The Data Science Association (DSA) proudly presents the "Emerging Tech Summit: Current Landscape, Future Directions & Frameworks for Emerging Technologies." In an era of unprecedented technological acceleration, this summit offers a deep dive into the most transformative innovations shaping our world. From the pervasive influence of AI across data platforms to the profound implications of quantum computing, drones, and cutting-edge biotechnologies, this conference will explore the current state, future potential, and critical ethical, regulatory, and dual-use considerations of these emerging fields. Join us for three intensive evenings of presentations, discussions, and networking, designed to equip you with the knowledge and foresight needed to navigate the evolving tech landscape responsibly and effectively.

Primary Audience for Conference Attendees

This conference is meticulously designed for a diverse group of professionals and researchers eager to understand, leverage, and ethically govern emerging technologies. Our target audience includes, but is not limited to:

• Data Scientists & Analysts: Professionals working with large datasets, machine learning, and AI, seeking to understand the impact of new AI platforms, quantum data processing, and advanced analytics tools.

• AI/ML Engineers & Developers: Individuals building and deploying AI models, interested in the latest advancements in generative AI, LLMs, MLOps, and the integration of AI into specialized domains.

• Technology Ethicists & Policy Makers: Researchers, legal professionals, government officials, and policymakers focused on the societal impact, ethical implications, data privacy, and regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies (e.g., neurorights, dual-use research governance, responsible AI).

• Biotechnology & Life Sciences Professionals: Scientists, researchers, and industry leaders in genomics, human embryology, and engineering biology, particularly those concerned with organoid oversight, gene editing ethics, and biosecurity.

• Defense & Security Analysts: Professionals from national security, intelligence, and defense sectors interested in the implications of quantum computing for cryptography, the use of drones in various operations, and the evolving nature of chemical/biological warfare and psychological operations (5th dimensional warfare).

• Academics & Researchers: Professors, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students across computer science, engineering, biology, ethics, law, and social sciences, seeking to present their latest findings and collaborate on interdisciplinary challenges.

• R&D Directors & Innovation Leaders: Executives and managers responsible for strategic technology adoption, R&D roadmaps, and identifying future growth areas for their organizations.

• IT & Cloud Architects: Professionals designing and managing data infrastructure, interested in data mesh architectures, multi-cloud strategies, and scalable platforms for AI and emerging tech.

• Robotics & Autonomous Systems Engineers: Specialists in drone technology, autonomous flight systems, and urban air mobility.

• Venture Capitalists & Investors: Individuals and firms looking for insights into the next wave of disruptive technologies and their market potential.

• Public Health & Biodefense Specialists: Experts focusing on disease prevention, biological threats, and the governance of dual-use research.

• Journalists & Tech Writers: Media professionals specializing in technology, science, and societal impact, seeking to deepen their understanding of complex emerging tech topics.

Main Conference Subject Areas

The summit will feature focused tracks and sessions across the following critical domains:

• AI: The Next Frontier of Data Platforms

• Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and their applications in data synthesis, analytics, and content generation.
• AI-powered automation, no-code solutions, and intelligent workflow optimization.
• Data mesh architectures, multi-cloud strategies, and scalable AI infrastructure.
• Ethical AI, algorithmic bias, fairness, transparency, and data governance in AI systems.
• Real-world case studies and industry-specific applications of AI in business, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement.

• Quantum Computing: From Theory to Utility-Scale

• Advancements in qubit technology and quantum error correction (QEC).
• Practical applications and use cases in defense, semiconductors, and other industries.
• Roadmaps and timelines for utility-scale quantum computing.
• Quantum sensing technologies and their deployment.
• The impact of quantum computing on data security and cryptography.

• Drones: Autonomous Systems and Societal Impact

• Breakthroughs in autonomous flight, AI integration, and real-time decision-making for drones.
• Advanced sensor technologies for enhanced data collection (e.g., multispectral, thermal, 3D mapping).
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM), eVTOLs, and the future of drone logistics and delivery.
• Regulatory developments for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and Remote ID.
• Ethical considerations and public perception of widespread drone deployment.

• Biosecurity, Dual-Use, and Emerging Biological Threats

• The challenges of dual-use research in life sciences and its governance.
• Strengthening biosecurity measures to prevent intentional misuse of biological agents.
• Ethical considerations and oversight of Gain-of-Function (GoF) research.
• International cooperation and strengthening conventions for biological weapons control.
• Future biological threats and preparedness strategies.

• Psychological Warfare & 5th Dimensional Warfare Methods

• The evolution of psychological operations in the digital age.
• Information warfare, disinformation campaigns, and perception management.
• The role of biotechnology and neurotechnology in cognitive and behavioral manipulation (dual-use concerns).
• Understanding and countering "invisible" warfare tactics.
• Ethical considerations of influencing human minds through technology.

• Genomics & Engineering Biology: Frontiers and Ethical Frameworks

• Advances in gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) and their therapeutic applications.
• Organoids: Utility in preclinical testing, regulatory considerations, and consent-to-govern approaches.
• Synthetic biology applications in therapeutics, materials science, and sustainable solutions.
• AI acceleration in drug discovery, genetic analysis, and protein design.
• Ethical, ecological, and security challenges in engineering biology.

• Human Embryology & Neurotechnology: Identity, Autonomy, and Regulation

• AI in embryo selection and its impact on assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
• Ethical, legal, and clinical governance challenges in AI-driven embryology.
• Neurotechnology advancements for medical and non-medical applications.
• Data privacy in neurotechnology: protecting highly sensitive "neural data."
• Dual-use concerns of neurotechnology and the potential for non-consensual manipulation.
• Proactive ethical guidelines: "Neurorights" and international legislative efforts (e.g., Chile's amendment).

Experiencing Aspen/Snowmass Slopeside

Aspen/Snowmass is a world-renowned winter resort destination in Colorado, known for its stunning mountain scenery, world-class skiing and snowboarding, and upscale atmosphere. It's actually a complex of four ski areas:

Aspen Mountain: The "Silver Queen Mountain," known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the town of Aspen.

Aspen Highlands: A skier's mountain with diverse terrain, including steep cliffs and wide-open bowls.

Buttermilk: A family-friendly mountain with gentle slopes, perfect for beginners and children. It's also home to the Winter X Games.

Snowmass: The largest of the four mountains, offering a wide variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to challenging expert runs.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Aspen/Snowmass offers a variety of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides. In the summer, the area transforms into a popular destination for hiking, biking, golfing, and other outdoor activities.

Aspen/Snowmass is also known for its luxury accommodations, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular destination for celebrities and wealthy individuals, and it can be quite expensive. However, it's also a beautiful and exciting place to visit, whether you're a skier, a hiker, or simply looking to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

In addition to great skiing/riding, here are some cool things to do:

Soak in the Hot Springs at Glenwood Springs: Relax your muscles and rejuvenate your body at these natural hot springs.

Hike to Maroon Bells: This iconic hike offers stunning views of two of Colorado's most photographed peaks.

Mountain Bike in Snowmass Bike Park: With miles of trails for all skill levels, this bike park is a must-visit for mountain bikers.

Raft the Roaring Fork River: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on this scenic river.

Explore the Ghost Town of Ashcroft: Step back in time and wander through this historic ghost town.

Heli-Skiing Adventure (Optional)

Experience the ultimate powder skiing adventure with a helicopter tour to remote, pristine snowfields.

Join us for a thrilling day of heli-skiing in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. We will fly you to remote, pristine snowfields where you will experience the ultimate powder skiing adventure. Our experienced guides will lead you to the best terrain, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience.

Call for Presentations & Papers

This event will serve as a vital forum for data scientists, AI engineers, investors, policymakers, regulators, researchers, ethicists, and industry leaders to explore how advancements in AI, quantum computing, drones, and biotechnologies are reshaping our world, and to critically examine the profound societal implications of their convergence.

We invite you to share your expertise and contribute to a global dialogue on these critical topics. We are seeking compelling presentations, insightful papers, interactive workshops, and concise lightning talks that showcase original research, innovative solutions, and forward-looking analysis.

AI: The Next Frontier of Data Platforms

This track will explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on how we manage, analyze, and leverage data. We encourage submissions on:

• Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs): Their applications in data synthesis, analytics, and content generation.
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• AI-powered automation and intelligent workflow optimization: The use of AI to create no-code solutions and streamline business processes.
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• Scalable AI infrastructure: Discussions on data mesh architectures, multi-cloud strategies, and the technical challenges of deploying AI at scale.
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• Ethical AI: Algorithmic bias, fairness, transparency, and data governance in AI systems.
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• Real-world case studies: Industry-specific applications of AI in business, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement.

Quantum Computing: From Theory to Utility-Scale

This track will bridge the gap between theoretical quantum science and practical applications, exploring the path to utility-scale quantum computing. We welcome submissions on:

• Advancements in qubit technology and quantum error correction (QEC).
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• Practical applications and use cases: The potential of quantum computing in defense, semiconductors, and other industries.
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• Roadmaps and timelines for utility-scale quantum computing.
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• Quantum sensing technologies and their deployment.
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• The impact of quantum computing on data security and cryptography, including post-quantum cryptographic solutions.

Drones: Autonomous Systems and Societal Impact

This track will focus on the rapid evolution of drone technology and its widespread societal implications. We are particularly interested in submissions on:

• Breakthroughs in autonomous flight: AI integration and real-time decision-making for drones.
•  
• Advanced sensor technologies: Their use for enhanced data collection (e.g., multispectral, thermal, 3D mapping).
•  
• Urban Air Mobility (UAM), eVTOLs, and drone logistics: The future of delivery and transportation.
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• Regulatory developments: Navigating Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and Remote ID.
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• Ethical considerations and public perception of widespread drone deployment.

Biosecurity, Dual-Use, and Emerging Biological Threats

This track will critically examine the security and ethical challenges posed by advancements in life sciences. We encourage submissions on:

• Dual-use research: The challenges of governing life sciences research with both beneficial and harmful potential.
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• Strengthening biosecurity measures: Strategies to prevent the intentional misuse of biological agents.
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• Gain-of-Function (GoF) research: Ethical considerations and oversight of high-risk biological research.
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• International cooperation and future threats: Strategies for strengthening conventions for biological weapons control and preparing for emerging biological threats.

Psychological Warfare & 5th Dimensional Warfare Methods

This track will explore the evolution of conflict in the digital age, focusing on non-physical and cognitive domains. We welcome submissions on:

• Information warfare: The evolution of psychological operations, disinformation campaigns, and perception management.
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• Biotechnology and neurotechnology in cognitive manipulation: Dual-use concerns regarding technologies that can influence human behavior.
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• Countering "invisible" warfare tactics.
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• Ethical considerations of influencing human minds through technology.

Genomics & Engineering Biology: Frontiers and Ethical Frameworks

This track will showcase the latest advancements in gene editing and synthetic biology, alongside their ethical and security implications. We are particularly interested in submissions on:

• Advances in gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9): Therapeutic applications and ethical governance.
•  
• Organoids: Their utility in preclinical testing, regulatory considerations, and consent-to-govern approaches.
•  
• Synthetic biology applications: Their use in therapeutics, materials science, and sustainable solutions.
•  
• AI acceleration: Its role in drug discovery, genetic analysis, and protein design.
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• Ethical, ecological, and security challenges in engineering biology.

Human Embryology & Neurotechnology: Identity, Autonomy, and Regulation

This track will address the profound ethical, legal, and social challenges at the intersection of human embryology and neurotechnology. We encourage submissions on:

• AI in embryo selection: Its impact on assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the associated ethical and clinical governance challenges.
•  
• Neurotechnology advancements: Dual-use concerns, data privacy of highly sensitive "neural data," and the potential for non-consensual manipulation.
•  
• Proactive ethical guidelines: Discussions on "Neurorights" and international legislative efforts to protect human identity and autonomy.

Submission Types

We invite diverse contributions to enrich our program:

• Oral Presentations (20 minutes): Share your research findings, innovative applications, or case studies in a focused presentation.
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• Technical Papers (Full Length, 8-12 pages, IEEE format): Submit original, unpublished research that will undergo a rigorous peer-review process. Accepted papers will be published in the conference proceedings.
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• Experience & Insight Papers (4-6 pages, formatted for readability): This category is for practitioners, policymakers, and ethicists to share valuable lessons learned, practical implementations, and insightful perspectives on the challenges and successes of navigating these complex technologies. Submissions will be peer-reviewed for clarity, relevance, and practical value.
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• Poster Presentations: Visually showcase preliminary results, ongoing research, or innovative concepts. There will be a dedicated poster session for interactive discussions.
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• Panel Proposals (60 minutes): Suggest and moderate a discussion among 3-5 experts on a controversial, emerging, or complex topic within these convergent fields.
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• Workshop Proposals (60 minutes): Propose an interactive, hands-on session focused on practical skills, tools, or methodologies related to any of the conference themes.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract: All submissions (except workshop proposals) must include a concise abstract (maximum 300 words) summarizing the problem, approach, key findings/insights, and conclusions.
• Author Information: Include full names, affiliations, and a brief professional biography (max 100 words per author).
• Keywords: Provide 3-5 relevant keywords that best describe your submission.
• Originality: Submissions must represent original work that has not been previously published or is not currently under review elsewhere.
• Audience Consideration: Presenters should be prepared to convey complex technical, theoretical, or ethical concepts clearly to a diverse audience.
• Formatting: Specific formatting guidelines for full papers will be provided upon the submission portal opening.

Review Process

All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process by the Program Committee, comprising leading experts in their respective fields. Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to conference themes
• Originality and novelty of contributions
• Technical merit and soundness (for technical papers)
• Clarity, organization, and presentation quality
• Potential impact and practical applicability

We look forward to your valuable contributions and to a stimulating and collaborative conference!