Investing in Robotics Innovation: From Research to the Real World

2018-10-09
5:30 pm
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Investing in Robotics Innovation: From Research to the Real World

Calling all robotics entrepreneurs! Join Innovation Works and Toyota AI Ventures for this free evening event to hear from leading industry experts and investors working to spur innovation in robotics — in Pittsburgh and beyond. Bring your questions and ideas for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing robotics entrepreneurs on the path to commercialization. There will also be time for networking after the panel.

The discussion will be moderated by AlphaLab Gear managing director Ilana Diamond, and panelists include:

  • Jim Adler – Founding Managing Director of Toyota AI Ventures, a global venture capital firm focused on early-stage startups in artificial intelligence, autonomous mobility, robotics, data, and cloud that recently launched a call for innovation to fund robotics startups working on mobile manipulation technologies.
  • Dr. Eric Krotkov – Chief Science Officer of Toyota Research Institute, where he oversees a world-class robotics team that is committed to improving the quality of human life by developing technologies for service robots that can assist with in-home care.
  • Dawn Rucker – Principal at The Rucker Group with over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and chief executive. She is one of the first women graduates of West Point. Dawn spent her early career in the aerospace and defense industry where she built a world-class engineering and manufacturing business specializing in multispectral imaging and real-time control systems.
  • Jimmy Williams – Executive Director, Engineering and Technology Innovation Management Program. Dr. Williams comes to his current position with significant and practical experience in the industry, employing both business and technical acumen as a proven business development strategist, operational leader, and technology and innovation manager.

Schedule:

5:30 pm Registration & refreshments
6:00 pm Panel + Q&A
7:00 – 8:00 pm Refreshments & Networking