Deep Learning to be Topic for First teCTalk; Artificial Neural Networks Impacting Increasing Number of Industries

Deep Learning solutions, a technological phenomenon characterized by a reliance on artificial neural networks, are affecting a growing number of industries. Deep Learning will be the topic at the first teCTalk, a new series for individuals in Connecticut’s technology industries and those aspiring to be, beginning this month. Coordinated by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and the Connecticut Technology Council, the series is funded by CTNext.

The first teCTalk, an in-depth exploration of Deep Learning, will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 – 8:00 PM, at Upward, 20 Church Street in Hartford. Five additional teCTalk sessions are being planned, to be held at various locations across the state in the coming months. Each will focus on a different trend, breakthrough or challenge in the technology fields.

The March 18 session will provide an opportunity for individuals to learn how machines are being taught to interact with the organic world around them, and how this smart technology is working to elevate modern business. An expert panel of artificial intelligence/machine learning experts across industries – including professionals now in Hartford at GalaxE Solutions, VAANGO and Saya Life – will navigate those in attendance through this rapidly-evolving topic, known as Deep Learning.
Members of the public can access a link to purchase tickets to the March 18 program by visiting www.ccat.us/tectalks

The interactive event welcomes questions and conversations among participants. CCAT Chief Technology Officer Tom Maloney will serve as moderator of the discussion. Maloney is an executive-level professional with more than 25 years of experience in advanced manufacturing and alternative energy technologies for commercial, aerospace, and military applications. He has served as principal investigator for the $75M multi-state National Aerospace Leadership Initiative for developing advanced manufacturing technologies. His previous experience includes development of space power systems at NASA Glenn Research Center.
“Deep learning applications are used in a rapidly-expanding array of industries, from automated driving to medical devices, and many more. Connecticut businesses and industries are seeing the impact and the opportunities, and our state is well-positioned to be a leader in the application of this growing field,” said Ron Angelo, President and CEO of the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.

“We anticipate that these teCTalk sessions will leave participants – whether they are professionals currently in industry, or students who aspire to be – more energized by the possibilities ahead, and how best to take advantage of that potential,” Angelo said.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with CCAT and CTC for the launch of this exciting – and much needed – content series. In the past year, we have hosted a handful of meetups and masterclasses related to artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions in collaboration with our in-house subject matter experts, and these have been some of our most well-attended and engaging events to-date,” said Jess Morin, Marketing Manager at Upward. “Students, faculty, corporate innovators, and startups alike are hungry for an opportunity to connect and collaborate on fast-evolving tech topics such as deep learning and other facets of AI/ML. We are grateful to be considered one of the state’s leading hubs for this kind of high-tech activity.”

Also this spring, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology and the Connecticut Technology Council are partnering to offer four STEM Talent Connection sessions, bringing together local professional in the STEM fields, with faculty and students from area colleges and universities. The first session was held in February at Sacred Heart University. Upcoming sessions will be March 27 at the University of Bridgeport, April 7 at Quinnipiac University and April 16 at the University of Hartford. More information on STEM Talent Connection is available at www.ccat.us/STEMTalentConnection.

CCAT and CTC are also coordinating the 16th annual Women of Innovation awards gala, to be held at the Connecticut Convention Center on Tuesday, April 21. Finalists for the prestigious awards will be announced at the end of March. Sponsorships are now available, and tickets for the event and more information can be obtained via www.ccat.us/woi.