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OSTP Policy Statement on the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON (White House) — “The passage of the bipartisan appropriations bill that is now headed to the President’s desk gives fresh momentum to the urgent science and technology priorities of the Biden-Harris Administration,” said Dr. Alondra Nelson, who is performing the duties of Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). “From the creation of Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health (ARPA-H), a new agency to kindle bold research and innovation on cancer and other deadly diseases, to new funding for science at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that advances actionable information on climate change, this spending bill charts a hopeful course to the future.”

***Since 1978, BDPA co-hosts regional career fairs and national technology conferences.*** — BDPA photo

“As our nation emerges from a pandemic that illustrated the life-saving importance of investment in biomedical and public health innovation, we are grateful to see a strong commitment to build on that success,” said OSTP Deputy Director for Health and Life Sciences Dr. Carrie Wolinetz. “Not only does the omnibus include $1 billion in funding and related authorities to stand up President Biden’s proposed ARPA-H, but it provides significant investments in public health infrastructure and workforce, readying us to meet the social and scientific challenges of emerging variants and future biological threats. In addition, as we move forward with our Community Connected Health initiative, which marries telemedicine technology with community-based health delivery, we are delighted to see the critical extension of telehealth flexibilities included in the bill.”

“We are grateful to Congress for providing increases for the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Department of Energy, the U.S. Geological Survey, the US Department of Agriculture, and other science and technology agencies,” said OSTP Principal Deputy Director for Policy Kei Koizumi. “It is especially heartening to see NSF receive resources to establish a new directorate to support research for breakthrough technologies, for solutions to our challenges, for strengthening our global economic competitiveness, and to support a diverse and equitable STEM ecosystem across all of America.”

“With increases to the budgets of NOAA, NASA, and NSF, this omnibus will strengthen our efforts to confront the climate crisis with strong funding for climate research and mitigation,” said OSTP Deputy Director for Climate and Environment Dr. Jane Lubchenco. “The science that this bill will support will strengthen our resilience and better enable us to preserve the natural world so heavily impacted by the climate crisis.”

“Increases in funding for the Department of Energy’s game-changing research in clean energy technologies will increase the technology options for meeting our climate goals and increase our energy security” said OSTP Deputy Director for Energy Dr. Sally Benson. “The bill also marks a turning point, accelerating the development of fusion power by providing funding for the Milestone-Based Development Program that supports public-private partnerships to develop practical approaches for making electricity from fusion, the same process that powers the Sun.”

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Virtual Earth Day Tech Summit 2022
April 22-23, 2022

CTA Announces Return to Las Vegas for CES 2022

CES Will Convene Tech Industry In-Person and Digitally

ARLINGTON, VA — The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® today announced CES® 2022, the world’s most influential technology event, will return to Las Vegas next year. Following a successful all-digital CES 2021 , CTA will convene the tech industry in-person and digitally, giving a global audience access to major brands and startups, as well as the world’s most-influential leaders and industry advocates. CES heads back to Las Vegas Jan. 5-8, 2022, with Media Days taking place Jan. 3-4, 2022.

Some 1000 companies have committed to showcasing their most innovative technologies in Las Vegas and companies are continuing to sign up. Attendees can expect to see global brands including Amazon, AMD, AT&T, Daimler AG, Dell, Google, Hyundai, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics and Sony. Companies including Caterpillar, Indy Autonomous Challenge and Sierra Space are planning to make a Las Vegas debut in 2022. Eureka Park will return with startups representing countries around the world, including large delegations from France, Italy, the Netherlands and South Korea.

“We’re thrilled to return to Las Vegas – home to CES for more than 40 years – and look forward to seeing many new and returning faces,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “Hundreds of executives have told us how much they need CES to meet new and existing customers, find partners, reach media and discover innovation.”

**BDPA** and **NSBE** executives with **HBCU** professors during ***CES 2019*** — ©2019 **bdpatoday**

Digital audiences will also experience the spirit of the live event in Las Vegas. The CES anchor desk, which debuted at CES 2021, will travel to Las Vegas and connect the digital audience with exhibitors, conference sessions, keynotes and product announcements from the live event. New content will also be added once CES departs Las Vegas, enabling attendees and exhibitors to continue connecting and exploring.

“Our customers are enthusiastic about returning to a live event in Las Vegas,” said Karen Chupka, EVP, CES, CTA. “Global brands and startups have shared that plans are already well underway and are committed to sharing the magic of an in-person CES with even more people from around the world.”

CTA will be reviewing guidelines for coronavirus safety measures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to state and local guidelines. CTA will be following applicable federal, state and local laws, adapting CES plans accordingly and sharing updates with its audiences.

About CES:
CES® is the most influential tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2022 will take place in Las Vegas, and digitally, Jan. 5-8, 2022. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.

About Consumer Technology Association:
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most influential tech event in the world. Find CTA at CTA.tech. Follow CTA @CTAtech.

^{— Source and cover photo credit: CTA}

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CES 2020 Wraps: Ai and 5G Define the Future of Innovation

World’s largest tech event unveils innovation that will solve global problems

LAS VEGAS — CES® 2020 wrapped today, following a week filled with over 20,000 product debuts unveiling the future of technology. More than 4,400 exhibiting companies launched their latest tech products to some 170,000 attendees across more than 2.9 million net square feet of exhibit space. From global tech brands to pioneering startups, the innovation at CES 2020 will revolutionize markets and change our world for the better.

“CES 2020 inspired and connected every major industry across the globe,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM, owner and producer of CES. “The innovation unveiled at CES 2020 will reshape industries, create jobs, fuel the global economy and improve lives around the world.”

“This week at CES illustrated that every company is truly a tech company,” said Karen Chupka, executive vice president, CES. “Global technology brands blended with non-traditional tech companies to showcase how innovation is furthering business across all markets – setting the stage for the decade ahead.”

Key Themes at CES
CES 2020 featured the entire spectrum of transformative technology that will redefine markets and shift business models, including:

Artificial Intelligence (Ai)

AI was dominant throughout the show floor and will be a ‘key ingredient technology’ over the next decade. Companies debuted their latest AI solutions, including Brunswick, Doosan, John Deere and Kyocera.

5G and Mobile Connectivity

CES is the only show where the entire 5G ecosystem – the backbone for connectivity, transportation, augmented and virtual reality, digital health and more – comes together. Carriers and mobile operators, such as Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, Nokia and Ericsson, demonstrated the latest advancements in 5G’s speed, reliability and efficiency.

Non-Traditional Tech Companies at CES

Non-traditional companies used CES 2020 as a platform to launch products. Impossible Foods returned to CES 2020, debuting its Impossible Pork; John Deere was featured in the AI & Robotics Marketplace and other companies, such as Bell, Delta Airlines, L’Oreal, NBCUniversal and Procter & Gamble, unveiled how they’re transforming their businesses through technology.

Tech for Good

Innovative technologies launched at CES that will change lives and improve our world. Digital health technologies were a major theme, with advancements in digital therapeutics, wearables and remote patient monitoring as digital health addresses real world issues like opioid dependence, mental illness and chronic disease. The Health & Wellness category saw an increase of nearly 25% with more than 135 exhibiting companies at CES 2020, including Humetrix and InBody.
The Smart Cities exhibit area expanded by nearly 25% over 2019, with companies and organizations including the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Hitachi and Siemens , highlighting products that will revitalize economies and help communities survive and thrive.
CTA also partnered with the World Bank Group at CES 2020 on a Global Tech Challenge, calling for companies around the world to create solutions focused on three key areas: health, gender inequality and technologies that enable communities to be resilient. The Health Tech Challenge category is accepting applications through February 25 to connect innovators with healthcare providers in East Africa.

Eureka Park

CES 2020 was also the world’s largest startup event, with more than 1,200 companies from 46 countries featured within Eureka Park, offering disruptive innovations, attracting investors and big-name brands. Technologies unveiled within Eureka Park include the Oval Home smart sensor that analyzes temperature, light, humidity and movement in the home; Yoganotch, which applies motion capture technology to help users improve poses; and Caregiver Smart Solutions with sensors that track movement and patterns to provide caregivers reassurance and patients with more independence at home.

“CES has the unique ability for startups and young companies to get exposure to major global brands,” said Mara Lewis, Co-Founder and CEO, ID8 Innovation; member, CTA Board of Industry Leaders. “The opportunities for venture funding and growth are incredible here. And the CES 2020 Diversity and Inclusion conference track was mind blowing!”

Diversity and Inclusion

BDPA @ CES 2020 — “Implementing Diversity from the Top” forum during CES 2020. (L-R) **Tiffany Moore**, CTA; **Carmalita Yeizman**, Bosch; **Lesley Slaton Brown**, HP; and **Ben Hasan**, Walmart.

CES 2020 had a large focus on Diversity and Inclusion, with new programming and partnerships. The Innovation for All conference program featured chief diversity officers and leaders from Bosch, HP and Walmart , and explored inclusive ways that D&I is contributing to the bottom line, shifting culture, hiring differently and investing in diversity. BDPA and NSBE members attended and contributed to this year’s Implementing Diversity from the Top multicultural info-session.

Travel and Tourism

Delta Airlines was the first airline to keynote at CES. During his address, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian described the future world of travel through tech, including AI, AR, biometric security, smart incentive programs, and a new Parallel Reality experience, as travel becomes more customized.

Transportation and Vehicle Technology

CES 2020 was revved up highlighting the future of transportation. Nine of the world’s leading car manufacturers, including Audi, BMW, Daimler (Mercedes), FCA, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota, and more than 150 vehicle tech exhibitors unveiled the latest in connected cars, self-driving vehicles and concept cars. Products included the Mercedes Vision AVTR concept car (top cover photo), Audi’s AI:ME and the Sony Vision S.

C-Space

CES brought together content creators, Hollywood, the advertising and music industries, media and leading CMOs to explore the future of brand marketing and entertainment, including streaming services, through the return of C Space. The 2020 program featured more than 60 exhibitors, including AT&T Services, Comcast, Google, HP , Hulu, iHeart, NBC Universal, Pandora, Reddit, Roku, SiriuXM, Snap, Twitch, Turner, Univision and WWE.

Keynotes

The CES stage featured more than 1,100 speakers representing major global industries, including keynotes from Samsung President and CEO of Consumer Electronics Division Mr. Hyun-Suk Kim; Daimler Chairman Ola Källenius; Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian; NBCUniversal Chairman of Advertising and Partnerships Linda Yaccarino; Quibi CEO Meg Whitman and Founder Jeffrey Katzenberg; U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao; Salesforce Chairman and co-CEO Marc Benioff; Unilever CEO Alan Jope; and Presidential Advisor, Ivanka Trump.

“We hosted 40 CEOs and corporate directors here, and over half were attending CES for the very first time,” said Nichole Jordan, Central Region Managing Partner, Grant Thornton; member, CTA Board of Industry Leaders. “As we debriefed, they said this show – this experience – helps them to reimagine their businesses and their futures.”

CES, the world’s largest and most influential tech event, returns to Las Vegas next year from January 6-9, 2021. For FY21, BDPA Members may check with local or participating BDPA Chapters to schedule BDPA Meet-Ups and Trade Mission delegations with BDPA Chapter Cities for CES 2021.

— by Caroline Finnell, CTA and Perry Carter, BDPA-DC
Photo credits: U.S. DOT, CTA, and BDPA

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At BDPA: An annual tech ‘Trade Mission’ to CES

LAS VEGAS, NV — Commerce, our cultural and geopolitical interchange of relationships, solutions, and services, soon will embrace fifth generation (5G) wireless technologies. With 5G, data, processing, storage, and new sensory techniques will leverage information technology (IT) across new frameworks and unprecedented infrastructures..

Now in its 45th year, National BDPA (BDPA), its members, and its mission-partners remain keenly interested in providing innovative solutions with new services, while supporting viable workforce pipelines for the following projected growth areas:

Robotics and Machine Intelligence
5G, Ai, and the Internet (or “Intelligence”) of Things (IoT)
Edge Computing and Quantum Computing
Gamification and Immersive Infotainment
Infrastructure and SMART City Initiatives
Tech-Inclusion and Cyber Workforce Development

This year during CES® – the world’s largest and most influential tech event – entrepreneurs, software engineers, startups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) met during CES 2020 to discuss emerging requirements or demonstrate their latest products and services. Within tech’s multi-trillion dollar ecosystem, IT continues to transcend every vertical market from agriculture to transportation while providing faster interactions with the greatest consumer engagements and user experience (UX.) BDPA Members and mission-partners are the professionals that help make “IT” happen.

Meet Rodney Williams

In 2012, Rodney Williams co-founded LISNR® with Chris Ostoich and Josh Glick around the core premise that sound can do more. The single insight that sound can be leveraged as a conduit for wide-scale connections everywhere. More specifically, using sound to connect more people and devices in ways that had never existed before.

Since arriving at that insight, LISNR has grown into the world’s most advanced ultrasonic technology. To fill the need, LISNR developed the idea of a software solution for encoding data into inaudible tones. LISNR is ultrasonic inaudible technology; a communication protocol that sends data over audio. They use ultrasonic audio called Smart Tones™ to transmit information and has grown their list of partners, clients and investors to include some of the best in the world.

Mr. Williams earned his BBA in Finance from West Virginia University and his MBA from Howard University. He is a Techstars Mentor and Member of National BDPA’s Cincinnati Chapter. BDPA Members with Python, Java, or Objective-C experiences may review LISNR’s current openings for Implementation Engineers, by visiting LISNR.com.

BDPA and bdpatoday received invitations from LISNR’s team to join them during CES 2020 at a reception hosted by the GENIVI Alliance. The alliance develops standard approaches for integrating operating systems and middleware present in the centralized and connected vehicle cockpit. The alliance also links adopters of Android™ Automotive, AUTOSAR, Linux, and other in-vehicle software with solution suppliers resulting in a productive and collaborative community of over 100 corporate members worldwide.

Meet Brenna Brown

At Igalia, Ms. Brown works in the most exciting areas in open source software, including Browsers, Graphics and Multimedia. Igalia applies their knowledge to a wide variety of platforms and technologies in the consumer electronics market and can provide our companies and agencies with innovative user-interface (UI) solutions for Smart TVs, set-top boxes, tablets, mobile phones, in-vehicle infotainment, and smart-home automation.

Ms. Brown earned her BSEE from Howard University and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Igalia is hiring, BDPA Members and BDPA Student Members are asked to reach out to Ms. Brown for entry-level or internship opportunities. She wants to hear from BDPA’s Jr. Devs, High School Computer Competition (HSCC) alumni, and professionals who understand Linux and OpenGL with WebKit or WebRTC on their latest resume.

Send to: resumes@bdpadc.org.

Above (L-R) Brenna Brown, Igalia; Morris Williams, Maryland Aviation Administration; and Terry Speigner, CEO of NGEN LLC. BDPA and bdpatoday met with Igalia’s team while attending GENIVI Networking Reception & Showcase at the Bellagio Hotel with state delegations from Maryland and Michigan. — Photo ©2020 bdpatoday

Meet Paul Amadeus Lane

Mr. Lane is an Accessibility Consultant working with game developers and consumer technology companies help meet the needs of the disabled user. Mr. Lane also is a Bureau Chief and Multimedia Host in the Greater Los Angeles area covering tech, gaming and entertainment for ABC News Radio, KMET 1490 AM. Being a person with a disability, he uses his personal experiences to try to make sure he speaks to everyone with topics that he covers.

Each year during CES, Mr. Lane looks forward to his live broadcasts. At CES 2020 this week, he was able to join his pal Dr. Stephen Ewell (photo) from the Consumer Technology Association Foundation to discuss their amazing initiatives and accomplishments.

Above (L-R) ABC News Radio, KMET 1490 AM, Bureau Chief Paul Amadeus Lane with CTA Foundation’s Dr. Stephen Ewell in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall media center during CES 2020.

Meet Dr. Karl Reid

Dr. Karl Reid is the Executive Director of our National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), one of the world’s largest student-governed engineering organizations. He also is the author of “Working Smarter, Not Just Harder: Three Sensible Strategies for Succeeding in College…and Life.” Prior to joining NSBE, Dr. Reid was Senior Vice President of Research, Innovation and Member College Engagement at UNCF where he developed and implemented educational, research and capacity-building programs for UNCF’s 37 member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Dr. Reid arrived at UNCF from MIT after serving as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Assistant to the Chancellor for Diversity and Director of the Office of Minority Education.

Dr. Reid attended several workshops with Industry leaders and BDPA Mission Partners from around the world during CES 2020. BDPA Student Members interested in supporting NSBE Jr. activities or joining a NSBE Chapter are invited to visit NSBE.org. BDPA, NSBE, and the National Science Foundation (NSF) will continue to support the establishment of new BDPA Chapters collocated with HBCU/MIs and Community Colleges.

Above (L-R) Dr. Quincy Brown, Anita Borg Institute; Dr. Todd Shurn, Howard University; Ms. Omarosa Manigault-Newman; Dr. Karl Reid, Executive Director, NSBE; Ms. Sherika Ekpo, Global D&I Lead- Research & Artificial Intelligence at Google; Ms. Sherida McMullan, Inclusion & Diversity at Lyft; and Mr. Perry Carter, publisher, bdpatoday. — Photo ©2020 bdpatoday

Meet-Up @ CES 2021?

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® convenes companies of every size and specialty in the technology industry to move us all forward. Located outside of Washington, D.C. in Arlington, VA, CTA is the trade association representing the $398 billion U.S. consumer technology industry, which supports more than 15 million U.S. jobs.

Powered by CTA, CES formally known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is the world’s gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. BDPA Chapters, BDPA Members, and BDPA Student Members attending next year’s “trade mission” to CES 2021 may contact National BDPA or National BDPA’s Washington, D.C. Chapter to arrange meet-ups or attend special Industry Partner events.

BDPA is a community oriented tech and media “trade” association. Join, renew, or launch a new BDPA Chapter on campus today by visiting BDPA.org and bdpatoday.com.

— Sources and photos: ABC News Radio/KMET, BDPA, CTA, Igalia, LISNR, and NSBE

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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao to Deliver Keynote at CES 2020

Secretary Chao to discuss innovation and the safe integration of new technologies

ARLINGTON, VA — The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® announced U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao will deliver a keynote address at the upcoming CES® 2020, the world’s largest and most influential tech event. Secretary Chao is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 11:30 AM in the Las Vegas Convention Center room N257 in Las Vegas, NV.

Secretary Chao returns as a CES keynoter, following a keynote address during CES 2018. She will discuss the current state of innovation and recent DOT initiatives to support the safe integration of new technologies into our country’s transportation systems. The vehicle tech section at CES is larger than many stand-alone car shows, with more than 160 vehicle tech exhibitors – including 10 major automakers. CES 2020 will also showcase the latest in drones, self-driving vehicles, smart cities, resilience technologies and more.

“As the highest-ranking U.S. transportation official, Secretary Chao is driving the Administration’s initiatives to safely advance the transportation industry through tech innovation,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. “We welcome Secretary Chao back to the CES keynote stage and look forward to hearing the DOT’s latest initiatives that will provide a roadmap for the industry – in the U.S. and abroad – and help to further improve public safety.”

Secretary Chao served as U.S. Department of Labor Secretary from 2001 – 2009. She is the first Asian-American woman to be appointed to the President’s Cabinet in American history. Secretary Chao previously served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation; President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of America; and Director of the Peace Corps.

Secretary Chao joins other confirmed CES keynote speakers, including NBCUniversal’s Linda Yaccarino; Daimler’s Ola Källenius; Delta Air Lines’ Ed Bastian; Samsung’s Hyun-Suk Kim; and Quibi’s Meg Whitman and Jeffrey Katzenberg.The CES Keynote Schedule will be updated regularly as additional keynote speakers are announced. More than 1,100 visionaries and thought leaders are expected to speak and share insights on premiere technologies at CES 2020. Visit the CES Featured Speakers page to see the latest.

Owned and produced by CTA, CES 2020, the global stage for innovation, will run Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Nevada and provide access to the most transformative tech across various marketplaces, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart home, smart cities, vehicles, digital health and more. Industry leaders and rising stars will come together to pioneer future innovation driving the ever-evolving tech industry. Visit CES.tech for all CES updates and register for CES 2020.

About CES
CES® is the largest, most influential tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world’s biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.

About Consumer Technology Association
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the largest, most influential tech event in the world.

— Sources: CES.tech

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BDPA Detroit wins National Chapter of the Year Honors

ATLANTA, GA — National BDPA’s Detroit Chapter was named 2019’s BDPA Chapter of the Year during the organization’s 41st annual National BDPA Technology Conference and Career Fair in Atlanta, Georgia.

(Above) Loraine Stewart-David, President, BDPA Detroit, receives 2019’s Chapter of the Year award and honors from Terry Morris, National BDPA President (left) and Timothy Brown, BDPA Vice President of Strategy (right) during BDPACon19 awards and closing ceremonies.

Chartered in February of 1981, Michigan’s BDPA Detroit Chapter is an IRS non-profit 501(c) (3) technology organization comprised of professionals working in the IT industry or anyone having an interest in information technology. BDPA Detroit is a chartered member of a national technology organization with over 40 chartered BDPA Chapters nationwide.

Several community programs co-hosted or co-sponsored by BDPA Detroit (above) include high school computer competition (HSCC) programs and local professional development events with other non-profits and STEM organizations. Membership is diverse and includes IT managers, executives, consultants, entrepreneurs, project managers, developers, network engineers, programmers, web developers, instructors, interns, and students.

To launch new local or college chapters with BDPA, visit BDPA.org. Publication templates and rate cards for media and outreach are available to BDPA Chapters and BDPA Members via bdpatoday.com.

— Source and photos: BDPA, BDPA Detroit, bdpatoday

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A.I. and neural networks — better earthquake predictions or detection?

RIDGECREST, CA — The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck southern California on July 4, 2019 at 10:34 am local time (17:34 UTC). The closest large population center is Ridgecrest, population 28,000. Strong to very-strong shaking and damage was reported there. Shaking from the earthquake was felt by millions of people across the region, including the greater Los Angeles and Las Vegas areas. Early estimates for damage range from ten to one hundred million dollars.

USGS reports this event continues to trigger many aftershocks, but these will decrease in frequency over time. It is likely there will be 50 to 700 aftershocks or smaller earthquakes during the next week, with magnitude 3 or higher aftershocks. Magnitude 3 and above are large enough to be felt near the epicenter.

USGS map (above) shows epicenter and surrounding areas from the July 4, 2019 southern California earthquake.

Scientists recently have discovered new ways to leverage Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies, sensor networks, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve earthquake detection. According to the World Economic Forum, one team of scientists named their new AI system ConvNetQuake, which is the first neural network designed to detect and locate earthquakes. Their specialized algorithm assesses ground motion measurements known as seismograms and determines whether or not seismic activity is just “noise” or an actual earthquake.

Historically, it has been difficult to detect very small earthquakes due to this noise, but ConvNetQuake can now make these distinctions. For testing, researchers used seismic activity from Oklahoma to train and test ConvNetQuake which someday could provide the earliest detection possible yielding better predictions for advance warnings.

Join the conversation during your next conference with National Association of Black Geoscientists (NABG-US, above) and National BDPA during #BDPACon19.

For Southern California, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake will produce an aftershock as large as magnitude 5.4, and about 10 aftershocks with magnitude 4.4 or larger on average. Earthquakes of this size will cause damage, particularly close to the rupture. USGS estimates a 9 percent chance of one or more aftershocks of magnitude 6.4 or larger in the next week.

USGS operates a 24/7 National Earthquake Information Center in Colorado that can be reached for additional information at 303-273-8500.

— Source and photo credits: USGS and NABG-US, public domain.

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Join the conversation during #BDPACon19 in Atlanta!

Visit bdpa2019.com

In Atlanta—BlackTech and entrepreneurs across the U.S. lead part of new migration South

ATLANTA—Today, African-Americans are reversing their great migrations, abandoning false promises from U.S. technology hubs in the West, Northwest, and Northeast to reclaim cities in the South. In an article released this week from USA Today, Brookings Institution demographer William Frey, author of “Diversity Explosion: How New Racial Demographics are Remaking America,” says Atlanta leads all other metropolitan areas in black migration, increasing more than five-fold from 1970 to 2017.

Leading these migrations are younger, highly educated talent who demand quality of life without exorbitant price tags and excessive taxation. Demographer Joel Kotkin, executive director of the Center for Opportunity Urbanism, underscores the fact that Atlanta’s big draw for African-Americans is the large number of entrepreneurs. Direct access to tech start-ups, students, interns, and protégés from the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) and leading technology schools make Atlanta extremely attractive. Moreover, as a strategic triad of academia and public-private partnerships, local HBCUs, Georgia State, and Georgia Tech actively are engaging governments, industry partners, and community technology organizations such as BDPA and LISTA to expand smart cities research while organically growing local talent.

National BDPA will convene its 41st annual technology conference in Atlanta, Georgia from August 1-3, 2019. Headquarters for BDPACON19, this year’s conference, will be the Hyatt Regency Atlanta with technology workshops and presentations at local mission partner facilities and participating colleges and universities.

Top Coders and National HSCC Champions
Annual BDPA conferences feature technology career expos, National collegiate and high school IT Showcases, Mobile App Showcase, National High School Coding Competitions (HSCC) featuring top-coders from local BDPA Chapter cities and Jr. Devs from every BDPA region, and annual Youth Technology Camps (YTC). This year’s Host Chapter, BDPA Atlanta, will try to recapture their National HSCC championship (shown above) with another title in 2019. BDPA St. Louis is 2018’s defending HSCC World Champion.

— Industry sources: Urban Geekz and USA Today

Tags/Key words:
5G, Atlanta, BDPA, BDPACON19, entrepreneur, FINtech, HBCU, HSCC, IoT, LISTA, smart cities, start-ups

Related articles:

The Guardian
‘This is Wakanda‘: the black tech entrepreneurs taking on Silicon Valley
Inc. Magazine
How a New Generation of Black Entrepreneurs Built Atlanta’s Hot Startup Scene
USA Today
Goodbye, Silicon Valley, hello, Atlanta: Black entrepreneurs part of new migration to South

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Smart Cities at CES2018

LAS VEGAS, NV — We have taken the fast lanes into the future at CES Smart Cities. Check out this show floor video from CESTV to discover more about some of the consumer technology innovations across emerging career and infrastructure areas of opportunity.

This year’s brand new Smart Cities Marketplace delivered multiple conference sessions that featured policymakers, city officials, industry innovators and more. Additionally, CES 2018 saw several hundred government leaders attend the show including one cabinet official, 10 members of congress and six international ministers.

“CES 2018 will be remembered as the year where the wattage of innovation was so huge that it caused a blackout!” said Bridget Karlin, IBM’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Vice President. “CES 2018 once again demonstrated that this is the world’s premiere showcase for technology innovation with unparalleled diversity from international public officials to industry leaders to entrepreneurs.”

**— Sources and cover photo credit: CTA, CESTV, and CES2018**

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DOT Secretary Foxx Announces Smart City Challenge Finalists @ SXSW

AUSTIN, TX —Urban Land Institute (ULI) reports seven (7) cities—Austin, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Missouri; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California—have been named finalists for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Smart City Challenge by DOT.

The department has pledged up to $40 million (subject to future appropriations) to one city to help it define what it means to be a “smart city” and “become the first U.S. city to fully integrate innovative technologies—self-driving cars, connected vehicles, and smart sensors—into their transportation network.” Up to $10 million likely will be added by Industry partners.

The finalists were announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, joined by Barbara Bennett, president and chief operating officer of Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Inc., and Rick Clemmer, chief executive officer of NXP Semiconductors. Also present were mayors of five of the finalist cities—Steve Adler of Austin, Andrew Ginther of Columbus, Sly James of Kansas City, Bill Peduto of Pittsburgh, and Charlie Hales of Portland. The announcement was made at the C3 Connected Mobility Showcase being held at the South by Southwest conference (SXSW). Read more …