The atmosphere was electric, the room awash in a soft, ambient glow as laughter and conversation filled the air. The comedy club was packed, every seat taken, with the hum of excitement palpable as the comedian took the stage. After several stray jokes – some of which had targeted us – the comedian diverged and began talking about AI, particularly its ability to replace jobs. The room erupted in laughter throughout the bit, but for us, we weren’t laughing. No, not because he made fun of Jared’s shoes, but because his assertions, though fueled by comical intent, sparked a profound realization for us. The impact of artificialf intelligence is seeping into every facet of our lives, even the unexpected ones. We pondered, "What if we created a space to seriously explore these changes and prepare students for a future dominated by AI?" That moment of inspiration was the seed for the Texas Artificial Intelligence Conference (TAIC).

 

Carson Cohen and Jared Neustadt are the co-founders of the Conference, which is the first student-led artificial intelligence conference at the University of Texas at Austin.

 

UT Austin has coined 2024 as the "Year of AI," celebrating the university’s long-standing leadership in artificial intelligence. This initiative highlights UT's pioneering research, comprehensive educational programs, and strong partnerships with industry leaders and government agencies. It also underscores the university's unwavering commitment to shaping the future of technology through continuous innovation and collaboration, reinforcing its position as a global leader in AI.

 

We knew that in order to participate in a future controlled by AI, we needed an event that wasn’t just about lectures and presentations but one that facilitated meaningful interactions. Our vision was to bring together a diverse group of minds to explore the latest advancements, share innovative ideas, and build a community passionate about the future of AI.