The tech community typically views disruption as a good thing. But the ever-widening fault lines in the U.S. — particularly the stark divide between urban and rural areas — have been driven, in part, by disruptive tech, ushering in a dramatic economic shift.
The University of Washington’s CoMotion is taking a look at that disruption at an upcoming event in its Innovation Chats series. Join leaders from industry, academics, and the Seattle community to discuss the place of tech in a rapidly changing society, and how to take an inclusive approach to disruption.
Special guests include Vikram Jandhyala, UW Vice President for Innovation Strategy; Ana Mari Cauce, President of the University of Washington; Ken Denman, CEO of Emotient; and Senator Jim Hargrove, 24th District – Hoquiam.
This event takes places from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the University of Washington’s Kane Hall. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $5 for UW students.
That’s one of the selections from the GeekWire Calendar, our curated list of the Pacific Northwest’s top tech events. Visit the full calendar for more, and keep reading for highlights of more upcoming events.
Seattle AgTech Panel & Pitch Event
What: In the highly metropolitan Seattle, agricultural technology doesn’t get a whole lot of hype, perhaps the result of the widening gap between urban and rural populations. But the agricultural industry is an important part of Washington’s life science industry, and other parts of the state and country have a high stake in AgTech. This panel brings together brings together founders, investors, educators, and government officials who are shaping agricultural technology, so come on down and learn a thing or two about one of the world’s most important industries.
When: Jan. 18, 6 pm – 9 p.m.
Where: General Assembly
Register: More information and registration available here.
Molecular Manufacturing: Harnessing the Promise of Nanotechnology
What: Nanotechnology might sound like something space-agey and far off but it’s closer than you might think. Advances in molecular manufacturing mean tiny robots will soon be able to build things, deliver drugs precisely, destroy the world, and so on. This Town Hall event will dive into the current development of nanotechnology and the almost endless possibilities of this tech.
When: Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Seattle
Register: More information and tickets available here.
WWCode Seattle Presents: 2017 Kick Off Networking Event at Zillow!
What: Women Who Code is a global non-profit that gives resources to women in technology fields, working to right the huge gender imbalance in the industry. Get to know other women in tech at this kick-off event at the super cool Zillow offices, and hear from Zillow’s #2 employee, VP Kristin Acker.
When: Jan. 19, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Zillow
Register: Registration and more information available here.
Global Game Jam Show & Tell
What: The Global Game Jam is a worldwide video game making hackathon, and this year the Seattle Indies are hosting a site in the city. Participants are given 48 hours to build games on a secret theme, and at the end of the weekend they will show off their progress to the unsuspecting public. Drop in to play a few games, and meet and support your local game devs!
When: Jan. 22, 6 p.m.
Where: Indies Workshop
Register: Registration and more information here.
Science Fiction + Fantasy Short Film Festival
What: Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture and the Seattle International Film Festival are teaming up for this annual, juried festival of short SciFi and fantasy films produced around the globe. Check out a full list of the shorts playing here.
When: Jan. 28, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Cinerama
Register: Tickets and more information available here.
