The NSF AI Institute for Advances in Optimization (AI4OPT), hosted its annual TechFest on Nov. 14, 2024, at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center. The event brought together academic and industry leaders to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and mathematical optimization. In particular, TechFest focused on how these fields drive breakthroughs in automated decision-making and real-world problem-solving.

Speakers hailed from a range of industries and disciplines, illustrating the diversity of applications and challenges in integrating AI and optimization. Attendees were immersed in cutting-edge research and real-world applications of these technologies.

Digital Transformation in Asset Management

Geraldo Rochocz, chief technology officer at Radix Engineering, discussed the company’s global shift toward digital transformation. “AI is not a solo play,” Rochocz said, emphasizing the need for collaboration across disciplines. Radix is transitioning from manual tools and spreadsheets to a unified digital platform that will be deployed across more than 50 sites worldwide. Their AI-powered asset management initiative combines AI and non-AI solutions to optimize operations, demonstrating how customized AI solutions can meet industry-specific needs. Radix’s approach reveals that successful AI implementation builds much-needed collaboration in varying industries.

AI Addressing National Security Challenges

Russell Bent, a scientist from Los Alamos National Laboratory, shared how AI is being used to design and control resilient energy systems. He explained that building energy security requires multi-sector, multidisciplinary collaboration to create solutions that balance efficiency, resilience, and adaptability.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Throughout the event, a recurring theme was that AI systems need to be both impactful and trustworthy. Kevin Dalmeijer, AI4OPT managing director, noted, “Leaders across industries have recognized that artificial intelligence will have a major impact on their sector. Multiple speakers talked about seizing the moment to not be left behind.”

Chantal Bisson-Krol, vice president of AI and Machine Learning Solutions at Kinaxis, presented the research the company has been working on in collaboration with AI4OPT. This work has been focused on AI programs which ensure recommendations for supply chain systems align with the company’s real-world business constraints.

Eli Kuperman, corporate relations manager at AI4OPT, emphasized the importance of progress in these areas. “Many companies begin by creating Large Language Models, but improving inferencing layers in models leads to better accuracy and results,” said Kuperman.

Key Takeaways and Applications

TechFest showcased AI’s transformative potential across industries:

• Energy Innovation: ERCOT discussed the growing energy demands of AI computation and the need for efficient energy models to ensure sustainability.
• Streamlining Workflows: VT Industries demonstrated how AI can reduce repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on higher-value decision-making.

The Road Ahead

As AI and optimization continue to converge, the insights shared at TechFest 2024 illustrate how collaboration and innovation can unlock new possibilities. Fusing these systems — whether by optimizing industrial assets, national security, or supply chain management — has the potential to reshape industries and solve complex global challenges.

TechFest 2024 showcases AI4OPT's role in advancing research and building collaborations that push the boundaries of AI and optimization, with applications across industries such as healthcare, finance, and energy. The year's event demonstrated how AI-powered optimization is transforming decision-making processes and solving complex, real-world problems.