Featured Speaker: Anshumali Shrivastava, Associate Professor, Computer Science, Rice University, and CEO and Co-Founder of ThirdAI. 

Anshumali Shrivastava’s research focuses on Large Scale Machine Learning, Scalable and Sustainable Deep Learning, Randomized Algorithms for Big-Data and Graph Mining. ThirdAI builds hash-based processing algorithms that accelerate training and inference of neural networks. The technology is a result of 10 years of innovation in finding fundamental ways to make deep learning more efficient. Our research has demonstrated how we can make commodity x86 CPUs 15x faster than state of the art NVIDIA GPUs for training large neural networks. This demonstration has shaken the common knowledge prevailing in the AI community that specialized processors like GPUs are superior to CPUs for training neural networks.

We invite attendees to join the featured speaker and event attendees for networking at Second Draught after the talk.

In Partnership with Rice University’s Office of Alumni Relations series – Brains in a Bar. Brains in a Bar mixes mixes socializing and learning in a fun and casual environment. Grab a drink and hear from a lineup of incredible Rice faculty and staff!

About Innovation on Tap: Disruptive Technology Talks with Houston’s Leading Researchers

Industrial innovation is in the DNA of Houston (energy, health, space, and transportation), and the Ion is at the forefront of moving the city to become a technology destination, a central place where we support bold moves that embrace the innovation economy at an industrial scale. The Ion is a place where we accelerate disruption by connecting people and ideas to create a future that will not only change Houston but change the world.

Ion Innovation on Tap lecture series is focused on bridging world-leading academic research to the broader innovation ecosystem, creating connections and partnerships that will not only accelerate translation and commercialization but form relationships that will drive future fundamental advances needed to address fundamental problems like decarbonization, personalized health care, and create resilient and sustainable livable communities.

Examples of disruptive technology include but are not limited to AI and machine learning, robotics, synthetic biology, neuro-engineering, nano-materials, cyber security, imaging, blockchain, and quantum computing.

The lecture series will feature leading researchers spanning engineering, science, and design, showcasing advanced technology and innovation from academic research labs and programs. Largely inaccessible and buried in journals and conference proceedings, technology will be presented in an accessible TED-style lecture format with ample networking opportunities. The disruptive technology lecture series will serve as a magnifying glass connecting fundamental technology to people and organizations that can benefit and help activate technology through commercialization. More than that, the lecture series will serve as a front door for collaboration between researchers and industry partners and/or the formation of new technology startups that will help establish Ion and Houston as a global hub for innovation.