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Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The complete agenda for TechCrunch Sessions: AI unveiled
It's been a couple of years since our last topic-focused, one-day event — but with AI transforming the tech landscape, we couldn't miss the chance to gather 1,200 founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone shaping the future of AI for a deep dive into what's next. On June 5 in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley, TechCrunch Sessions: AI lands right at the intersection of startups and the rapidly evolving AI boom. If you're building in tech and want to get smart on where the industry stands — and where it's headed — this is the room to be in. Book your Early Bird Pass today to save up to $210 on your ticket — book your team, and save even more. Onstage will be the minds shaping AI today — including Anthropic co-founder Jared Kaplan, Databricks co-founder Ion Stoica, top execs from ElevenLabs and DeepMind, and investors from Accel, CapitalG, Khosla Ventures, and NEA. Offstage, connect with the founders, scientists, and engineers building what's next in AI. And don't miss hands-on breakout sessions with OpenAI, Cohere, and the Global Innovation Forum. This is just the beginning — more announcements coming soon on the event agenda page! So, without further ado, here's your look at the full agenda and the innovators driving the AI revolution. The Frontier of AI: A Fireside Chat with Anthropic Co-founder Jared KaplanJared Kaplan (Anthropic) In this fireside chat, Anthropic co-founder and chief science officer Jared Kaplan will share his vision for how AI will transform the way humans interact with computers, work, and one another. In what's expected to be a wide-ranging conversation, he'll discuss how leading labs are advancing AI models — and what's on the horizon for the tech industry. Kaplan will also delve into Anthropic's efforts to build superintelligent AI systems, offer his predictions on AGI, and share how he believes society should prepare for the future. From Seed to Series C: What VCs Want to See from FoundersJill Chase (CapitalG), Kanu Gulati (Khosla Ventures), and Sara Ittelson (Accel) AI has dominated venture funding, with investments soaring 62% to $110 billion in 2024 — even as overall startup funding declined. But slapping 'AI' onto a pitch deck isn't enough. As the hype around foundation models fades, investors are focusing on real-world applications, AI agents, and sustainable business models. In this talk, top VCs will share what it truly takes to secure funding at every stage — from seed to Series C — and what they're looking for in AI startups now. A Focus on AI Ethics and Safety with Ion Stoica and Artemis SeafordArtemis Seaford (ElevenLabs) and Ion Stoica (UC Berkeley) Artemis Seaford, head of AI safety at ElevenLabs, joins Databricks co-founder and executive chairman Ion Stoica for a panel spotlighting the ethical and safety issues surrounding AI today. The two will discuss deepfakes — an increasingly hot topic as AI tools become cheaper and easier to use — as well as potential mitigations to help developers and companies deploy AI more responsibly. So You Think You Can Pitch? Witness three promising early-stage startups pitch to impress a panel of VC judges, who will provide valuable feedback. This is your chance to hear diverse pitch angles and gain insights from VC leaders on what they look for in viable startups. How Founders Can Build on Existing Foundational ModelsLogan Kilpatrick (Google DeepMind) and Jae Lee (TwelveLabs) AI models are evolving at lightning speed — it feels like there's a new, more powerful one every week. In this session, we'll talk with leading AI companies about how startups can leverage foundation models to build innovative solutions. With the fast pace of change, we'll dive into how to stay ahead of the curve and grow alongside the AI industry. How to Launch a Product Against Entrenched IncumbentsOliver Cameron (Odyssey) and Ann Bordetsky (NEA) Breaking through in the AI sector can be tough, especially with well-funded incumbents leading the charge. But that doesn't mean new companies can't succeed. In this session, founders from breakout AI startups will share how they've managed to thrive and outmaneuver the industry's toughest competition. These interactive Q&A sessions are still being added to the TC Sessions: AI agenda. Below are a few highlights of what you can expect. Be sure to for the latest updates. Building Your AI Engine: How OpenAI Works with StartupsHao Sang (OpenAI) In the fast-evolving AI landscape, startups can gain a competitive edge by collaborating closely with model providers. Join Hao Sang from OpenAI's Startups Team for a session that demystifies OpenAI's resources for startups, from technical guidance to advanced model access. Learn how feedback from startups shapes OpenAI's roadmap, ensuring that their products evolve to meet your needs. Behind Your Firewall: Secure Generative AI for Regulated EnterprisesYann Stoneman (Cohere) Have you ever wondered how to use advanced generative AI in healthcare or finance without worrying about data privacy? Join this interactive breakout session, where Yann Stoneman, staff solutions architect at Cohere, and three expert panelists will lead a 50-minute discussion. You'll learn how to deploy secure, customized AI models on your own infrastructure — no external cloud needed — through real-world use cases from Cohere's North (an agentic AI workspace) and Compass (multimodal retrieval) platforms. Walk away with practical tips for navigating compliance challenges, unlocking internal data safely, and delivering tangible value through private AI systems. Expect a dynamic session filled with demos, Q&A, and audience interaction that will empower you to build AI solutions behind your own firewall. The AI Policy Playbook: What Global Startups Need to KnowHua Wang (Global Innovation Forum) AI is revolutionizing how startups operate, but navigating policy, regulation, and global expansion still presents challenges. This breakout session will explore how startups can leverage AI-driven tools for digital trade, compliance, and scaling across borders. Attendees will gain insights into the key policies shaping AI startups, strategies for navigating data regulations, and how to use AI to drive international growth. Whether you're a founder, investor, or policymaker, this session will provide actionable takeaways to turn AI into a competitive advantage in a rapidly changing global landscape. This is just the start — we'll be adding even more exciting deep-dive sessions into the AI ecosystem to the TC Sessions: AI agenda. Don't miss your chance to dive into these discussions and get your questions answered by some of the biggest names in AI. Plus, save $210 with Early Bird rates! Register now before ticket prices increase. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet the new Audience Choice winners to lead breakouts at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
You voted. They rose to the top! Meet the two Audience Choice winners who'll take the breakout stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley to share their insights with 1,200 AI leaders and enthusiasts. We sifted through hundreds of Call for Content submissions and narrowed them down to six standout finalists. Your votes crowned two winners — and now they're ready to share their cutting-edge AI insights live. Yann Stoneman, staff solutions architect at Cohere: Behind Your Firewall: Secure Generative AI for Regulated Enterprises Hua Wang, executive director at Global Innovation Forum: The AI Policy Playbook: What Global Startups Need to Know Session: Ever wonder how to use cutting-edge generative AI in healthcare or finance — without sweating over data privacy? Join Yann for a lively breakout session at TC Sessions: AI. Alongside three expert panelists, Yann will guide an interactive, 50-minute conversation packed with real-world use cases from Cohere's North (agentic AI workspace) and Compass (multimodal retrieval). You'll get practical strategies for deploying secure, customized AI models on your own infrastructure — no external cloud required. Expect hands-on demos, live Q&A, and insights that'll help you build AI solutions safely and confidently, right behind your firewall. About Yann Stoneman: Yann Stoneman is a staff solutions architect at Cohere, where he helps enterprises deploy secure, customizable AI powered by next-gen foundation models. Previously at AWS, he supported large-scale AI adoption and debuted an AI demo at re:Invent 2023. Yann is a trusted partner for seamless integration and user-friendly AI design. His expertise has been featured at Generative AI World and Voices of Data Science, and on the blogs of Cohere and AWS. He holds a BA from the Juilliard School. Session: AI gives startups an edge, but regulation can slow them down. This breakout dives into how founders can stay compliant and competitive while scaling globally. Learn how to tap into AI tools for digital trade, navigate evolving data laws, and unlock new markets. We'll cover the policies shaping the future of AI startups and offer real-world strategies to help you expand without the red tape. If you're building, investing in, or regulating AI, this session delivers the insights you need to lead with confidence. About Hua Wang: Hua leads the Global Innovation Forum (GIF), where she builds bridges between diverse entrepreneurs and the global economy. At GIF, she drives inclusive strategies for trade and digital policy, partnering with business leaders, nonprofits, and international institutions like the World Trade Organization and the UN to unlock global opportunities for underrepresented voices. From launching a telemedicine startup to helping startups raise $20 million+ as an accelerator director, Hua's career spans entrepreneurship, law, tech, and policy. She's also served as an entrepreneur-in-residence across Chile, Malaysia, and the U.S. A former attorney and banker, Hua holds degrees from Duke and Northwestern Law — and a deep belief in innovation as a driver of global growth. AI is moving fast — and so should you. Learn how to build behind your firewall with Yann Stoneman and unlock global markets with Hua Wang — two of the audience-chosen breakout leaders you won't want to miss. Save up to $210 on your pass, or bring a crew and save even more. Head to the agenda to see what's in store and grab your ticket before prices jump. Go beyond attending — exhibit your brand and innovation in front of 1,200 top AI minds. Space is limited, so don't miss your chance to make an impact! Grab your exhibit table here before they run out. Or, explore more sponsorship opportunities and activations at TC Sessions: AI. Get in touch with our team by filling out this form. Subscribe to the TechCrunch Events newsletter for early access to special deals and the latest event news.
Zawya
21-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordanian Mais Taha wins Global Innovation Award for Digital Sustainability
AMMAN: Jordanian entrepreneur Mais Taha, founder of MTiPX, has been awarded the Digital Changemaker Award at the Global Innovation Forum (GIF) 2024, recognised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The 160-year-old UN agency acknowledged Taha's contributions to digital sustainability through her initiative XEROWASTE, a certification system aimed at reducing material waste and energy consumption, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. A Framework for Sustainable Design XEROWASTE is a 343-point digital certification system targeting students and researchers aged 14 to 60, helping them eliminate material waste, energy use, and emissions in product design. Built on ISO 14024 environmental standards, it certifies waste prevention rates between 25 per cent and 60 per cent. The system is designed to integrate sustainability into early-stage design processes, making it a tool for industries seeking to minimise environmental impact. Taha, originally from Jordan and now based in Malta, has been involved in nature conservation since 1996 and digital design since 2002. Her work focuses on zero-waste interactive design using Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Behaviour (IoB) technologies, the statement said. Over the past two decades, she has combined digital transformation with environmental advocacy, working on green certification standards, project management methodologies, and ISO regulatory frameworks. Her approach integrates technology and sustainability, offering data-driven solutions to reduce waste in product design. Taha's company MTiPX has been recognised for its contributions to technological innovation and sustainability. Other notable achievements include the Malta Intellectual Property Award for Technological Emerging Innovation Initiative, the AWE Award (Award for Women Entrepreneurs) from the American embassy in Valletta and Women Directors Malta, the Top 6 Startup in EIT RawMaterials 2022, part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), according to the statement. Taha is also a member of the Early Warning Europe Network, supporting start ups in niche industries, particularly in eco-design and sustainable digital technologies. Taha stressed that progress in sustainable innovation is slow-moving and requires long-term commitment. She pointed out that technical start ups in niche industries often struggle with funding, industry adoption, and regulatory challenges. 'We cannot control the world, but we can design it inside out,' she said, underscoring the role of design in shaping sustainable solutions. Taha's work highlights the increasing role of digital tools in sustainability, particularly in circular economy models and resource efficiency, according to the statement. Her recognition by a global institution like ITU reflects a broader shift towards technology-driven environmental policies. While XEROWASTE's long-term impact remains to be seen, the project aligns with global sustainability goals and provides a structured approach for integrating ecoconscious design into mainstream product development, the statement added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
20-02-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordanian Mais Taha wins Global Innovation Award for Digital Sustainability
Taha, originally from Jordan and now based in Malta, is involved with nature conservation since 1996 (Photo courtesy of International Telecommunication Union) AMMAN — Jordanian entrepreneur Mais Taha, founder of MTiPX, has been awarded the Digital Changemaker Award at the Global Innovation Forum (GIF) 2024, recognised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The 160-year-old UN agency acknowledged Taha's contributions to digital sustainability through her initiative XEROWASTE, a certification system aimed at reducing material waste and energy consumption, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. A Framework for Sustainable Design XEROWASTE is a 343-point digital certification system targeting students and researchers aged 14 to 60, helping them eliminate material waste, energy use, and emissions in product design. Built on ISO 14024 environmental standards, it certifies waste prevention rates between 25 per cent and 60 per cent. The system is designed to integrate sustainability into early-stage design processes, making it a tool for industries seeking to minimise environmental impact. Taha, originally from Jordan and now based in Malta, has been involved in nature conservation since 1996 and digital design since 2002. Her work focuses on zero-waste interactive design using Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Behaviour (IoB) technologies, the statement said. Over the past two decades, she has combined digital transformation with environmental advocacy, working on green certification standards, project management methodologies, and ISO regulatory frameworks. Her approach integrates technology and sustainability, offering data-driven solutions to reduce waste in product design. Taha's company MTiPX has been recognised for its contributions to technological innovation and sustainability. Other notable achievements include the Malta Intellectual Property Award for Technological Emerging Innovation Initiative, the AWE Award (Award for Women Entrepreneurs) from the American embassy in Valletta and Women Directors Malta, the Top 6 Startup in EIT RawMaterials 2022, part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), according to the statement. Taha is also a member of the Early Warning Europe Network, supporting start ups in niche industries, particularly in eco-design and sustainable digital technologies. Taha stressed that progress in sustainable innovation is slow-moving and requires long-term commitment. She pointed out that technical start ups in niche industries often struggle with funding, industry adoption, and regulatory challenges. 'We cannot control the world, but we can design it inside out,' she said, underscoring the role of design in shaping sustainable solutions. Taha's work highlights the increasing role of digital tools in sustainability, particularly in circular economy models and resource efficiency, according to the statement. Her recognition by a global institution like ITU reflects a broader shift towards technology-driven environmental policies. While XEROWASTE's long-term impact remains to be seen, the project aligns with global sustainability goals and provides a structured approach for integrating ecoconscious design into mainstream product development, the statement added. Page 2
