Jan 31,

2025

Startup Bazaar: InnovateAI 2025

1850 Towers Crescent Place, Vienna, VA 22182
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Schedule & agenda

Please note that the schedule and panel lineup are subject to change. Kindly refer to this space for the most up-to-date information.

10:30 AM to 11 AM

Registration and networking

11:00 - 11:50

PANEL: The future of generative AI

Generative AI is revolutionizing creativity and innovation, pushing boundaries in fields ranging from content creation to healthcare and engineering. This panel will provide an overview of cutting-edge advancements in generative AI and explore its transformative applications. Experts will delve into how AI is enabling breakthroughs in personalized medicine, reshaping creative industries, and driving innovation in engineering design. Join us to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations shaping the future of generative AI and its impact on various sectors.

MODERATOR:
Mollie Breen, CEO & Co-Founder, Perygee

PANELISTS
Swathi Young, AI/ML Strategy Architect
Dr. Krisztina Domjan, Senior Professorial Lecturer, American University
Bhaumik Shah, founder and CEO, Securify

11:50 - 12:40

Sanjay Puri

PANEL: Governing intelligence: Navigating the AI regulation frontier

The panel will bring together experts from law, technology, policy, and ethics to discuss the challenges and opportunities in regulating AI. With AI advancing at a rapid pace, the need for robust, adaptive, and globally coordinated governance frameworks has never been more critical.

MODERATOR:
Rohit Tripathi, Hillcrest Venture Partners, Venture Partner & Executive-in-Residence

PANELISTS:
Sanjay Puri, Founder, RegulatingAI
Raj Badhwar, SVP and Global CISO, Jacobs Engineering
Dr. Poorva Dharkar, Founder & CEO , Ziva Consulting LLC
Aastha Verma, Chief, Cybersecurity, CISA, DHS

12:40 PM - 1:10

Networking Lunch

1:10 to - 2:10

PANEL: AI in Government: Innovation and implementation

The panel will examine the dual role of governments in shaping the AI landscape: as regulators fostering ethical development and as adopters leveraging AI for public service transformation. Discussions will explore: How agencies are utilizing AI to improve decision-making, enhance efficiency, and deliver citizen services; Crafting policies that ensure AI development aligns with ethical standards, privacy concerns, and societal needs; challenges and opportunities in adopting AI technologies, from resource allocation to workforce integration.
MODERATOR
Bhakthi Sahgal, Cofounder, Oncovana

PANELISTS:
Anil Sharma,
CEO, 22nd Century Technologies
Sri Vasireddy, Founder, REAN Foundation
Krystle Kaul, Former Senior Advisor to Joint AI Center, Pentagon
John Larkin II, ECS Federal, and Adjunct Professor at GMU

2:10 - 3:00

PANEL: The AI investment boom: Smart bets vs. Speculative frenzy

The panel will explore the current landscape of AI investment, focusing on where venture capital is flowing and how investors evaluate opportunities in this rapidly evolving space. Are we witnessing a gold rush, or is there a risk of overinvestment in speculative AI ventures? Panelists will discuss the hottest sectors for funding, lessons from past tech bubbles, and strategies for identifying startups with real potential amid the hype. The session will provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders navigating the AI investment ecosystem.

MODERATOR
Prof. Mahesh Joshi, Dean, George B. Delaplaine Jr. School of Business

PANELISTS:
Nitin Bhat, Former Chief Product Officer, Workiva
Salil Sankaran, President, Ampcus
Nikhil Teja Kolli, Cofounder, mokSa.ai

03:00 PM to 03:30 PM
Dr. Venkat Srinivasan

Dr. Venkat Srinivasan

Keynote: Shaping tomorrow: Generative AI in a transforming world

Generative AI is rapidly redefining industries, reshaping human creativity, and challenging traditional problem-solving paradigms. In the keynote, Dr. Venkat Srinivasan, founder of Innospark Ventures and a trailblazer in AI-driven innovation, will explore the transformative potential of generative AI.  Through the lens of his experience building impactful ventures — from combating illiteracy to revolutionizing health and software development — Srinivasan will provide actionable insights into how startups, policymakers, and enterprises can navigate this AI-powered revolution.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

PANEL: AI and humans: Building the workforce of tomorrow

The panel will explore the evolving interplay between artificial intelligence and the human workforce. It will discuss how AI is reshaping job roles, creating new opportunities, and addressing concerns about displacement. The session will highlight strategies for upskilling employees, fostering human-AI collaboration, and building a workforce ready to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

MODERATOR:
Dr. Krisztina Domjan, Senior Professorial Lecturer, American University

PANELITSTS:

Muir Macpherson, Partner, Human Capital Solutions, Aon
Seema Alexander, Cofounder, Virgent AI
Sheena Gill, JD, President, Americas, CognitiveCare Inc.
Sudhir Menon, Technology Executive

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

AI Startup Showcase & Networking Reception

The session offers a unique platform to:

Watch demos from top AI startups at the forefront of transformative technology, showcasing solutions poised to redefine industries.

Engage with investors: Connect with leading investors and explore funding opportunities for the next wave of groundbreaking AI ideas.

Discover enterprise innovations: Learn how established companies are driving AI adoption through real-world use cases and pioneering solutions.

This vibrant reception is your chance to network with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, exchange insights, and ignite partnerships that shape the future of AI.

Join us for an evening of networking and connection with AI startups, investors and professionals across the industry.

Featured founders:
Nikhil Teja Kolli, Cofounder, mokSa.ai
Asif Mooppan, Founder, Vuelogix Technologies Pvt Ltd
Bhakthi Sahgal, Cofounder, Oncovana
Vishwas Lele, Cofounder, pWin.ai