What’s in this Edition

🛠️ Upcoming Hackathons
💻 Inspiring tech meetups
🍔 Exciting Networking Gatherings
🗣️ Hands-on Technical workshops

This event focuses on innovative solutions in climate tech, clean energy, cybersecurity, logistics, med tech, and other unique creative solutions that drive positive change in local and global communities. Whether you're an experienced hacker or a first-time participant, come be part of a movement that supports the growth of ideas that will shape a better future for all.

If you're interested in meeting with other developers and chatting about tech, life, etc. during your lunch break, you're more than welcome to join us at our virtual table.

Agenda:

• Chris G. will given an intro to AI & AR in Memphis: a manifesto for action to leverage this moment in time. There will be a specific focus on MedTech.

• Kathryn Hicks will give a talk on her current project work.

• Chris G. will discuss AR smart glasses for training in the trades.

• The remaining half hour will be networking, and open discussion of the opportunity that Artificial Intelligence & Augmented Reality present, within the Memphis market.

Authentic New York style pizza provided by Slice pizza.

901AI —The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions

February 27, 2025
12noon to 1:30pm CDT

This workshop equips executives with practical AI skills to streamline operations, enhance strategic thinking, accelerate data-driven decisions, and unlock growth opportunities—delivering immediate value.

Meeting agenda:
6:00 pm Food and drink, attendee networking
6:30 pm Main meeting

AgLaunch365 Portfolio Showcase & Demo Night

February 27, 2025
1pm to 10:30pm CDT

Meet founders from the AgLaunch365 Portfolio at the Portfolio Showcase where they'll be demonstrating cutting-edge ag tech. Hear talks from experts & innovators at our Lightning Talks and make new connections over drinks and hors d'oeuvres at our Happy Hour before heading to the beautiful Crosstown Theater to hear our latest cohort pitch live! Afterwards, enjoy more delicious local food, cocktails, and music while continuing to network with our AgLaunch365 cohort founders at the VIP afterparty.

Spend the hour chatting about research and design concepts along with new and exciting topics in the world of UI/UX.

Show off your personal projects, school projects, tutorials, or anything else you're working on – whether they're finished or still in progress. The idea is to practice engaging with like-minded tech enthusiasts. And if you don't have anything to showcase, come and join us in celebrating and supporting our fellow techies.

Brian and Jada will bring a solar-powered battery. We will then attempt to self-host an AI model. So we will in effect be creating a proof-of-concept of an AI model running via solar power.

There has been a lot of hype surrounding AI, particularly in machine learning (ML), ChatGPT, and even quantum computing. I’m interested in hearing about your personal experiences with job searching in AI, ML, and ChatGPT.

Epicenter Memphis: Women Innovating Memphis

March 5, 2025
11am to 1pm CDT

A dynamic panel spotlighting female trailblazers in innovation! Hear from Regina Whitley of the Memphis IT Council and Kathryn Hicks of BVO as they share insights on leading the way in our city.

Key Takeaways from talk “Deep dive into the world of Non-Profit Project Management”:

🔹Understand how nonprofit and volunteer initiatives align with project management principles
🔹Learn how stakeholder engagement in social good projects mirrors business communication strategies, including negotiation, collaboration, and influence.
🔹Explore how resource management and sustainability in nonprofit work develop financial planning and strategic decision-making skills applicable to business success.

Speaker JC Smiley is giving a talk titled “Building Bridges, Not Walls: Networking Strategies for Introverted Techies”

This talk will focus on empowering individuals in technical fields who identify as introverts to build meaningful professional connections, emphasizes overcoming the challenges introverts often face in social or networking scenarios, and provides practical strategies to navigate them.

BDPA of Memphis: Code, Create, and Conversate

March 8, 2025
11am to 1pm CDT

Whether you’re coding, designing, brainstorming, or just looking to connect with like-minded folks, this is the perfect space to be productive while enjoying great company.

Cxfeeblack : 761 National St. Memphis, TN 38122

Get ready for a flavor-packed lunch at the StickEm Food Truck! Swing by Epicenter in Downtown Memphis for mouthwatering grilled kabobs and tasty sides that’ll hit the spot! Don’t miss it!

This is a fantastic opportunity for local tech professionals to connect over a delicious meal in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Lunch will be at Pyros Taco shop.

What You’ll Learn:

• Professional Development: How to build and present your professional identity.

• Interview Success: Tips and strategies to stand out in interviews. Job Hunting

• Techniques: Effective ways to navigate the digital job market, from LinkedIn optimization to using social media in your job search.
  

Note — $10 for College Students, $20 for non-college students.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to use AI tools to generate custom visuals and graphics.

• Tips for creating logos and branding materials that stand out.

• Techniques to refine AI-generated designs and personalize them for your needs.

• Best practices for integrating AI into your creative workflow.

Note — $25

AI Essentials for Nonprofits: Ethical AI and Bias

March 5, 2025
5:30pm to 7:30pm CDT

• The social and ethical implications of using AI tools in various industries

• How generative AI works and where biases can occur in AI models.

• Strategies for identifying and addressing bias in AI-generated content.

• Best practices for ensuring responsible and fair use of AI in personal and
  professional settings.