Three-day conference highlights innovation across disciplines 
UTICA, NY – Earlier this week, SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) held its inaugural “AI in Action Showcase,” a three-day event that brought together leading scholars, industry experts, healthcare professionals, and educators to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence across sectors including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and workforce development.
The showcase featured dynamic presentations, interdisciplinary panels, poster sessions, and a keynote on creativity and imagination by Dr. Gerard Puccio, who leads Buffalo State’s Center for Applied Imagination. The event underscores SUNY Poly’s commitment to advancing innovation while keeping people at the center of technological progress.
SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo opened the showcase, framing it as part of a broader historical moment, emphasizing that AI represents not just technological advancement, but an opportunity to strengthen communities, improve lives, and prepare future leaders. 
Over three days, attendees engaged in sessions spanning:
•    AI in Advanced Manufacturing & Materials, including machine learning applications in materials design and next-generation solar technologies 
•    AI in Health & Bioinformatics, featuring topics from pandemic response to cancer detection and interdisciplinary approaches to wellbeing 
•    AI in Education and the Professions, exploring applications in engineering, business, fintech, nursing, ethics, and interactive media 
•    Workforce and Classroom Innovation, with panels focused on preparing students and professionals for an AI-driven future 
In his closing remarks, Dr. Soboyejo reflected on the significance of the gathering, emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and the enduring importance of human-centered innovation. 
“What we experienced together over these past three days has been truly meaningful,” he said. “We explored the possibilities of artificial intelligence across disciplines, but more importantly, we came together as a community of learners, innovators, and partners. I am deeply grateful to our speakers, panelists, faculty, staff, students, and partners whose insights and engagement made this showcase impactful.”
“As we look ahead, we remain clear in our purpose: AI is a powerful tool, but it does not replace human potential—it supports it,” continued Dr. Soboyejo. “It is our creativity, our judgment, our values, and our shared commitment to inclusion that will shape how these technologies are used to improve lives and strengthen society.”
The AI in Action Showcase highlighted SUNY Poly’s leadership at the intersection of technology, education, and societal impact. By convening voices from academia, industry, and healthcare, the event reinforced the institution’s role in preparing a workforce ready not only to use AI, but to shape its future with purpose and intention.

SUNY Poly also invites members of the public, industry partners, and organizations to connect with its Office of Workforce Development to learn more about AI workshops, training opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, as the university continues to expand its offerings and engage with partners eager to advance innovation together.