EVENTS GALLERY
The Intercontinental Academia (ICA) emerged as a transformative initiative, led by the University-Based Institutes for Advanced Study (UBIAS) and uniting brilliant young academics from 44 international institutes. This global endeavor, at the crossroads of cross-disciplinary research, aimed to transcend traditional boundaries, offering mentored experiences to future research leaders. Simultaneously, the UFMG Seminar Series on Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence (IAI) unfolded from November 8 to 11, 2022, in conjunction with ICA4. This engaging event explored cognitive processes, AI, and their societal implications, featuring distinguished guests, including two Nobel Prize winners, representatives from the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Brazil, and the president of the CERN Council (European Organization for Nuclear Research).
The thematic spectrum delved into the intricate relationship between complex systems science and AI, examining the profound impact of artificial intelligence on various societal aspects. Discussions encompassed health, economy, work, education, law, philosophy, robotics, and computing, exploring the foundations and ethical dimensions of AI. As an integral part of the ICA initiative, ICA4 served as a beacon, sparking meaningful exchanges and collaborations. The immersive experience aimed to transform scholars' research approaches, fostering interdisciplinary awareness and shaping the future of global research and academia.
Hani Camille Yehia, former coordinator of UFMG's Graduate Program in Neurosciences and CEFALA (Center for Studies of Speech, Acoustics, Language, and Music), is a key figure in interdisciplinary research.
His work delves into the connections between speech, facial movement, and brain activity, offering practical insights into human communication. By bridging physics, neuroscience, linguistics, and music, Yehia contributes to broader fields like Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, underlining the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding human communication complexity.
Eliezer Rabinovici, a distinguished Particle Physics scholar, holds the Leon H. and Ada G. Miller Chair at the Racah Institute of Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Formerly chairing various committees and contributing significantly to gender equality, he specializes in theoretical high-energy physics, emphasizing quantum field theory and string theory.
Renowned as the President of the CERN Council (European Organization for Nuclear Research), Rabinovici is instrumental in advancing SESAME, the first synchrotron light source in the Middle East. Notably, he initiated the Intercontinental Academia concept, showcasing his visionary impact on global scientific collaboration.
Participating in the UFMG Seminar Series and Intercontinental Academia 4 was a truly exhilarating experience. The opportunity to engage with speakers from around the globe, including the USA, Israel, China, Japan, New Zealand, and France, added a rich international perspective to the discussions.
The event proved to be intellectually stimulating, offering profound insights from Nobel Prize winners and directors of esteemed research centers such as CERN Council, C4AI (Center for AI) USP, and MCTI (Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation). The focus on the highly relevant theme of Artificial Intelligence made the participation even more insightful and commendable.
Toshio Fukuda, a distinguished figure in the field of robotics, holds notable positions as a Professor at the Beijing Institute for Technology and an Emeritus professor at Nagoya University. With a focus on intelligent robotic systems, micro-nano robotics, bio-robotic systems, and neuromorphic intelligent control, Fukuda is a world-renowned researcher. His groundbreaking contributions include pioneering microrobotics technology crucial to medical advancements and the development of continuous movement in robots.
Recognized for his outstanding achievements, Fukuda has received prestigious awards such as the 1997 Dr.-Ing. Eugene Mittelmann Achievement Award, the 2000 IEEE Third Millennium Medal, and the 2011 IEEE/RSJ IROS Harashima Award for Innovative Technology. In 2019, he served as the President-Elect of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), reflecting his influential role in shaping the field of robotics.
Itzhak Fried, Director of the Epilepsy Surgery Program at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Professor of Tel-Aviv Medical Center, is a distinguished clinician and researcher renowned for his innovative approaches to treating epilepsy. With over 1,000 surgeries, including awake-craniotomy language mapping, Dr. Fried's patient-centric philosophy emphasizes individualized care.
His groundbreaking research explores the intersection of sleep and memory, aiming to enhance memory through electrical and auditory stimulation. Recently awarded a $7 million grant for collaborative research with artificial intelligence experts, Dr. Fried seeks to develop closed-loop devices for patients with memory disorders, showcasing his commitment to advancing neuroscience and patient well-being.
The Hot N' Code Conference, Hotmart's premier annual technology event, stood out as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange among the company's IT professionals and external participants. Under the theme "The Art of Coding the Future," the four-day event covered diverse tracks, including software engineering, cybersecurity, machine learning, cloud computing, and user experience. Notable presentations in the Data and Artificial Intelligence track featured contributions from industry leaders such as Data Hackers, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Nubank.
Founded in 2011 by entrepreneurs João Pedro Resende and Mateus Bicalho, Hotmart stood out as a global technology company, a leader in the digital products market, and a key player in the Creator Economy. As part of the Hotmart Company group, alongside entities like Hotmart Sparkle, Teachable, and Klickpages, the company played a crucial role in the economy of content creators. Its mission was to empower individuals to turn their passions into viable businesses, converting audiences into customers and skills into valuable products. With over 1,700 employees, Hotmart had a global impact, maintaining a diverse ecosystem with over 580,000 registered products and sales in more than 188 countries.
XP Education hosted the Conecta XPE event, aimed at bridging the gap between industries and academia. In its first edition, notable speakers such as Neilson Crepalde, CTO of A3Data, and Paula Gomes, Head of AI at B3, shared insights, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants.
XP Education, part of the XP Inc. group, combines the expertise of IGTI in technology education and Xpeed, renowned for financial markets, striving to revolutionize the education sector much like XP did in finance. Born within the innovative XP Inc., the college embodies a commitment to innovation and boldness, fostering talents for the new digital economy. Offering online courses in IT, finance, and business, including MBAs, bootcamps, and free undergraduate programs, XP Education stands as a true career accelerator.
A3Data, a specialized consultancy in data and artificial intelligence, empowers individuals and corporations through data-driven culture. Operating as an advisor, A3Data undertakes high-impact projects and cultural transformations, encompassing the implementation of Data Lakes, Self-Service Analytics, and the creation of Predictive and Prescriptive Models. The company's focus on people, commitment to excellence, simplicity, and transparent communication shapes its essence, making it an excellent workplace, as certified by GPTW. A3Data's AI solutions integrate various technologies, aiding clients in understanding behavior patterns and relationships between indicators across sectors like health, education, finance, and more.
B3, as Brazil's stock exchange, plays a pivotal role in the financial market infrastructure globally. Operating in stock, fixed income, credit markets, and providing technology, data, and services, B3 strives to fortify its core businesses and diversify into complementary areas. The introduction of artificial intelligence is evident in initiatives like B3 GPT, a platform utilizing AI to enhance employee productivity. B3 GPT offers tools such as AskPDF for summarizing important messages, GPT-4 for programming code creation, and CloudAI for onboarding using generative AI. These initiatives reflect B3's commitment to integrating AI into all aspects of the company, enhancing innovation, creativity, and overall work quality.
In April 2024, a partnership between the renowned Machado Meyer and the innovative Peers Consulting & Technology resulted in a pivotal event, addressing key points of the new Salary Equality Law in Brazil. The gathering provided a deep discussion on the importance of salary transparency and the necessary measures for companies to adequately prepare. A focal point was Peers' presentation of their pragmatic solution, utilizing People Analytics to provide valuable insights into identifying salary gaps, assisting in implementing improvements and policies for risk mitigation.
Machado Meyer, recognized as one of Brazil's largest law firms, played a vital role in the event. With extensive legal expertise, Machado Meyer has been a leader in advising national and international companies, financial institutions, and governmental entities. Its reputation is built on years of excellence and innovation, often recognized as the best law firm in Brazil and a leader in legal operations.
On the other hand, Peers Consulting & Technology, headquartered in São Paulo, stands out as a management consulting firm offering differentiated solutions. Combining expertise in business consulting with its specialized digital arm in Data & Analytics, Peers presented its innovative People Analytics solutions. It demonstrated how intelligent data analysis can aid in identifying salary inequalities and formulating effective strategies to promote equity within organizations.
The Web Summit Rio, part of the renowned Web Summit series, stood as one of the world's largest technology conferences, bringing together over 21,000 attendees in 2023. Returning to Riocentro in April 2024, the event served as a platform for global industry leaders to discuss technological advancements and their impact on businesses. The second edition of Web Summit Rio continued to draw international attention, featuring discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for fraud prevention, productivity enhancement, cost reduction, and marketing innovation.
Concluding with record-breaking attendance, the Web Summit Rio attracted over 34,000 participants from 102 countries, showcasing the latest innovations and launches from various companies. With a significant increase in attendees compared to the previous year, the event served as a pivotal platform for companies to present their technological advancements and foster collaborations. Notably, the participation of diverse startups, women, and minority entrepreneurs underscored the event's commitment to inclusivity and innovation in the technology industry.
Participating at Web Summit Rio 2024 was an enlightening experience, immersing us in a rich tapestry of discussions and innovations revolving around the pivotal role of AI across industries. With AI emerging as the focal point, discussions underscored the imperative for companies to embrace its potential, adapt their workforce, and identify suitable applications. Moreover, the event delved into various other cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, cryptocurrency, and cybersecurity, highlighting their significance in shaping the future of businesses worldwide. From exploring the nuances of generative AI to delving into the transformative power of new technologies, the event showcased a spectrum of initiatives driving technological advancements. Amidst the discourse, it became evident that AI is not just a tool but a transformative force shaping the future of businesses worldwide.
