GK Digital Ventures

Advising Media Companies, Fortune 500 Brands, and Startups On Emerging Tech Strategies & Solutions

“Smart Solutions, Sustainable Future” at the NYU 2024 Social Innovation Symposium on Friday, April 5

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“Smart Solutions, Sustainable Future” at the NYU 2024 Social Innovation Symposium on Friday, April 5 //

The two biggest topics of our time, artificial intelligence and sustainability, might not seem to have anything in common. The former involves issues of content creation and data analytics; the latter is centered on the debates over climate crisis and what role humans have played in it — and what role humans can play to abate climate change.

But there’s no disconnect. Especially when you consider the immense energy required to run all aspects of AI.

On Friday, April 5, I’ll be speaking at a half-day event at New York University (NYU) on the  potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to address the connection between social and environmental challenges. 

Titled “Smart Solutions, Sustainable Future,” the panel discussion is focused on leveraging technology for the principles associated with my Tech For Good initiative, which involves bringing together experts from both the private and public sectors.

The event will feature a panel discussion with participation from individuals well-known in their respective fields: Alec Crawford, who specializes in Artificial Intelligence Risk; Becky Duane of IBM; and Maria João Sousa, an advocate for Climate Change AI. The session will be moderated by NYU Professor @Raphael Carty.

Attendees can expect to engage in conversations about creating meaningful, large-scale change to tackle climate change, emphasizing collaboration, practical solutions, and the acceleration of the “Tech for Good” initiative.

For those interested in the intersection of technology and societal impact, this event promises insights into how AI and machine learning can contribute to sustainable futures. Further details and ticket information are available at the event’s webpage.

This year at SXSW, we didn’t  just attend; we catalyzed conversations that matter.

With three distinct gatherings, we aim to delve into the pressing issues at the intersection of technology, society, and the future of media. Join us to explore how we can collectively harness tech for the greater good, push the boundaries of AI in journalism, and amplify women's voices in technology. Read on to find out where we'll be and why you won't want to miss out.

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Tech for Good

The need to foster a practical and inspiring dialogue about how to shape technology's role in society has never been more critical. That’s what our session on "Tech for Good," in partnership with the Ad Council, Northwell Health, and inKind, is all about.

Our panel of speakers — inKind CEO Johann Moonesinghe; Chethan Sathya, MD, the Director, Center for Gun Violence Prevention at Northwell Health; Wizdom Powell, Chief Purpose Officer at Headspace; and Dave Surgan, Emerging Platforms Lead at Meta — will be discussing meaningful ways that tech companies and leaders can positively impact mental health and reduce gun violence.

This gathering is a call to action for all of us to engage in one of SXSW's most vital conversations. Seats are limited for this exclusive event, so if you’re passionate about making a difference, reach out now for an invite. 

Date: Sat, March 9

Time: 6pm CT

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AI Trailblazers Dinner

Join me and my co-founders, marketing veterans Shiv Singh and Amit Shah, for an intimate evening with The New York Times' AI Editorial Director, Zach Seward.

This private dinner, a collaboration with The New York Times, will spotlight the evolution of media in the age of AI. Plus, don't miss the "AI Showdown" featuring five innovative startups vying to define the next chapter of the AI revolution.

Along with our startup contestants, we are honored to have such a stellar group of judges, including Bonin Bough, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Group Black; Jennifer Prince, Chief Commercial Officer, The Los Angeles Rams; Sandy Carter, Chief Operating Officer, Unstoppable Domains; and Jeremiah Owyang, General Partner, AI Fund Blitzscaling Ventures. 

Date: Sun, March 10

Time: 6pm - 9pm CT

Equality Lounge

Despite significant advancements, women's voices in tech remain underrepresented and underfunded. The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge is our stand against this imbalance. With women securing only 2% of VC funding and CEO positions at major firms still largely occupied by men, our gatherings are dedicated to empowering and championing women in the tech industry. Join us for two days of purposeful action and dialogue. Big shout outs to The Female Quotient’s Shelley Zalis, the organization’s founder and CEO, and Talia Small, FQ’s President, for planning and hosting such an essential event at SxSW. 

Date: March 9 & 10

Time: 8:30am - 7pm

Why Attend?

Each event we're hosting at SXSW 2024 is crafted to inspire, challenge, and build connections among brand decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and media. Whether you're deeply — or recently — embedded in AI, an advocate for social change within tech, or exploring what it means to build, buy, partner, invest in tech, these gatherings promise rich discussions, invaluable insights, and the opportunity to be part of a community driving positive change.

How To Get in Touch

My advisory services are always open to existing and potential clients with questions about the rise of AI, ethical tech, mixed reality/spatial computing/immersive advertising, smart cities/mobility, gaming, and whether companies  should build, buy, partner, or invest to enhance their existing technology platforms.

Whether you need a primer on the issues that are being presented at SxSW, or if you’re a member of the press and need commentary for a news story on deadline, reach out to me and I’ll respond as quickly as possible.