NOV 2020: How tech transforms our ethics

NOV 2020: How tech transforms our ethics Plus fintech, solar energy, & evolving retail View this email in your browser

This month, we’re celebrating New York. Its history, its community, and its future. It’s hard not to be incredibly proud of our neighbors and friends in these challenging times.

The Media Lab team has been heads down, supporting students and startups. But also, exploring the future of NYC and how we can be part of our future of experimentation and innovation.

So, if you have ideas about how we can partner, don’t be shy. Reach out, Steve@NYCMediaLab.org.

Steven Rosenbaum
Executive Director
NYC Media Lab NEW & NOTEWORTHY Book Talk + Q&A With Juan Enriquez on “How Tech Transforms Our Ethics”

Evolving technology changes ethics. In his recent book, Right/Wrong: How Technology Transforms Our Ethics, author and startup investor Juan Enriquez posits that many shifts in the right vs. wrong pendulum have been driven by advances in technology (e.g., our great-grandparents might be shocked by in vitro fertilization).

Enriquez takes on a series of tech-influenced ethical dilemmas, from climate change to the immortality of mistakes on social media. He says, “Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google are electronic tattoos.” Oof.

NYC Media Lab — in partnership with NYU’s GovLab, IDM, ITP, and Department of Tech Culture, & Society — hosted a virtual book talk + Q&A with the author on Nov 11. In case you were still reeling from election week and missed it, the full event recording is now available on our YouTube channel. And yes, Enriquez’s powerful words are still echoing in our ears: “Judge those in the past as we hope to be judged in the future.”

New York Is & Will Be Media’s Future: MediaPost Q&A With Steve Rosenbaum

A big point of discussion in recent media circles has been how to effectively recruit and prepare the next generation of media executives. For New York City, this effort has been in place for several years in the form of yours truly — the NYC Media Lab.

Executive Director Steve Rosenbaum recently connected with writer and strategic media advisor Charlene Weisler to discuss the Media Lab’s efforts in helping to cultivate the best and brightest minds in our industry. Read the full Q&A in MediaPost. Columbia | IBM Launch Accelerator Applications Due Fri, Nov 20!

Are you an early-stage team developing innovative applications in data transparency, big data, AI/ML, blockchain, cybersecurity, or a related field in deep tech? The Columbia | IBM Launch Accelerator provides unique tools to help you validate and launch your venture!

The program focuses on building and scaling successful early-stage companies through in-depth education, mentorship, and business model design. Admitted teams will receive stipends, and a subset of the graduate cohort will be awarded additional funding to further develop their ventures.

Hurry, the application deadline is fast approaching: Submit your application online by Fri, Nov 20 at 5pm ET. Apply for FinTech Innovation Lab NY’s 2021 Program by Dec 1

Apply Now: FinTech Innovation Lab New York

Applications are officially open for the FinTech Innovation Lab 2021 program! Who should apply?

• Early- and growth-stage tech companies with innovative solutions for financial institutions & insurance companies
• Non-fintech, growth-stage companies interested in serving financial services & insurance clients
• Companies interested in collaborating with the Lab’s financial institution partners — historically, companies in the Lab have ranged in stage from seed to series B

In a virtual world, the FinTech Innovation Lab remains a great way to connect with senior execs in financial services who are interested in tech innovation. Learn more about the program and register for the Nov 19 (1pm ET) info session here. And don’t forget: Applications are due by Dec 1! Got Solar Questions? Grouphug Can Help!

Did you know that you can utilize solar energy whether you own a home or rent an apartment? Whether you’re just dabbling or looking to go full on photovoltaic, Grouphug founder and NYCML Combine alum Krystal Persaud wants to help you navigate the solar energy process.

Krystal’s done all the research so you don’t have to. She promises to demystify the process and make it fun. Just let Krystal know where you are in your solar journey by filling out this quick Grouphug form, and she’ll get back to you with her expert recommendations. Things are looking brighter already! VIRTUAL EVENTS NOV 18: An Evolving Retail Revolution: Gen Z & Beyond

Gen Z navigate the digital landscape just as often as the physical, treating technology as an extension of themselves. Join Verizon to explore how this generation is reshaping retail, what they’re expecting from the industry, and how 5G technology could help brands keep up with Gen Z demands. Nov 18 at 2pm ET. Register for free.

NOV 20: NYU Inclusive Entrepreneurship Forum

Are you a founder, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur? Join the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute on Fri, Nov 20 (4–5:30pm ET) via Zoom for this fall’s Inclusive Entrepreneurship Forum.

Meet founders and investors from underrepresented communities in tech who are changing the game. Come network virtually, find your next co-founder, partner, or investor, and be inspired by this stellar group of speakers. Panelists will share their startup stories and discuss resources for creating innovative businesses at NYU. Free and paid tickets available.

DEC 7–8: Data + Art

Join Women in Data for a 4-day art auction featuring speakers and artists from around the world. Money will be raised to support Women in Data’s Career Tracks. This event pays homage to art that connects us all. Feel inspired, expand your horizons, and support a more equal future.

Although this is a 4-day event, you’ll only need to reserve one ticket for the entire art auction. Free and paid tickets available.

NOW PLAYING IN VIRTUAL CINEMA… Coded Bias

Coded Bias follows MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini’s startling discovery that many facial recognition technologies fail more often on darker-skinned faces, and delves into an investigation of widespread bias in artificial intelligence.

Modern society sits at the intersection of 2 crucial questions: What does it mean when AI increasingly governs our liberties? And what are the consequences for the people AI is biased against? As it turns out, AI is not neutral, and women are leading the charge to ensure our civil rights are protected. Screening in 50+ virtual cinemas.

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NYC Media Lab connects media and technology companies with NYC’s universities to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent development. Visit our website or contact us at info@nycmedialab.org with any questions, comments, or tips.

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