Risto Miikkulainen is a computer science professor at the University of Texas at Austin and Associate VP of Evolutionary AI at Cognizant. He's authored over 480 articles on neuroevolution, natural language processing, and vision neural network models. At Cognizant, he applies these approaches to real-world problems. Risto has received recognition for his neuroevolution work, including the Gabor Award of the International Neural Network Society, the Evolutionary Computational Pioneer Award from IEEE, and the Outstanding Paper of the Decade Award from the International Society for Artificial Life.

Results-oriented expert in strategy, design, and development of digital experiences. Leads interdisciplinary teams, providing structure and alignment to launch large-scale, multi-channel projects. Strong network of top creative talent, partners, and vendors. Clients include Coca-Cola, Walt Disney, Lululemon, Porsche, Carnival Cruise Lines, Verizon, Whole Foods, Georgia Tech, Sanford Health, SFMOMA, High Museum of Art, Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme.

Zara is the Head of Global Partnerships and Operations at Soul Machines, a company that creates digital people to enhance customer experiences. She inspires innovation and adoption of this technology worldwide with a passion for creating more human, personalized, empathetic, and engaging interactions. She is particularly excited about the rise of generative AI, calling 2023 "the most exciting time to be working in this industry." Prior to her tech career, she played professional basketball for New Zealand and remains active, often surfing when there are good waves.

Bob leads a 250+ person organization and a $1B+ consumption portfolio in the US. He's worked at Microsoft for almost 20 years, most recently heading the Modern Work & Security Solutions team. Bob is from Warren, OH, and holds an MBA from Emory University after graduating from Georgia Tech. He has been happily married to his wife Connie for 25 years and has two sons, Shane (21) and Brody (18), as well as a very pampered dog named Samson.

Dr. Mark Riedl is a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Interactive Computing and associate director of the Machine Learning Center. His research is focused on human-centered AI, developing machines that can understand and interact with humans naturally. He specializes in computational creativity, game AI, and storytelling. “To research and develop new technologies that make computers creative and that make humans creative ”Specialties: Artificial intelligence, computational creativity, game AI, storytelling.

Mars is an industrial designer who is graduating from Georgia Tech this semester. They identify as nonbinary and queer, and they love working with color, using their hands to think, and learning more about the people around them. Mars excels at conducting user research and participating in co-design, as well as developing branding and graphic design.