IBM Innovation Hub at the Wond'ry

IBM Innovation Hub at Vanderbilt University September 24, 2018 | Written by: Naguib Attia Categorized: Education | Events Share this post: Vanderbilt University (VU) and IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced the IBM Watson Innovation Hub at the Wond’ry. Through this collaboration; Vanderbilt University students, faculty and the community will have immersive learning opportunities in IBM and IBM Watson technologies to learn and develop skills in emerging technologies. The opening reception, featured a welcome by Senior Associate Dean – School of Engineering and Science, Dr. Duco Jensen, followed by remarks from the Evans Family Executive Director of the Wond’ry, Robert Grajewski. Dr. Naguib Attia, Vice President – IBM Global University Programs commented, “IBM is committed to putting technologies and tools in the hands of learners so that they are well equipped for the future. Be brave. Take advantage of what is available to you.” Following remarks; Vanderbilt University IBM Fellows, made possible by an IBM endowment to the university, presented summaries and poster sessions of their research efforts to guests. “Our Executive Committee today approved a $500,000 grant to establish an endowment to provide highly competitive fellowships for students in the engineering sciences, based upon academic quality” ~ Letter from Frank T. Cary Chairman of the Board of IBM to Vanderbilt University Chancellor Alexander Heard dated June 30, 1981 The evening also included demonstrations by undergraduate students: IBM TJBot using IBM Cloud Services Autonomous Golf Cart project model using the IBM Watson IoT Framework Additional workshops and events planned in 2018/2019 include TJBot series for students, an IBM Blockchain seminar, an IBM Entrepreneurship seminar, a Quantum Computing seminar and an IBM Design Thinking presentation. In addition, the autonomous golf cart project will continue by applying the solutions proved on the model to the full scale golf cart. Opening events continued on 20 September with IBM Research Vice President – Q Strategy and Ecosystem Dr. Robert Sutor speaking on the topic “Quantum Computing: Don’t Count Your Qubits Before They’re Hatched” during the John R. and Donna S. Hall Engineering Lecture Series. The two days of events reinforce the commitment IBM has made and continues to make to empower students to build skills needed for the future. The Wond’ry is the epicenter for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Vanderbilt University. It is a three story, 13,000-square foot space, located adjacent to the new state-of-the-art Engineering and Science Building, facilitates trans institutional collaboration between students and faculty from all schools, levels, and disciplines. From engineers to scientists to entrepreneurs to artists, the Wond’ry is the primary point of connection for students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Wond’ry is the catalyst for building and strengthening creativity across campus, fostering innovation in all fields, and forging a stronger “maker” culture at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, Tenn., is a private research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Naguib Attia Vice President, IBM Global University Programs