Emergent

About the Conference

Our Mission

Inspiring the next generation of AI entrepreneurs at Brown University through connecting students with industry leaders and innovators in the AI startup ecosystem.

What to Expect

Experience a full day of engaging keynote speeches, interactive panels, hands-on workshops, and valuable networking opportunities with successful AI startup founders and industry experts.

Who Should Attend

Students passionate about AI entrepreneurship, aspiring founders, and anyone looking to make their mark in the rapidly evolving AI startup ecosystem. Join us to learn, connect, and innovate.

Schedule

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM MacMillan Hall Lobby (across from Sciences Library)

Check in and Breakfast

Start your day with coffee, pastries, and networking with fellow attendees.

Networking

9:30 AM - 10:20 AM MacMillan Hall Auditorium

Opening Keynote: From the CIT to Building ChatGPT

Join us for an inspiring journey from Brown University's CIT to the cutting edge of AI development at OpenAI.

Speaker: Sonia Phene

Keynote

10:20 AM - 11:00 AM MacMillan Hall Auditorium

Founders in Action Panel

Learn from successful AI startup founders as they share their journeys, challenges, and insights.

Panelists: Michael Markell, Henry Dowling, Anne Brandes, Shashwat Murarka, Prieeyya Kaur Kesh
Moderator: Matt Fisher

Panel

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship (Liz Lange Lecture Hall)

Future of Work: Building at Startups

Explore how AI is transforming the workplace and creating new opportunities for innovation.

Panelists: Sam Dooman, Prashanthi Ramachandran, Nancy Tran, Anna Tucker, Jeff Barg
Moderator: Robin Ritenour

Concurrent Session 1

Panel

11:10 AM - 11:50 AM MacMillan Hall Auditorium

AI & Biotech

Discover the groundbreaking applications of AI in biotechnology and healthcare innovation.

Panelists: Alex Young, Jess Sadick, Jay Gopal, Eren Alkan
Moderator: Nick Talwar

Concurrent Session 2

Panel

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship (entire building)

Lunch & Speed-dating Startups (Networking) Event

Enjoy lunch while connecting with AI startup representatives in a fast-paced networking format.

Networking

1:40 PM - 4:00 PM MacMillan Hall for intro, then various campus locations

Emergent Disrupt Challenge ($10K of prizes!)

Participate in our flagship competition with workshops, mentoring, and the chance to win substantial prizes. Expert rooms will be available with mentors and clubs hosting drop-in workshops.

Working spaces: Stephen Robert '62 Campus Center (all floors), Sciences Library and Rockefeller Library lobbies, Barus and Holley/Engineering Research Center

Special feature: AWS workshops in Liz Lange Lecture Hall (Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship):

GenAI on AWS Overview & Hands-on Workshop

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Repeat Session

Led by Henry Zhong, Chuck Fuller, Debapriyo Ain, and Kelly McLaughlin

Interactive

4:10 PM - 4:50 PM MacMillan Hall Auditorium

Closing Panel: Responsibility in Industry

Join our experts for a critical discussion on what responsible AI development and implementation looks like at the frontier of industry AI development.

Panelists: Bridget Sauer and Zoe Stoll
Moderator: John Savage

Panel

4:50 PM - 5:20 PM MacMillan Hall Auditorium