Pepperdine University recently kicked off its first Waves Innovation Summit. The event brought together students, alumni, and tech experts to dive into how AI impacts entrepreneurship today.
Austin Bishop, a student, and Ulysse Saltiel, an alumnus on the Seaver College Board of Advisors, joined forces with Fabien Scalzo, an associate professor of computer science, to create this summit. They aimed to foster a community of service-minded leaders ready to tackle real-world challenges.
Saltiel expressed the summit’s core belief: “Pepperdine’s community holds the potential to influence the world. We need mission-driven leaders who can make important decisions with integrity.”
The event featured notable figures from AI and business. Experts from OpenAI, Nvidia, and Google shared insights, alongside professionals from the finance and entertainment sectors. This blend of perspectives provided a rich backdrop for discussions on the future of technology.
Unlocking AI Value
Eric Egland, an AI expert from Cisco, was the keynote speaker. He centered his talk on a surprising fact: 95% of AI projects fail to yield profits. He stressed the need for change management and expertise in specific fields.
Egland pointed out that successful AI users are flexible and data-minded. To make strategic decisions, it’s essential to know your industry deeply. “Real problems often consist of smaller, complex issues. Identify and tackle them with expertise,” he advised.
Exploring New Frontiers
Following Egland, various panels tackled a wide range of topics. Discussions covered emerging AI companies, their role in healthcare, digital marketing strategies, and innovations in sports analytics.
Pepperdine welcomed back prominent alumni to share their knowledge. Notable figures included Masoud Hussain, a business manager; Anthony Kennada, CEO; and Sean Wu, the university’s first Rhodes scholar.
Audience engagement was strong. Jayden Hanson, a Seaver senior, remarked, “It’s exciting to learn about AI here. Schools should prioritize tech developments like these.”
Hands-On Experiences
The summit offered more than discussions. It featured practical opportunities for students to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Producers from ABC’s Shark Tank hosted pitch sessions. Students had 30 minutes to present their business ideas, with a chance to appear on the show.
Nicole E. Limo, an alumna, described her excitement about pitching her startup. “It’s a full-circle moment for me. I wanted to learn how to scale a business, and now I’m here doing it,” she said.
In addition, Pepperdine held its first hackathon, challenging participants to solve real-world problems with AI. Crafted by alumni and professors, this event allowed students to test their coding skills while competing for a cash prize.
A Vision for the Future
The Waves Innovation Summit was a collaborative effort involving Pepperdine’s faculty, students, and leaders. The event highlighted the university’s goal of shaping ethical leaders for tomorrow.
Deborah Crown, the dean of the Graziadio Business School, summed it up: “The most successful leaders will guide with strong morals. Today showed we’re not just dreaming about the future; we’re actively building it.”
This summit set the stage for Pepperdine’s commitment to innovation and community engagement, aiming to inspire the next generation to lead thoughtfully in a rapidly changing world.
For more insights on the impact of AI on business, you can explore this report from the World Economic Forum.
