In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, innovation is the key to staying ahead. The AI Innovation Summit 2024, held at 1871, brought together leading minds in artificial intelligence to share insights, breakthroughs, and visions for the future. Here’s a look back at the highlights and key takeaways from this transformative event. View the full playlist here.


Supported by

Aon, Discover, DeVry, Drive Capital, Decasonic, EX3 Labs, FinTech4good,  Fenwick, Hyde Park Angels, HubSpot, Microsoft, Molson Coors, Suntory Holdings Limited, World Business Chicago, Verizon, and Why of AI.

Introduction to the Summit

The AI Innovation Summit 2024 kicked off with a warm welcome from our CEO, Betsy Ziegler, setting the stage for an exciting day of learning and networking. The event attracted a diverse audience, from AI enthusiasts to industry veterans, all eager to explore the latest advancements in AI technology.

Keynote Speeches

Our keynote speakers did not disappoint during their firesides. Adam McElhinney, CEO at Uptake, a renowned startup expert, opened the summit with a thought-provoking talk on the future of AI to transform operations. Chris Gladwin, CEO of Ocient followed with a deep dive into  what it means to hyperscale data analytics and provide solutions that enable organizations to rapidly analyze and act on massive datasets. The keynotes provided a perfect blend of inspiration and practical insights, leaving the audience eager for more.

Interactive AI Workshops

The summit featured several interactive workshops designed to provide attendees with hands-on experience in AI. These sessions covered a range of topics, including:

  • How to Turn AI Chaos into Clarity: Alex Castrounis, Justin Johnson, Erik O’Brien, leadership at  Why of AI
  • What Issues Are Blocking AI Adoption: Dean Wampler of IBM
  • Human-Centered AI for Enterprises: Developing a Strategy for a Voice-First Future: Hosted by Ex3 Labs

Participants left these workshops with new skills and a deeper understanding of how to leverage AI in their own projects.

Panel Discussions Exploring AI Trends and Challenges

The panel discussions were a highlight of the summit, featuring experts from various industries who discussed the latest trends and challenges in AI. Key topics included:

These discussions provided diverse perspectives and sparked meaningful conversations among attendees.

Spotlight on Emerging Technologies with AI Pitch Compeition

AI Startup Expo & Pitch Competition showcased the incredible founders from our AI Innovation Lab 2024 Cohort, pioneers of impressive tech products. 

The AI Startup Expo & Pitch Competition at our AI Innovation Summit 2024 was a thrilling showcase of innovation, featuring remarkable founders from our AI Innovation Lab 2024 Cohort. These pioneers are developing cutting-edge tech products that are set to revolutionize their respective industries.

Congratulations to our pitch competition 🏆 winners:

xBlock: xBloc captivated the judges with their predictive analytics platform designed to deliver real-time insights and data-driven decision-making capabilities. xBloc integrates data from diverse sources to enhance operational efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and reduce costs. Their innovative solution provides personalized support and comprehensive analytics, helping businesses navigate complex data landscapes and achieve strategic goals with precision and speed.

Levee: Levee impressed the audience with their AI-driven workforce optimization platform designed to power the future of quality control in the hospitality sector. Levee’s system utilizes advanced algorithms to predict labor demand, optimize staffing levels, and enhance employee performance. By providing real-time analytics and predictive insights, Levee helps businesses maintain exceptional service quality, streamline operations, and boost customer satisfaction

Engaging with Innovations

Shoutout to our full AI Innovation Lab 2024 Cohort: Lumi AI SpaceBot.ai NLX Extend xBlock Graphio Agtools Inc Drip Tech Co Autonoma nutrād HydroX AI inQuestAI GoCharlie.ai NeoLicense Infera AI Matrice.ai Polygraf AI Legman Levee OpenRisk Technologies InstaEnglish Inc xPub DynamoFL CodeCompleteAI

Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact with these groundbreaking innovations firsthand. The expo provided a dynamic environment for networking and discussions, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships. Participants explored the capabilities of these AI solutions, gaining insights into how they can be applied across various sectors to drive efficiency and innovation.

Why It Matters

The AI Pitch Competition is more than just a showcase of talent; it’s a testament to the transformative power of AI in solving real-world problems. By supporting and highlighting these startups, we are not only recognizing their achievements but also encouraging the continuous growth and development of AI technologies that can make a significant impact on our lives.

Building Connections in AI

Networking was a key component of the AI Innovation Summit. Attendees enjoyed numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and industry leaders. From coffee breaks to structured networking sessions, the summit facilitated meaningful interactions that could lead to future collaborations and partnerships.

Reflecting on the Summit

The summit concluded with closing remarks from Betsy, who reflected on the day’s highlights and thanked all participants for their contributions. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of AI. 

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, the insights and connections gained at the AI Innovation Summit 2024 will undoubtedly drive innovation and progress. We look forward to continuing these conversations and exploring new possibilities at future events.

The AI Innovation Summit 2024 was a resounding success, bringing together a community of innovators committed to shaping the future of AI. We thank all our speakers, participants, and sponsors for making this event possible. Stay tuned for more updates and future events from 1871!

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