“Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence”, NOVEMBER 30, 2017 , at Towson University IN Northeastern MD was attended by 75+, with almost half from out of NE MD region, and a few from the DC metro area. it was a testament to the curiosity, intrigue and awesome potential of AI and the need to know
This was a second in an ongoing series of summits designed to inform NMTC members and the community of the more disruptive technologies on a glide path to impact their business model.
Machines, cars, computers, medical devices and military weapons now sense, reason and react faster than ever imagined. We had seven of the brightest minds present what they are concerned about, inspired by and anticipate as being beyond revolutionary, with AI. The audience came with questions, and after the expert facilitation of the panel by Anne Balduzzi, of TEDCO, they left with ideas that will help them re-think their business model, identify a new competitive edge, or alert them to serious concerns.
The seven presentations are available to NMTC members and paid attendees. Please download from Dropbox at this link, with your password provided via email.
“Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence”, NMTC Disruptive Tech Summit 1.2, November 30, 2017, sponsored by NCI, Inc. Registration at nmtc.org/events
Harnessing AI will disrupt commerce as we know it, so best to get ready for the ride. The NMTC, in partnership with APG scientists, IBM Watson and other large innovators in AI, present the first ever, summit on AI.
As the world’s inventory becomes available online, AI will help consumers create order out of chaos, and for the laggards, chaos out of today’s order
The holy grail for commerce has always been deducing the buying intent of your customers.
Using AI, commerce platforms and tools will be able to predict whether you want a $7 sweater or a $70 sweater They will know what color you want and whether you prefer natural fibers to man-made. And they will be able to anticipate the next thing you’ll want to buy.
All businesses are on the cusp of a new revolution in commerce; in the next few years, we’ll witness an unprecedented convergence of technology, commerce and consumer expectations. Unfortunately, many will risk being left behind as the ‘buggy whip maker’ of your industry.
Machines, cars, computers, medical devices to name a few, now sense, reason and react faster than ever imagined. This summit has secured seven of the brightest minds in AI, who will share what they are both concerned about, inspired by and why they anticipate this disruptive technology as being beyond revolutionary.
Your’ll come with questions, and leave with ideas that will help you re-think your business model, identify a new competitive edge, or alert you to serious concerns.
PRESENTATIONS, SPEAKERS & PANEL MODERATOR
AI Trends (robotics) with Impacts Across the Military Spectrum. Mr. Giorgio Bertoli, Senior Scientific Technology Manager (SSTM) of Offensive Cyber Technologies and Chief Scientist, US Army CERDEC
Vision for AI Dynamically Adapting to Human Needs. Dr. Jean Vettel, PhD, Neuroscientist, Human Research and Engineering Directorate US Army Research Laboratory
AI/Machine Learning Essential Research Area & Collaboration Opportunities at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory”, Dr. Tien Pham, Senior Campaign Scientist, Information Sciences Campaign ARL
IBM Watson and Augmented Decision Making. Aaron Warren, Cognitive Solutions Sales Leader, IBM
Synthetic Analyst, a New Kind of AI, Chris Milroy, Applied mathematician and Engility Technical Fellow for advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, Engility Corp
Next-generation in AI, Quantum Computing, and Blockchain. Dr. Allen E. Badeau Jr, Chief Technology Officer / Vice President and Director of NCI CREATE NCI, NCI, Inc
AI for Public Speaking – Automated Coaching Software. Debra Bond Cancro, Founder and CEO of VoiceVibes, Inc, former tech staff at Bell Labs.
PANEL DISCUSSION, sponsored by Harford County Office of Econmic Development, will follow to answer newly triggered questions, and brainstorm more opportunities.
Panel Moderator – Anne Balduzzi, TEDCO program Manager, Founder of SameGrain, machine learning for predictive analytics, is a patent holder on data match analysis, and author on entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence (AI).
Havre de Grace, MD. – Northeastern Maryland Technology Council (NMTC) announces five new board members: Claudine Adams, Jill Charlton, Sid Hall, Todd Marks, and Jeffery Mims.
All five are senior executives, presidents, CEO’s or founders of their respective high technology companies, doing business with government and industry. They bring talent, technology expertise, results-oriented leadership, and energy to the council. Each embodies the spirit of NMTC, supporting our mission to drive economic development through the advancement of innovation and technology. “We are fortunate to have them by our side as we strengthen our commitment to accelerating regional economic growth,” said John Casner, Executive Director.
Claudine Adams is the CEO and founder of Bravura Inc., Aberdeen, MD, a leader in information technology management for the Department of Defense. Prior to Bravura and while at Xerox, Claudine was ranked number one in the nation for her performance. Later, she was responsible for building Adams Communication & Engineering Technology (ACET) to over $200M in annual revenue, launching it from small to large business.
Among her many public accolades, Claudine was named International Executive of the Year in 2013, by Inner Circle Executive Magazine’s, Continental Who’s Who. In 2016, she was recognized as Top Performer for her leadership and achievements in the professional community by Elite Women Worldwide.
Claudine is an instructor for the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Harford County, where she dedicates her time teaching and mentoring young entrepreneurs, and she is a member of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Smithsonian Institution.
Born in Philadelphia, Claudine graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She went on to receive a Master’s of Theology from Calvary Christian College in Waldorf, Maryland.
Jill Charlton is an Engineering Leader at W.L. Gore. Jill’s areas of expertise include Process and Quality Engineering using statistical tools. Prior to joining Gore, she worked at Rohm and Haas Company and Biogen Idec in the Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC.
Jill is a Commissioner with the Harford County Commission for Women, where she serves as Secretary and on the Woman of Tomorrow Awards Program committee. She also serves as a team member and Advent Alternative Giving Fund-raising Chair, for Chabadza-Healing Hands Across Zimbabwe, a mission team which supports global healthcare initiatives by establishing and retrofitting medical clinics across rural Zimbabwe.
Jill earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Sid Hall is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fuse Engineering, LLC, a key contributor to the nation’s cyber and cyber security activities at Ft. George Meade, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and Department of Defense community.
Sid is recognized as a technology thought leader and trusted advisor throughout the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and beyond. He is Chairman of the Board for a sister company, Fuse Solutions, LLC. Prior to forming Fuse Engineering, Sid worked for several technology firms including Pulse Engineering, Titan, Compaq, and Hewlett-Packard. He served on the Advisory Board of Quotient, Inc, a government contracting firm focused on the federal civilian market.
Trained as an Arabic linguist in the United States Air Force, Sid served honorably in the 694th Intelligence Group, 22ndIntelligence Squadron at Fort Meade, Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and multiple technical certifications from leading technology vendors.
Todd Marks is CEO, Founder, and President of Mindgrub Technologies or as he likes to say, he’s the “Chief-Everything-Officer.” Todd leads a team of top-notch developers to answer business and consumer challenges by using innovative technologies to create valued learning solutions and user interactions.
Mindgrub’s exclusive clientele includes Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, Mercy Medical Center, Inova, Exelon, Wendy’s, Crayola, DELL, Adobe, Geico, Motorola, Polk Audio, Yamaha, ORACLE, A&E, The Economist, and Discovery Communications.
Always a visionary and future-thinker, Todd recently built a Holodeck at Mindgrub headquarters. His team uses this virtual, augmented, and mixed reality training center to develop applications and games. Todd is about to launch the agency’s first robot, or digital docent, to deliver snacks and drinks to employees and guests. Most recently, Todd and Mindgrub won coveted awards – The Daily Record’s 2016 Innovator of the Year, and 2017 Best Workplaces, Inc. Magazine.
Todd is a former Math and Computer Science teacher and the Technology Chair for Maryland Technology Council. He holds a B.S. in Mathematics from Loyola College in Maryland.
Jeffrey M. Mims is the Chief Architect for Leidos’ Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) programs at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
Jeff leads critical research, solution development, and technical program execution for Leidos, where he serves as the Division CTO and Technical Director for the US Army’s Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS 7.0) program.
Prior to Leidos, Jeff founded and managed companies specializing in software development and cloud technologies. With over 20 years of experience as a software engineer and technical manager, Jeff specializes in enterprise scale agile software development and information security.
Jeff also serves as Vice President of the Providence Volunteer Fire Company in Towson, MD, and Head Aikido Instructor for the Baltimore Martial Arts Academy.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Towson University and holds numerous industry certifications including CISSP, PMP, SAFe Agilist, MCSE, and Security+.
About NMTC
Founded in 1992 and comprising over 100 member companies and organizations across Northern MD (Cecil, Harford and Baltimore Counties), NMTC serves as a catalyst for business growth by ADVANCING innovation and technology transfer, BUILDING a STEM educated workforce, and CONNECTING key leadership. NMTC provides a collaborative forum to exchange ideas and create solutions that helps drive our regional economy and protect national security.
April 28, 2017 saw NMTC hosting its highest attended, Technology only event; a first in our series of Disruptive Tech Summits (and TECHCONN3CT follow-up workshops). Next summit planned for November, 2017
Towson University Northeastern Maryland’s auditorium was most helpful in providing the space and refreshments. Registrations peaked at over 80, by 10:20AM that morning
The NMTC Disruptive Technology Summit was organized to update our regional tech community on specific, overlapping technologies capable of creating monumental change in current business models and government programs.
NMTC, with cooperation from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Battelle and IBM Watson presented these top, game changing technologies that will forever impact the future success or failure of current business models and government programs. Attendees left with new ideas guiding them to re-think their business model, program or investment while contemplating how these technologies will impact their competitive edge.
Attending were Senior Leaders from Leidos, SAIC, Bowhead, APG-RDECOM, APG-ARL, MD Dept. of Commerce, University of MD, Harford County Government OED, Stevenson University, Boeing, RTR Technologies, SURVICE Engineering, Tech Com Ventures, Battelle, MD Dept Transportation, StanleyBlack&Decker, Harford County Agriculture, Emerging Technology Center and others.
We thank our sponsors: Harford County OED, Boeing HorizonX, Fuse Engineering, Defense Systems Information Analysis Center and the Ground Floor.
Presentations are available for download, in order of their presentation:
WHAT TECHNOLOGIES ARE BEING DEVELOPED AT ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND?
Shown above, the hoverbike The Northeastern Maryland Tech Council is hosting an event April 28 that will touch on autonomous vehicles, digital agriculture, Watson and portable power.
What technologies are being developed at Aberdeen Proving Ground?
There are plenty of hints that interesting tech is being developed at Aberdeen Proving Ground. The Army facility to the northeast of Baltimore was one of the assets highlighted in an autonomous vehicle proposal, and emerges with the occasional hoverbike test.
But more times than not, it’s cloaked in an aura of secrecy.
In the near future, however, there’s a chance to hear more about what’s happening inside the walls. The Northeastern Maryland Tech Council is holding a half-day event to provide more info about the technology, and hopefully introduce ideas for collaboration.
The event is set to be held on the afternoon of April 28 at the Bel Air campus of Towson University, and will include breakout sessions and networking along with talks.
Gary Markovits of Innovation Business Partners will give the keynote on “Thriving In the Innovation Economy”. Tech topics include:
Autonomous vehicles, presented by Dr. Rajneesh Singh, Acting Division Chief of the Vehicle Applied Research Division at APG.
Portable Power and Storage, presented by Edward J. Plichta, a power and energy scientist.
Digital Agriculture, Joshua E. Arnold, Director of Business Development in Agribusiness at Battelle, will present on the use of sensors and big data in farming.
Augmented Cognitive Decision Making, presented by Aaron Warren, who works with IBM Watson in healthcare and government.
After the talks, participants can get together in breakout sessions and brainstorm how the technology can be used.
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Stephen Babcock is the lead reporter for Technical.ly Baltimore. A graduate of Northeastern University, he moved to Baltimore following a stint in New Orleans, where he served as managing editor of online news and culture publication NOLA Defender. While there, he also wrote for NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune. He was previously a reporter for the Rio Grande Sun of Northern New Mexico.
MG Crawford, CECOM leader, takes message of opportunity to Frederick Douglass H.S. in Baltimore, MD
Story by Mary B. Grimes, CECOM Public Affairs
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future,” is a sentiment that while expressed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, was shared by Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, commanding general of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) and APG senior installation commander, during a recent visit to Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore.
Accompanied by Maria Layton, chief, Resource Development, CECOM-G1, and CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew McCoy, the visit by Crawford and his team provided an opportunity for a lucrative exchange between school officials, members of the Junior ROTC program, and other students regarding the availability of APG resources through outreach partnerships and programs.
FDHS Principal Kelvin Bridgers, and Teri Ray, community school coordinator, welcomed the APG contingent to the historic campus. They briefed them on the current programs available to FDHS students, provided insights into some of the school’s challenges past and present, and shared their vision for the future.
“The discussion held here today gives us some scope, and range that seems to be unlimited,” said Bridgers.
Using science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, as a springboard for discussion, Crawford delivered a message of opportunity to JROTC and other members of the student body. “Aberdeen is the ‘center of gravity’ for the whole Army — for testing, for research and development and for equipping in Information Technology and intelligence equipment. It’s the ‘center of gravity’ for the Army and much of the Department of Defense,” said Crawford. “There are a lot of opportunities there, but the people who are able to leverage those opportunities, are the people who know about them. What I’m trying to do is increase knowledge of what happens on Aberdeen Proving Ground so that our youth have an opportunity to access those available resources.”
Paths to success
The Pathways Programs, which is administered by the U.S. State Department, provides a clear path to federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school and to careers for recent graduates, as well as meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their federal service. In the Pathways Program, students or recent graduates can begin careers in the federal government by choosing the path that best outlines and describes where they stand academically.
“When I entered the building this morning, I spoke with a young man who says he wants to work with his hands. Well that’s good, but you have to get a foundational education. In order to work with your hands, you want to be the guy who designs the building, and builds the building,” said Crawford. “Much of the ‘cool stuff’ seen on posters depicting Soldiers performing or operating equipment that’s in helicopters, equipment that’s in tanks, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, driverless vehicles –the development of that kind of technology for the military — that’s what we do on Aberdeen Proving Ground.”
A career Soldier of more than 30 years, Crawford shared a personal side of his life with the Baltimore students, while encouraging them to seek out good mentors and to keep their options open.
“I was a decent student, but I wasn’t a really good student because at that time, I didn’t work at it. But what I did is I almost shortcut myself, and I almost caused myself not to have an opportunity. So there I was, a senior in high school with no plan. A senior in high school with no idea of what I was going to do with myself. That is, until one day an instructor came along and inspired me…showed me that there is a different way.”
Opening the floor to discussion, students discharged a salvo of questions at the CECOM Commanding General that ranged from ‘when did you make up your mind to go into the military?’ ‘Was it fun jumping out of airplanes?’ and ‘How do you keep a positive attitude as a mentor?’
Moved by the levity and sincerity of their questions, Crawford said, “There’s somebody who’s coming up behind you. It may be a family member, fellow student, someone who looks up to you because of what you’re doing right now. You might not think that because you can’t see it. I encourage you to share what you learn here in JROTC and at Frederick Douglass High School, and be willing to reach back. Go back to your middle school, and talk to kids about what it’s like to be in high school because they’re going to listen to you. Tell them about you and your life experiences. Be willing to reach back and mentor others. There is the expectation that you are going to give back, once you have progressed.”
Outreach advantage
Calling the numerous opportunities and outreach efforts made by the APG team welcome and the timing phenomenal, Bridgers said the school looks forward to developing a strong community partnership with APG.
“We’re in the age of live — everything has to be live for kids today. You can’t just fictitiously create some of these things. This is a great opportunity for us because our kids would get an opportunity to actually see it. Feel the people, and touch the people. We definitely appreciate APG. We appreciate the outreach and for stopping here at Frederick Douglass,” he stated.
Mirroring a similar response, Layton summed up the visit by stating, “The purpose of our CECOM outreach efforts is to educate surrounding communities about APG and its mission, as well as identify opportunities to support those communities. During today’s visit, Maj. Gen. Crawford successfully addressed both of those objectives. We leave here knowing that FDHS students now know more about Aberdeen Proving Ground, and that school administrators are looking forward to working with us in the future to explore greater opportunities for their students.”
About APG
The sixth largest employer in Maryland, APG has more than 22,000 civilian, military and contractor employees. Its diverse professional backdrop embraces career and intern opportunities that include scientists, engineers, chemical and biological specialists, Information Technology analysts, legal, contracting and cyber-security engineers.
The APG economic impact on the region spans $6.5 billion – $2.4 billion of which was earmarked for small businesses in fiscal year 2016.
A high tech and vibrant business environment, a government research position at APG promotes researchers’ abilities to not only try new ideas, but enjoy the benefits of selecting the direction of their research for creativity through hands-on lab expertise, mentorship programs, travel opportunities, field experience that ultimately helps America’s Warfighters serving in harm’s way.
As a community that embraces true partnership, the installation hosts a STEM Outreach Center where students can interact directly with science and engineering professionals. Occupying more than 72,500 acres in Harford County, APG is in close partnerships with several local organizations such as the Maryland National Guard’s Freestate Challenge Academy which offers at-risk youth the chance to gain a sense of duty and selfless service to their community and nation while pursuing educational goals.
NMTC’S DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT 1.2
“Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence”, NMTC Disruptive Tech Summit 1.2, November 30, 2017, sponsored by NCI, Inc. Registration at nmtc.org/events
April 28, 2017 saw NMTC hosting its highest attended, Technology only event; a first in our series of Disruptive Tech Summits (and TECHCONN3CT follow-up workshops). Next summit planned for November, 2017
There is a different way
