AI & Technology

It is evident that the emergence of technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) has disrupted – or will soon disrupt – every sector and every business across the world. We’re seeing a digital transformation that is reshaping markets and transforming how people live and work. Although IoT technology is relatively young, there are countless deployments underway globally that are accelerating the path to economic growth and improved living conditions for millions.

Southwestern Pennsylvania entrepreneurs have two opportunities this year to compete for grants and technical assistance through UpPrize, a social innovation challenge sponsored by the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and The Forbes Funds. In its third year of operation, UpPrize connects local entrepreneurs and innovators with the region's nonprofit community and the people they serve.

Some think of the technology as disruptive, but at its current level of maturity, AI is really more of a “foundational technology,” says Brian Tessier, vice president of global supply chain innovation at Schneider Electric. You could place it on the maturity curve near blockchain, he says.

Sustainability challenges grow more pressing by the day. Research shows that global temperatures are on track to increase by 2 degrees C by the end of the century — and some scientific models are predicting up to 6 degrees. Antea Group’s blog showcases 9 companies to watch in 2018 for their innovative efforts towards achieving sustainability.

For anyone interested in the professional development of women in Tech, you won’t want to miss two exciting events Cisco is hosting — just in time for International Women’s Day!

In North Africa, HP LIFE jump-starts new business leaders with digital training and one-on-one local support.

Engineer Lindsey Sayers remembers building a strobe light in her high school electronics class and watching the light flash on when she plugged it in. In awe that something she built worked, she knew then that she wanted to become an engineer.

Smart cities also can be “Safe Cities” through the integration of smart city and public safety initiatives. An estimated 20 Safe City pilot programs are underway across the United States, in addition to programs on nearly every continent, in cities such as Dubai, Singapore and London.

The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), managed by AEG Facilities, recently revealed its new 9,500 square-foot rooftop garden. Located above the LACC’s South Hall lobby, the garden features various citrus trees and vegetables that will be used to provide produce for the LACC in-house caterer Levy Restaurants.

Nate Hurst, HP's Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer chats with Michelle King about how women play a key role in driving innovation in the workplace, and what business leaders can do to deliberately support women in technology and innovation. SHE Innovates is a podcast that shares the stories, challenges and triumphs of women across innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.