09.21.2023

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Today’s Forecast

69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.

🤖 Austin and AI

4 reasons Austin could become the next big AI hub

Hugh Forrest onstage with colorful structures and a large screen behind him.

SXSW Co-President Hugh Forrest moderated a panel on Austin’s role in powering the US Tech Ecosystem at Applied Intelligence Live! on Wednesday. | Photo by ATXtoday

Austin appears to have its finger on the pulse of innovation yet again.

AI technologists and enthusiasts converged in Austin yesterday for Applied Intelligence Live!, a two-day conference continuing at the Palmer Events Center today.

At the event, local business leaders spoke on the Capital City’s role in developing the rapidly growing industry — here’s why local entrepreneurs believe ATX could become the next big AI hub.

Collaboration is a part of Austin’s culture.

Austin has been known as a startup hub for several years, even earning the city the moniker of “Silicon Hills.”

In a panel Wednesday, Rebecca Taylor, Interim Executive Director at UT’s Austin Technology Incubator, said organizations like the ATI help create an infrastructure of support.

“It’s almost like Austin is a garage band, where people show up with their talent, their skills, and their time,” she said.

A group of people milling about the AI Live expo space. — Applied Intelligence Live! will continue at the Palmer Events Center today.
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Photo by ATXtoday

Austin already has a long history with AI and innovative tech.

This isn’t the first time AI has been a buzzword among Austin entrepreneurs — not by a long shot.

Capital Factory Managing Director Shakeel Rashed pointed out that AI was gaining traction in Austin nearly a decade ago.

“Many people in Austin have been investing and working with various AI companies right from the early times,” he said. “A lot of the ideas that were brewing for a long time are coming to life right now.”

Jay Boisseau, founder of the Austin Forum, said he believes Austin is well positioned to soon become a strong player in this burgeoning field.

“I feel confident that we will see tremendous achievement in Austin in AI and health technology [in the next] 10 years,” he said.

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Events

Thursday, Sept. 21

Texas Tribune Festival | Now-Saturday, Sept. 23 | 9 a.m.-10 p.m. | Multiple locations, Austin | $50-$2,500 | This multi-day fest brings together big names in politics, news, and culture for panel discussions, book signings, and other events.
Jim Gaffigan: Barely Alive Tour | Thursday, Sept. 21 + Friday, Sept. 22 | Times vary | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $50-$80 | The awarded comedian will release his 10th comedy special this year.

Friday, Sept. 22

TV Girl | Friday, Sept. 22 | 7 p.m. | Emo’s Austin, 2015 E. Riverside Dr., Austin | $200 | See the indie group alongside Neggy Gemmy.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Nickelback | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 6:30 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $45-$500 | “Get Rollin’” at this post-grunge rock show, also featuring Brantley Gilbert and Josh Ross.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Biz

San Antonio-based H-E-B was named the No. 2 best employer in Texas by Forbes. Google, Austin-based Keller Williams Realty, and UT Austin also made the list, at No. 3, No. 42, and No. 47.

Civic

A $4 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency will support Austin Resource Recovery in storing + distributing items for people experiencing homelessness. The new warehouse will be aimed at furnishing homes for people transitioning into permanent housing. (KVUE)

Number

53,082. That’s the student attendance at UT Austin this fall, 1.3% higher than last year’s enrollment, which was also an all-time high. Almost a quarter of those students are first-generation undergraduates — congrats, y’all. (KVUE)

Now Open

Takoba is no more: Seven Spirits has entered the chat. The Mexican food restaurant at 1411 E. 7th St. was taken over by new bar Seven Spirits, which specializes in tequila, mezcal, sotol, and other Mexican spirits. (Easter Austin)

Shop

We hope you’re hungry. Austin-founded Schlotzsky’s launched a line of sandwich-inspired home goods, complete with a sesame bun pod chair, sourdough pillow, and original sandwich rug.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
London

From the editor

This week, I got the chance to slurp some Mi-So-Not at Ramen Tatsu-ya with Nicholas, one of our trusty SATXtoday City Editors. If you’re interested in keeping up with the Alamo City, I suggest giving them a follow.

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