VSU tech talk brings AI and innovation into focus – Valdosta Daily Times

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VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University’s Health Science and Business Administration Building hosted an enlightening talk Wednesday evening with Dr. Kirk Borne, a world-renowned expert in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Students, faculty, and members of the public gathered to hear how AI and big data are shaking up industries and creating new opportunities in entrepreneurship.

Borne’s talk, “Convergence of Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Entrepreneurship: Pioneering Innovation and Business Transformation,” explored how these emerging technologies are reshaping the way we work, innovate, and make decisions.

Borne started by sharing his journey with AI, which dates back to his time at NASA, where he worked on massive space data projects. He recalled a moment when a colleague casually introduced him to the term “data mining,” which he had never heard before. This conversation would be the start of the next part of his life in the world of AI and data science.

Borne emphasized that AI isn’t some futuristic concept — it’s already woven into our daily lives. Machine learning is everywhere, from Netflix recommendations to fraud detection and self-driving cars. He explained how the hype surrounding these technological leaps can fuel FOMO (fear of missing out) in the business world, often leading to rushed and poorly judged decisions.

Borne walked attendees through the AI hype cycle, explaining that new technologies often start with wild expectations, followed by disappointment, and then finally find their real-world value. He advised entrepreneurs to focus on what AI can actually do, not what people fantasize it might do.

Borne tackled one of the most pressing topics: how AI will impact jobs. He addressed some people’s fear that AI is taking jobs away, arguing that AI creates and transforms jobs rather than eliminating them.

“The jobs will change, the things you do will change, but the need for people will not change,” he stated.

The talk wrapped up with an engaging Q&A session, where Borne fielded questions on market shifts and the future of AI. He left the audience with one final thought:

“I encourage you to never give up on learning. Be a lifelong learner, no matter how much jobs change,” he said. “So thank you. Come for the data, stay for the science.”