Why We Need an AI Summit in Vancouver?

As an AI researcher and Community organizer deeply embedded in Vancouver's tech scene, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the explosive growth of artificial intelligence in our city and beyond.

From Research to Reality: My AI Journey

In 2019, creating AI agents required manual data entry, extensive training, and deep knowledge of natural language processing. I discovered intriguing insights, such as the positive bias towards female virtual agents—a finding that continues to influence AI design today. Fast forward to 2024, and the landscape has dramatically changed. What once took weeks now takes hours, thanks to Large Language Models (LLMs) and other advancements in AI technology.

Over the past few months, I've hosted five AI events, bringing together more than 400 passionate individuals eager to explore the future of AI.

AI for Impact event , AI in Action event, Supercharging AI event, Build with AI event, Google I/O extended event and AI Summit kickoff event upcoming.

These gatherings have not only showcased the immense talent we have in Vancouver but also highlighted the need for a larger, more comprehensive event to catalyze our AI ecosystem.

The Global AI Landscape: Insights from Google I/O

I had the opportunity to attend Google I/O 2024, where I witnessed groundbreaking AI innovations that are set to reshape our interaction with technology. From AI-powered search enhancements to visual chatbots and advanced creativity tools, these developments underscore the rapid pace of AI advancement and its growing impact across industries.

The Thriving AI Scene in Vancouver

While global tech giants are making waves, Vancouver is quietly but surely establishing itself as a formidable player in the AI space. Consider these compelling statistics (source):

• Vancouver is home to over 150 AI and machine learning companies, ranking among the top 25 global AI ecosystems.
• Our city boasts 20,000+ AI and machine learning specialists, with approximately 2,500 AI-related graduates entering the workforce annually.
• Since 2016, AI companies in Vancouver have raised over $1 billion, demonstrating strong investor interest in our local ecosystem.
• AI is projected to contribute an additional $101 billion to British Columbia's GDP by 2030.
• The AI industry is expected to create over 150,000 new jobs in British Columbia by 2030.

These numbers paint a picture of a city on the cusp of an AI revolution. We have the talent, the investment, and the potential. What we need now is a catalyst to bring it all together.

Vancouver's AI Success Stories

Our city is already home to incredible AI startups making waves globally, including D-Wave Systems, Sanctuary AI, and AbCellera. These companies are just the tip of the iceberg, showcasing Vancouver's potential to lead in AI innovation.

Why Vancouver Needs This AI Summit

1. Bridge Academia and Industry: Connect cutting-edge research with real-world applications
2. Collaboration: Bring together world-class talent, innovative companies, and leading researchers
3. Showcase Vancouver's AI Potential: Put our city's AI capabilities in the global spotlight
4. Address Ethical Considerations: Provide a platform to discuss critical issues in AI development
5. Inspire the Next Generation: Nurture the next wave of AI professionals and entrepreneurs

Why I'm Organizing the AI Summit in Vancouver

My journey in AI began in 2019 when I was pursuing my Master's research, creating conversational AI agents at a time when AI was still in its nascent stages. This experience, which culminated in presenting at NeurIPS 2019 and publishing in an ACM conference in 2020, has given me a unique perspective on the rapid evolution of AI technology.

My motivation for organizing this summit stems from a deep-seated belief in Vancouver's potential to become a global AI leader. Unlike large-scale conferences backed by major corporations, the Vancouver AI Summit 2024 is a grassroots initiative born from my passion for AI and belief in our city's potential. As an individual working tirelessly to make this summit a reality, it comes with significant challenges and obstacles.

As we look towards the future, it's clear that AI will play an increasingly central role in shaping our economy, our society, and our daily lives. Vancouver has all the ingredients to be at the forefront of this transformation.

Help Make the Vancouver AI Summit a Reality

The AI Summit will take place on November 1-2, 2024. These two days offer a comprehensive exploration of AI's impact on business and technology, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs, developers, and industry professionals alike.

Visit the website to see details agenda: AI Summit – The premium AI summit in western Canada (vanaisummit.com)

Your support, whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, can make a crucial difference in making the Vancouver AI Summit 2024 a resounding success.

The AI Summit is more than just an event - it's our collective opportunity to put Vancouver on the global AI map.