On October 14, 2024, APEX had the privilege of attending and exhibiting at the AI Horizons Summit at Bakery Square in Pittsburgh, PA. The event brought together over 650 attendees from government, academia, and industry to explore the transformative impact of AI technologies on defense capabilities and operations. From keynote presentations and panel discussions to networking sessions, the summit provided invaluable insights into the latest advancements in AI and how these innovations are shaping the future of defense.
APEX's Role and Impact
As an exhibitor, APEX showcased its Process Navigation services for SBIR/STTR and other defense-related funding programs. Attending the summit was a crucial opportunity for APEX to position itself as a leader in facilitating collaboration between academia, industry, and the Department of the Air Force (DAF). With AI rapidly becoming a cornerstone of defense strategy, the summit allowed APEX to reinforce its role in supporting AI innovators as they transition technologies into real-world defense applications.
By engaging directly with key stakeholders, APEX strengthened its relationships with AI innovators and defense leaders, opening the door to potential collaborations that align with the DAF’s operational imperatives and APEX's mission to accelerate technology transitions.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and AI Workforce Innovation
During the event, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined industry and academic leaders, including representatives from NVIDIA, to announce the launch of the AI Tech Workforce and Innovation Community. This initiative aims to establish Pittsburgh as a leader in AI and workforce development, reinforcing the city’s growing influence in both the technology and defense sectors. APEX’s attendance at this pivotal announcement further strengthened its strategic position within Pittsburgh's technology ecosystem.
Key Takeaways for APEX
Emerging AI Trends and Defense Priorities: The summit highlighted the latest AI technologies and trends that will shape future defense operations. This knowledge allows APEX to tailor its services to better support defense-focused innovators, ensuring that they are well-positioned to address current and emerging needs within the DAF.
Showcasing APEX’s Expertise: By exhibiting, APEX demonstrated its value as a resource for AI innovators seeking to navigate the SBIR/STTR process and connect with DAF opportunities. The summit served as an excellent platform to highlight APEX's role in fostering partnerships that accelerate defense innovation.
Networking and Collaboration: The summit offered APEX numerous opportunities to network with government, industry, and academic leaders. These connections will be essential in fostering future collaborations and furthering innovation in defense projects.
Strengthening Pittsburgh’s Technology Ecosystem: With its recent membership in the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC), APEX’s presence at the summit reinforced its commitment to the region. This participation supports APEX’s broader goal of contributing to Pittsburgh’s role as a hub for cutting-edge AI and defense technologies.
Looking Forward
APEX remains committed to supporting small businesses, researchers, and innovators within the defense ecosystem. Whether through its Process Navigation services or by facilitating key partnerships, APEX is dedicated to accelerating the transition of new technologies into defense capabilities.
Missed us at the summit? Reach out to learn how APEX can assist with your next big idea: https://apex-innovates.org/contact-academic-partnership-engagement-experiment
Photos from the event are credited to Adam Michaels Photography.