Breakthrough Technologies

On April 15, ARNI hosted its first public-facing event, a captivating panel discussion on “Breakthrough Technologies” that delved into the realms of AI & Quantum Computing. The panel was organized in collaboration with our outreach partners and colleagues at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), with the support of Columbia Engineering. Dario Gil, SVP and Director of Research at IBM, and Xaq Pitkow, Associate Director of ARNI and Associate Professor at Carnegie Mellon University Neuroscience Institute, engaged in an illuminating dialogue on the convergence of quantum computing and AI. Jeannette Wing, EVPR and Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University moderated the discussion and facilitated a vibrant discussion between the panelists and the audience. The discussion offered valuable insights into the latest advances in these frontier technologies and the rapid expansion of AI systems and quantum computing. The panelists described the historical momentum for computing and how these emerging technologies, as tools, can be combined to solve humanity’s big problems. In addition, the audience heard about how these technologies can be made accessible for learners across educational stages, to create a pipeline for the next generation of scientists and innovators in these fields.

NYSCI serves as a key outreach partner for ARNI and aims to bring neuroscience and AI hands-on activities to youth and the public at an informal learning setting of the Museum. Xaq Pitkow referred to this event as an opportunity to celebrate this collaboration that offered us a glimpse of how such collaborations can help the general public to become more aware of technologies that are transforming and will continue to make an impact on our world.