U.S. Chamber, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Showcase Data-Driven Innovation at Pittsburgh Innovates

March 31, 2017 - 4:15pm
PITTBURGH — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the
Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, today hosted Pittsburgh
Innovates, an event highlighting the role of data-driven innovation in
modernizing businesses and promoting economic growth, specifically in
the Pittsburgh region.
"Thanks to now and emerging technologies, data-driven innovation can
be an asset for any company – not just technology companies. Using
data has helped businesses in Pittsburgh and around the country
harness technology, create jobs, and grow the economy," said Tim Day,
senior vice president of the Chamber Technology Engagement Center
(C_TEC). "As the tech industry continues to push the boundaries of how
data can be used to spur innovation, we need to ensure that
regulations on data usage are fair for businesses and consumers. We
must be willing to adopt policies that allow technological advances to
reach their full potential."
"Pittsburgh region-born innovation is exceeding or extending the
limits of what was once considered possible across industries," said
Matt Smith, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce,
an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.
"The advances being developed here are changing how people take care
of their health, power their homes and businesses and protect their
personal assets from cybercrime, not to mention the protection of our
national security, even as we're creating on demand, with additive
manufacturing, complex parts for jet engines or replacement joints for
bones. Pittsburghers are embracing innovation and technology to
challenge the status quo and change the world. Our universities and
business community have put the region at a new frontier. Once known
as the 'gateway to the west,' Pittsburgh is now a gateway to the
future – a place that, because of innovation, is increasingly bright."
Pittsburgh Innovates, held at the Energy Innovation Center, brought
together government officials and local business leaders from industry
sectors such as energy, robotics, healthcare, and manufacturing to
discuss the role of innovation in bringing opportunity, talent, jobs
and growth to the Pittsburgh region.
Speakers included Congressmen Mike Doyle (D-PA 14) and Tim Murphy
(R-PA 18), and Chief of Staff & Chief Development Officer of the City
of Pittsburgh Kevin Acklin. Panelists included VP, CAS Application
Development of Convestro, LLC Jim Charron; Founder and CEO of BlueTree
Capital Group Catherine Mott; Carnegie Mellon University Electrical &
Computer Engineering Professor Raj Rajkumar; UPMC Chief Innovation
Officer Rasu Shrestha; and PPG Director of Technology and Science
Initiatives Phillip Yu.
C_TEC was established to advance technology's role in the U.S.
economy. Our members are excited about the future of technology to
drive growth, jobs, and life-changing advances in transportation,
medicine, consumer experiences, and business operations. C_TEC
promotes policies that foster innovation and creativity and sponsors
research to inform policymakers and the public.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business
federation representing the interests of more than 3 million
businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and
local chambers and industry associations. The U.S. Chamber's National
Security Task Force is made up of more than 200 member organizations,
and the Chamber's Cyber Working Group is made up of more than 200
companies.