Help pioneer a democratized AI revolution for Maine this June
The University of Maine Artificial Intelligence Initiative and its partners are exploring the opportunities and challenges created by the explosive growth of generative AI. Join them on the vanguard of the state’s technological advancement during the inaugural Maine AI Conference scheduled for June 14 at the University of Southern Maine.
Key industry players from Lockheed Martin, IDEXX, Phoenix Technologies, Covetrus and Exoanalytics will share their insights and answer questions. Leaders from IEEE-USA, the world’s largest technical professional society, and faculty from UMaine, the University of Southern Maine and The Roux Institute at Northeastern University will also serve as panelists.
The one-day conference will foster the comprehensive adoption of AI technology for the betterment of Maine among businesses, academia and policymakers. Interactive sessions will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence with business processes; education and workforce development; research and data; manufacturing; and government and policy considerations.
“As we stand on the brink of a new era in technological advancement, the inaugural Maine AI Conference symbolizes our commitment to not only keeping pace with, but also leading in the realm of artificial intelligence,” said Kody Varahramyan, UMaine’s vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School.
“This conference will serve as a vital nexus for dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders across industries, government and academia. By pooling our collective expertise, we aim to propel Maine to the forefront of AI research and applications, ensuring our state remains a competitive force in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Artificial Intelligence in the Pine Tree State
“Artificial intelligence started at UMaine in the 1980s, when several researchers at UMaine helped pioneer this field. Today, with exponential growth in computing power and accessible software, the impact on industry can be tremendous. The Maine AI Conference is a catalyst to connect the dots between academia, technology providers and end users,” said Ali Abedi, associate vice president for research at UMaine who leads the conference’s planning committee.
The university marked a new chapter in artificial intelligence innovation in 2020 when it established the UMaine AI initiative. IEEE with Maine’s top research university on a series of AI webinars that drew more than 2,000 participants from the world’s leading entrepreneurial technology hubs — Bangalore in India, Shenzhen in China and the Silicon Valley and Boston areas in the U.S. The Maine AI Conference builds on this momentum and aims to help businesses in the Pine Tree State capitalize on this burgeoning field.
“With the recent advancements in computational power, the explosive growth of generative AI, and the accessibility of AI programs, now is the time to unleash the potential of AI in support of local industry and business in Maine and the region,” said Abedi, who also chairs UMaine’s AI Initiative.
Planning for the conference is led by the UMaine Portland Gateway and the UMaine AI Initiative, which aim to leverage the research, education and strategic partnerships of Maine’s top research university to develop AI-based solutions that enhance the lives of Mainers and people everywhere.
The Maine AI Conference’s current sponsors include the Maine Technology Institute, Maine section of the IEEE, the Maine College of Engineering and Computing at the University of Maine, and The Roux Institute at Northeastern University.
Final call for early registration discount
Attendee registration is open now. The early registration discount and IEEE member rate ends on May 15. More information is available on the UMaine AI website.