Fireside Chat on Broadband and AI: Innovation, Strategy and Actions on Digital Equity and AI Education
In 2025, IEEE Seattle Section and IEEE New Era AI in collaboration with Washington State, is focusing on two pivotal areas: promoting digital equity in rural and underserved populations and advancing AI education.
These initiatives are strategic collaborative effort by the IEEE Seattle section, Joint Communications Chapter, Computer Society Chapter, other chapters, corporations, and WA State.
​This Fireside Chat delved into the strategy and formulating action plan for 2025.
Distinguished panelists included WA State Senators Lisa Wellman, Vandana Slatter, and Dr. Juan LaVista Ferres, Corporate VP & Chief Data Scientist for Microsoft AI for Good, along with other leading technical experts.
Several groundbreaking initiatives were discussed during the session:
Healthcare Innovation
A particularly promising development was revealed regarding pancreatic cancer detection, building upon work done at Johns Hopkins University (known for treating Steve Jobs). The initiative aims to push detection capabilities beyond the current 2cm threshold that doctors can identify, potentially revolutionizing early diagnosis.
AI Advancement
The discussion highlighted progress in generative AI and introduced "Queryable Earth" - an innovative platform allowing users to interact with geographical data using natural language. This development promises to democratize access to earth observation data and analysis.
Infrastructure Development
The panel addressed infrastructure improvements, including the development of parabolic antennas in Redmond, showcasing the region's commitment to advancing both satellite and fiber connectivity solutions.
Senator Lisa Wellman's unique background particularly enriched the conversation. Her journey from public school teacher to Apple's VP of Worldwide Publishing, Entertainment and New Media Markets in the 90s exemplifies the kind of cross-disciplinary expertise needed to address digital equity challenges.
This event represents a significant step forward in Washington State's commitment to technological advancement and digital inclusion, bringing together key stakeholders from government, industry, and academia to forge actionable solutions for 2025 and beyond.