For over five decades, the MSU Detroit Executive Forum has hosted CEOs and senior executives from Fortune 100 companies to discuss evolving business topics. The event offers continuing education and business networking opportunities to attendees across the Spartan alumni network.
Manoj Saxena, (MBA ’91), executive chairman of CognitiveScale
Manoj Saxena (MBA ’91), executive chairman of CognitiveScale, will be the featured speaker at the 2020 MSU Detroit Executive Forum to illuminate the topic of artificial intelligence and how it applies to the business world’s new normal. On Sept. 21, Saxena will join Dean Sanjay Gupta for a virtual moderated discussion and explore AI’s role in the significant digital transformation that has been accelerated by the ongoing pandemic.
Saxena has been called the father of IBM Watson, serving as the company’s first general manager, and a pioneer of “Trusted Artificial Intelligence” for his work on building ethical and responsible AI systems. His work as a leading practitioner and investor at the forefront of AI reveals his knowledge of how AI represents a new way of innovating and driving growth. Saxena is also chair of AI Global, a nonprofit dedicated to ethical and responsible use of AI.
Beyond being named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People and Entrepreneur of the Year, Saxena has been featured in hundreds of articles for publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune and Harvard Business Review. Today, CognitiveScale ranks No. 1 in AI patents among privately held companies and No. 4 overall.
Saxena has also kept a close connection with MSU since he became an alumnus. In 2018, he gifted the Broad College $1 million to establish the Omura-Saxena Endowed Professorship in Responsible Artificial Intelligence in honor of his mentor, Glenn Omura.
The MSU Detroit Executive Forum is a collaborative effort between the Broad College and the College of Engineering. Past topics have showcased the science of craft beer and sustainability and innovation in Detroit’s auto industry.
The 2020 MSU Detroit Executive Forum will take place virtually on Monday, Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. The event is open to all MSU alumni to gain insights about AI and the ever-changing business landscape. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Visit the Broad Events page for registration information.
