior to joining Real Impact, Gautier was a researcher at Catholic University of Louvain (UCL) and MIT. He holds a PhD from UCL in Applied Mathematics, and is an invited lecturer in its School of Engineering, where he teaches Data Science.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx