Silicon Valley Emerging Tech Management Week Showcases Innovation at the Intersection of Entrepreneurship and Technology
Berkeley Suturdja Center and IE Sci-Tech School collaborated with Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business to organize the event.
Last week, the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at Berkeley, in collaboration with the IE School of Science and Technology and the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, successfully organized the Silicon Valley Emerging Tech Management Week. The unique executive education program brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and innovators to delve into the transformative power of technology, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on reshaping businesses.
The week-long program, part of the IE Berkeley Tech Catalysts Program at IE Sci-Tech, featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including UC Berkeley’s professors and researchers: Ion Stoica, Co-founder of Databricks; Shomit Ghose, Partner at ONSET Ventures; Peter Abbeel, Co-founder of Covariant; and Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean of IE School of Science and Technology and founding director of the Sutardja Center, as well as CKGSB experts such as Dr. Hong Chen and Founding Dean Bing Xiang. All shared their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the rapidly evolving global landscape of technology and entrepreneurship.
One of the highlights of the Week was the exclusive on-site visits to industry giants Tesla and Microsoft and cutting-edge VC Andreessen Horowitz. Participants had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the technologies and innovations driving these companies, the vision of the investors, gaining valuable insights into the practical applications of emerging tech in real-world business scenarios.
“It was an enriching week, immersing ourselves in the firsthand narratives of those at the forefront of AI development. The insights gained have provided us with valuable frameworks to contemplate the necessary changes within our organizations,” said Kjersti Wiklund, program participant and Independent Director and Board Member at Nordea Bank.
Another participant, David Dubovsky, Enabler - Finance Enterprise Center of Excellence at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, highlighted, “The Berkeley Emerging Technology program was a fantastic and intense learning experience for me. I was inspired by the faculty, industry leaders, and a diverse and engaged cohort who shared their insights on the latest technologies. I am taking back newly found knowledge and ideas, along with a strong network of thought leaders to help shape the future of digital for our organization.”
Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean of IE School of Science and Technology, emphasized the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in navigating the complex landscape of emerging technologies.
“Events like Silicon Valley Emerging Tech Management Week provide a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering a holistic understanding of the technological advancements that are reshaping our world,” Sidhu remarked.
As the curtains closed on Emerging Tech Week, attendees said they left with a deeper understanding of the role of AI in the transformation of businesses and a renewed commitment to driving innovation in their respective fields. The event served as a testament to the collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach embraced by the UC Berkeley Sutardja Center on Entrepreneurship and Technology, IE School of Science and Technology, and Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.