Dent:AI San Diego Reception & Startup Showcase, January 27, 2024

Gather with the founders of some of the most innovative AI startups in San Diego, along with investors supporting these new ventures: join us at the Dent:AI reception and startup showcase, from 5:00–9:00 PM on Monday, January 27, at UC San Diego Park & Market.

Over 850 people signed up for the past two startup showcases. Space is limited, so please RSVP now to secure your spot. Due to high demand and limited capacity, only approved applicants will be granted admittance.

Spent the evening yesterday with some smart people at the Dent:AI showcase. CIBC Innovation Banking is ‘all in’ on AI and anxious to help these companies as they scale.
— John Flemming, Managing Director, CIBC Innovation Banking

Talks & Speakers

An exclusive series of talks will kick off the evening. Kicking off at 5:00 PM, these sessions will illuminate the AI landscape presented by key pioneers and thought leaders in the field.

Speakers will include:

Charlene Li, Founder & CEO Quantum Networks Group, and New York Times bestselling author of seven books. Her latest book is Winning With Generative AI: The 90-day Blueprint For Success, a comprehensive guide to mastering generative AI within a strategic framework tailored to your organization's purpose and values. Charlene graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Business School and was named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company.

McKinsey Partner Curt Jacobsen will lead a panel on The Human Side of Generative AI: Creating a Path to Productivity. This timely discussion will address navigating the evolving landscape of work in the era of generative AI, and the critical balance between harnessing AI’s transformative potential for productivity and prioritizing the human element for a thriving workforce. As organizations race to implement AI technologies, they must consider the impact on the workforce and adopt a people-centric approach. This panel conversation, led by Curt Jacobsen, a seasoned expert in digital transformation and AI implementation, will explore key questions such as:

  • How is generative AI changing the nature of work and reshaping employee expectations?

  • What are the emerging talent archetypes in the age of AI, and how can organizations tailor their talent strategies to attract and retain the right individuals?

  • What new skills will be critical for success in a gen-AI-enabled workplace, and how can companies support employee upskilling and reskilling efforts?

  • How can we redesign jobs to leverage AI for efficiency while emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and the unique contributions of human talent?

  • What is the evolving role of managers in overseeing both human teams and AI implementation, and how can they foster a human-centric work environment that balances technological advancement with employee well-being?

  • This session will draw upon insights from McKinsey’s recent research on generative AI and the future of work, featuring real-world examples and actionable strategies for leaders seeking to harness the power of AI while creating a more fulfilling and human-centered workplace.

Panel: Creating a Supportive Environment in San Diego for AI Startups: Cheryl Goodman and Neal Bloom will join us for a fireside chat to explore San Diego’s AI startup landscape and its unique challenges. Cheryl, CEO of FindGood.tech, brings her expertise in AI implementation and workforce development, while Neal, Managing Partner at Interlock Capital, offers his perspective on nurturing the local startup community. They’ll discuss strategies for overcoming key hurdles such as capital constraints, talent acquisition, and ecosystem development. The conversation will touch on how startups can navigate San Diego’s evolving infrastructure, scaling difficulties, and the importance of building strong professional networks. This informal, conversational session aims to provide valuable insights for anyone interested in fostering San Diego’s growth as an AI innovation hub, addressing both the opportunities and obstacles in our city’s tech landscape.

More speakers to be announced soon.

We had a great time last night at the Dent:AI event showing off all the custom AI models our team has built over the last few months. For 3 hours we had a line of people waiting to talk to us ... I can’t remember the last time I ran out of business cards!
— Matt Kowalczyk, CEO, EXIT83 Consulting
The diversity and innovation showcased by these AI startups are truly commendable, reflecting the vibrant ecosystem of AI entrepreneurship.
— Godwin (Sam) Josh - Co-Founder of Altrosyn and DIrector at CDTECH
Thank you for the opportunity to present and to meet folks in the Dent community. Looking forward to the next one.
— Boaz Ashkenazy, CEO of Augmented AI

Reception

Following the talks, we’ll have demo tables set up throughout the reception, where you’ll have a chance to engage with some of the top AI startups and entrepreneurs from around the region. You’ll come away with a firsthand look at what’s in development across the world of AI innovation today.

Appetizers and beverages will be provided by Dent the Future, featuring special wine selections, picked by Dent’s official sommelier, Greg Kisor. If wine is not your thing, don’t worry: the bar will also serve beer and soda throughout the evening.

We’re excited to announce the first companies participating in the Dent:AI San Diego Startup Showcase:

EyePop.ai: Unlock the full potential of computer vision technology with EyePop.ai, designed to empower startups at every technical level. Purpose built to give teams without ML Expertise capabilities in real-time object and people detection and analysis, all through a user-friendly platform.

Gravity.ai: GravityAI is a production-ready AI Ops platform offering a model catalog and deployment process enabling accessible API/UI integration, organization-wide model visibility, and governance aligned with AI ethics and regulations.

Hal9: Hal9 empowers companies with self-service data solutions that leverage generative AI to seamlessly get insights from data sources.

Peregrine OKB: They “put the analog back into digital” by designing and delivering experiential media systems, support and structural fabrication concepts, media content, and conceptual technology design.

Thanks also to our sponsors, including findgood.tech and AskTuring.ai. AskTuring.ai designs intelligent AI solutions to help your business operate more efficiently. With patent-pending technology, they make AI secure, private, easy, affordable, and user-friendly on your data, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. Also, become AI-Fluent with findgood.tech using AI workforce trainings based on the top selling book, "How to Win Friends & Influence Robots: AI for Non-Tech Brilliant Minds." Discover your AI roadmap with easy-to-understand, curated content and resources that empower you and your team to get in the game.

More to be announced soon. Interested in featuring your startup at the reception? Please indicate your interest when you request your ticket, and we’ll be in touch.

Thank you for the opportunity to present and to meet folks in the Dent community. Looking forward to the next one.” — Boaz Ashkenazy, CEO of Augmented AI“Thank you for hosting us and driving Davos-style conversation ... The event was a huge success.
— Noor Aftab, Global Program Lead, Amazon
“Such a fabulous event! My brain is still spinning with all the information”
— Deanna Brown, Leadership Consultant, K2OHSolutions

For over a decade, Dent the Future has been bringing curious, adventurous, and diverse professionals together to explore new approaches to thinking and push you to breakthrough ideas and new insights.

#TechNetworking #StartupShowcase #DentAI2025

Thanks to our partners and sponsors, including Experiences for Mankind, Peregrine OKB, Innovation and Tech Today, and Dent the Future.

Next
Next

2025: Join Us for Another Action-Packed Year of Denting the Universe (and 2024 in review)