A leading technology conference, AI Con has hosted hundreds of tech experts and business leaders today in Belfast (Thursday, 3 October).
Technologists and business leaders have gathered to hear from global experts in the Artificial Intelligence space, including representatives from the University College Dublin Innovation Academy, Kainos, Axial3D, ASOS and Ulster University’s new Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre.
William Hamill, Head of Engineering in Digital Services at Kainos, will chair a panel discussion on creating an AI Avatar that can engage in a real-time dialogue with multiple participants. The session will feature live participation from said AI Panellist 'Clay', an AI system designed to participate in the discussion and answer questions in real time to provide relevant, context specific inputs. Clay will join the discussion describing its integrated AI services and the approach taken by the team to develop an AI-powered contributor.
Now in its sixth year, AI Con will feature a twin-track approach with two programmes running simultaneously: ‘AI Now’ and ‘AI Next’.
AI Now will delve into the current state of the art, covering topics such as developing and operating AI-based systems, regulation, responsible AI, and societal and economic impacts, among other subjects, whilst simultaneously, AI Next will explore the cutting edge of AI research and developing, including emerging approaches, methodologies, models and technology.
The conference will explore best practice for leveraging AI in a safe, transparent, and accountable way, and will also provide insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Dr. Lollie Mancey, Programme Director for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at University College Dublin's Innovation Academy, will deliver the keynote address and said: “At AI Con 2024, I will be exploring the North Star in terms of Generative AI. This concept symbolises our highest aspirations for AI, guiding us towards innovations that not only enhance human capabilities but also promote ethical and sustainable development. During my keynote, I will address three critical questions: what should we do, why should we do it, and how can we reimagine society and our role within it?.”
Attendees will also hear from Patricia Shaw, CEO of Beyond Reach Consulting Limited, Rory Hanratty, Chief Technology Officer at Axial3D, and Suzanne Brink, Head of AI Ethics and Governance at Kainos.
AI Con 2024 is hosted by Kainos, and supported by Allstate, Invest NI, Matrix, Synechron, Belfast City Council and the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (
AICC).
Tomorrow (Friday 4 October 2024), the AICC will host exclusive AI workshops at Ulster University, open to all AI Con 2024 conference attendees.
The full AI Con programme is available
here.
Speaking ahead of AI Con, Hosted by Kainos, Tom Gray, Group Chief Technology Officer and Director of Innovation and Founder of AI Con, said:
"Today, AI Con will feature dual tracks, 'AI Now' and 'AI Next,' exploring how we are currently using AI and looking ahead at how AI is evolving. These tracks cover topics such as AI in creativity, responsible AI, industry impacts, and sustainability. With so much information available about AI and its potential, our goal at AI Con today is to support a responsible and innovative AI ecosystem that advances technological capabilities while prioritising ethical considerations and societal impact."
