Help shape what AI means for Maine at June conference

Artificial intelligence is changing how people live, work and solve problems at breakneck speed. To set the stage for AI adoption that is ethical and beneficial, experts from across Maine teamed up to bring people together to discuss the latest opportunities, implications and insights on AI for the state. 

The University of Maine AI Initiative will convene the second annual Maine AI Conference on June 13 at the Collins Center for the Arts. There, leaders and experts from academia, industry and the government will explore the opportunities, risks and realities of AI adoption in the state. Discounted early registration is open through May 16; general registration closes June 6.

“With the rise of artificial general intelligence, researchers aspire to build software with human-level reasoning and self-learning,” said Ali Abedi, associate vice president for research and director of the AI Initiative at UMaine. “This conference passes the AI light through a prism, showing how it touches everything from infrastructure and education to ethics and security.”

The need for such a forum is urgent, organizers say, as the use of AI accelerates across sectors and new tools bring both opportunities and risks. AI can help Maine overcome workforce shortages and streamline manufacturing and resource management. In education, it can personalize learning and reduce barriers to information. But it also raises complex questions about security breaches, privacy and misinformation.

“Artificial intelligence is not a universal solution or existential threat, it’s a tool,” said Abedi. “And just like any tool, how we use it will determine whether it helps or harms. That’s why we hope Mainers will join this conversation now.”

The conference is open to the public and is designed for business owners, educators, researchers, policymakers and community members interested in AI’s real-world applications. The agenda includes sessions on AI data quality, security and alignment. Experts will also discuss the legal and regulatory landscape and the impact of technology on education and the arts. Attendees will play a key role in the conference by choosing the focus of the breakout discussions designed to help them connect with peers who share their interests.

Panels will feature experts from UMaine, the University of Southern Maine, Husson University, the Roux Institute and Harvard University. Engineers from Drummond Woodsum, RLC Engineering and other companies, as well as the editor-in-chief of SuperIntelligence, an open-access journal about AI safety and value alignment with humans, will also help lead the discussion. The AI Risks and Regulations panel will include policy analysts from U.S. Sen. Angus King’s office and the Maine Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future.

“As we stand on the brink of a new era in technological advancement, the Maine AI Conference symbolizes our commitment to not only keep pace with, but lead in the realm of artificial intelligence,” said Kody Varahramyan, UMaine’s vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School. “This conference serves as a vital nexus for collaboration across sectors. By sharing knowledge and strategy, we can ensure AI works for all Mainers.”

The UMaine AI Initiative organizes the conference in partnership with the UMaine Portland Gateway and faculty from the USM, the Roux Institute, the University of Maine at Augusta and Husson University. The event is supported by the Maine Technology Institute and builds on UMaine’s leadership in AI research, education and innovation. 

UMaine launched its AI Initiative in 2020 to develop AI-based solutions that support Maine’s economy and quality of life. Since then, the initiative has hosted global webinars with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world’s largest technical professional society, and developed partnerships with institutions and industry leaders worldwide. The Maine AI Conference is the latest step in this ongoing effort to make AI accessible and meaningful for Mainers.

Tickets range from $60 to $100, with discounts available for early registrants and IEEE members. 

Additional information and registration are available online. 

Contact: Erin Miller, erin.miller@maine.edu 

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