Genius Machines: The New Age of AI

In just the last five years, artificial intelligence has evolved from a staple of science fiction to a real-world magnet for large-scale investment. Increases in computing power and the emergence of large data sets to train ever more powerful machine learning algorithms have created real world applications and success stories. And both trends are expected to accelerate into the 2020s.

With the standing up of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, the Department of Defense is making moves to centralize AI efforts across the government. Federal agencies are also focusing on incorporating these tools to detect insider threats, increase efficiency and maintain a tactical edge on the battlefield. Pentagon leaders have been clear, if their efforts to leverage emerging technology are to show real value, the Defense Department must tap the innovation coming out of the private sector. And the best and the brightest innovators in AI have real questions about the ethical framework that will inform government decision-making. While the U.S. is bolstering and broadening its artificial intelligence efforts, China has also made AI research a cornerstone of its 2030 strategy. How is the United States working to stay ahead of adversaries to dominate the AI market?

On March 28, Defense One and Nextgov came together for the second annual Genius Machines Summit to showcase the government leaders, tech experts, researchers and thought leaders who are shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

	Opening Remarks
	The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Defense Agencies With the standing up of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, the Department of Defense is making moves to centralize AI efforts across the government, while increasing collaboration between the public sector, private sector and academic partners. What ethical standards are being used to inform AI practices and how will these be standardized in the future? During this panel, we’ll discuss the future of AI policy and practice in defense agencies. Todd Myers, Automation Lead, CIO-T, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Dr. Brian Sadler, Senior Research Scientist (Intelligent Systems), Vehicle Technology Directorate, U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command, Army Research Laboratory Moderator: Sharon Weinberger, DC Bureau Chief, Yahoo News
	The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Civilian Agencies Civilian agencies are incorporating AI into daily governmet tasks through Robotic Process Automation, healthcare initiatives and chatbots. How is artificial intelligence being incorporated into policy to guide the use of this technology? What ethical standards are being used to inform AI practices and how will these be standardized in the future? During this panel, we’ll discuss the future of AI policy and practice in civilian agencies. Dr. Gil Alterovitz, Presidential Innovation Fellow and Research Affiliate, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Harrison Smith, Acting Chief Procurement Officer, IRS Dr. Erwin Gianchandani, Deputy Assistant Director for Computer and Information Science and Engineering, National Science Foundation Moderator: Aaron Boyd, Senior Editor, Technology and Events, Nextgov
	Enhancing Readiness with Automation, Analytics & AI A Session Presented by Our Underwriter Accenture Commercial leaders are embracing intelligent automation, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize global supply chains, streamline operations and empower the workforce. Accenture Federal Services CTO Dominic Delmolino will discuss how the U.S. military can take advantage of these industrialized innovations to improve readiness and lower sustainment costs. Dominic Delmolino, Chief Technology Officer, Accenture Federal Services
	Change Detection and Scale: Using AI to Predict Civil Unrest, Enemy Activity and Insider Threats Artificial Intelligence is already being used to defend the nation, from tracking enemy activity to detecting insider threats. During this panel discussion, we’ll dig into the technology of AI and the ways it is being used to help agencies secure systems. Dr. John Beieler, Program Manager, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Dr. Adam Cardinal-Stakenas, Chief, Data Science Research Division, National Security Agency's Research Directorate Mark Nehmer, Technical Director, Research & Development (R&D) and Technology Transfer, National Background Investigative Services, Program Executive Office, Defense Security Service Moderator: Jenna McLaughlin, National Security and Investigations Reporter, Yahoo News
	Exclusive Interview Andrew Hallman, Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation Lt Gen John “Jack” Shanahan, Director, Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, Office of the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer Moderated by: Patrick Tucker, Technology Editor, Defense One
	Fireside Chat: Countering Extremism with AI & Reason A Session Presented by Our Underwriter Accenture The nimbleness, anonymity and scale of online platforms creates significant challenges in counteracting the propaganda of terrorist organizations and other adversaries. Through the use of social network analysis, natural language processing and machine learning, organizations can make better sense of this online cacophony and employ more persuasive communications approaches in response. Dr. Rebecca Goolsby, PhD., Program Officer, Office of Naval Research  Dr. Ian McCulloh, PhD., Chief Data Scientist, Accenture Federal Services Moderated by: Steve Watkins, President, Watkins Communications
	AI Across the Globe: Assessing China’s Tech Threat While the U.S. is bolstering and broadening its artificial intelligence efforts, China has also made AI research a cornerstone of its 2030 strategy. With an increased emphasis on funding AI research and collecting data, China is positioning itself to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. During this conversation, we’ll examine how the United States is working to stay ahead of adversaries to dominate the AI market. Joshua New, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Data Innovation Lindsey Sheppard, Associate Fellow, International Security Program, Center for Strategic & International Studies Elsa Kania, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Technology and National Security Program, Center for a New American Security Moderated by: Patrick Tucker, Technology Editor, Defense One