Austin AI Alliance Company Profile

Background

The Austin AI Alliance is a 501(c)(6) non-profit consortium dedicated to advancing the understanding, capabilities, usage, and positive impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in the Austin, Texas region. By leveraging Austin's unique culture of innovation, creativity, and desire for social impact, the Alliance aims to coordinate the collective AI expertise within the community. Its mission encompasses promoting collaboration among AI professionals, driving innovation through ethical AI technologies, supporting education to foster the next generation of AI talent, and advocating for responsible AI development.

Key Strategic Focus

The Alliance's strategic objectives include:

Advancing AI Capabilities: Through research and development, the Alliance seeks to enhance AI techniques for use by Austin’s AI ecosystem, including companies, universities, and the workforce.

Accelerating AI Usage and Impact: By encouraging the deployment of ethical and impactful AI technologies, the Alliance aims to solve real-world problems and benefit society.

Augmenting AI Understanding and Skills: The Alliance promotes AI education and accessibility for individuals of all backgrounds, fostering the next generation of AI talent.

Achieving Positive Social Impact: Through AI projects that benefit people, communities, and society, the Alliance strives to make a meaningful difference.

Articulating Policies for Fair, Responsible, and Inclusive AI: The Alliance advocates for the responsible development and use of AI, adhering to ethical guidelines and mitigating potential risks.

Financials and Funding

As a non-profit organization, the Austin AI Alliance operates through membership fees and sponsorships. Membership options are available for companies, universities, organizations, and individuals, with varying benefits and annual costs.

Pipeline Development

The Alliance focuses on collaborative projects that address real-world AI challenges. As a 501(c)(6) organization, it can pursue external funding more quickly, including large grants and multi-organizational initiatives, accelerating innovation and growth.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Austin AI Alliance serves as a hub for AI innovation, connecting professionals from various sectors to elevate their respective activities and foster collaborative opportunities.

Leadership Team

The Alliance is led by a diverse Board of Directors:

Mike Hollinger, President: Former IBM Distinguished Engineer with extensive experience in AI capabilities and product development.

Maurie Beasley, Secretary: Brings a unique combination of educational and technical expertise to her work in advancing AI for positive societal impact.

Meme Styles, VP for Fair, Responsible, and Ethical AI: Founder of Measure, recognized for her work in anti-racist technology and responsible AI practices.

J Whorley, VP for AI Research & Development: Manages strategic planning and financial oversight of Austin-based research institutions, overseeing significant budgets and resources.

Zen Van Loan, VP of Workforce Development: Drives strategic AI initiatives at the Texas Workforce Commission and serves as an Adjunct Professor at Texas State University.

Megan Murray: Founder of Leoluna Finance Collective, offering outsourced CFO services to startups in emerging tech sectors.

Sherri Greenberg: Professor of practice at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, focusing on AI and technology policy.

Jay Boisseau: Experienced leader in advanced computing technologies, founder of The Austin Forum on Technology & Society.

Bryon Jacob: AI expert dedicated to helping organizations apply cutting-edge technology to real-world challenges.

Leadership Changes

There have been no recent significant changes or appointments within the company's leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Austin has emerged as a significant player in the AI startup ecosystem, attracting both local and national venture capital. In 2023, AI startups in Austin raised approximately $3 billion, a substantial increase from $1.5 billion in 2022.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the Austin AI landscape include:

Artificial Intelligence Board of America (ARTIBA): An education-related company based in Austin, focusing on AI certifications and standards.

webAI: A technology company specializing in privacy-focused AI solutions, enabling organizations to deploy AI models locally on devices.

Austin Artificial Intelligence: A consultancy dedicated to solving real business problems with data and modeling, offering services in data science, machine learning, and AI.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Austin AI Alliance collaborates with various community partners to present events like Austin AI Week, featuring world-class speakers, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Operational Insights

The Alliance's strategic considerations include:

Networking: Connecting AI leaders, innovators, and professionals through exclusive events and projects to foster meaningful relationships.

Events: Offering discounted attendance and speaking opportunities at AI conferences and workshops.

Projects: Partnering with members on impactful projects addressing real-world AI challenges.

Education: Enhancing expertise with specialized training sessions, educational resources, and mentorship opportunities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The Austin AI Alliance aims to:

Establish Austin as a Global AI Hub: Positioning the city as a leading center for AI research, innovation, and talent development.

Empower the AI Workforce: Supporting the growth and professional development of AI professionals through networking, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities.

Shape the Future of AI: Influencing the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies to ensure they benefit society and address global challenges.