How 5G Connectivity is Enabling More Powerful EdgeAI Applications

Join us on Thursday, March 13th, for a discussion with industry leaders on how EdgeAI solutions have rapidly improved thanks to powerful 5G network connectivity. This meetup is the spiritual successor to our rescheduled event on autonomous drone technology. (Drones will still be one of several EdgeAI topics we explore.)

EdgeAI is no longer theoretical—it’s now reshaping industries in real-time. When paired with ultra-low latency 5G and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), AI unlocks powerful, real-world applications that were previously impossible.

From emergency response teams that rely on instant, AI-powered insights to next-gen smart retail environments that redefine frictionless commerce, the future of Edge AI is happening now—and it’s poised to revolutionize consumer experiences.

Topics we'll explore:

• How AI and 5G are transforming public safety, industrial automation, and immersive experiences
• What’s driving new proof-of-value cases—bridging the gap between hype and measurable outcomes
• The role of private 5G networks and MEC in enabling autonomous systems, intelligent venues, and AI-powered retail
• Real-world examples from Verizon Business, AWS experts, and industry leaders shaping the future

Meetup agenda:

• 5:00pm: Doors Open @ Galvanize (44 Tehama St.)
• 5:30pm: 1-hour Panel
• 6:30pm: Q&A
• 6:45pm: Post-event networking

Meetup Sponsors:

• LEANSTUDIO
• Foundry415
• Galvanize Co-Working
• Applied AI Association

March 13th Featured Speakers:

• Debashis (Deba) Mondal - Solution Architect, Verizon Business Group
  Deba is a passionate business leader with over two decades of experience in delivering exceptional customer experiences, solving complex challenges, and implementing effective solutions. As a product and technology enthusiast, he has spearheaded the development of enterprise-grade digital and data solutions powered by Data, AI/ML, and Edge computing, with a focus on 5G connectivity. Currently part of the Verizon 5G acceleration team, where he architects Edge Solutions utilizing Verizon Private and Public MEC offerings. His primary focus lies in driving the adoption of AI/ML-based next-generation applications at the Edge to address real-world business challenges.
• Babak Soltanian, Ph.D. - Founder and CEO of Tayen.AI
  A seasoned entrepreneur and engineering leader, Babak has 20 years of experience in Silicon Valley startups and global tech giants and is currently developing next-generation AI processors. He has founded and led multiple startups, including Haute.AI (an early generative AI
  company for image synthesis), Drive5 (high-precision localization and V2X for autonomous vehicles), Cepand (mmWave chips for 5G), and IronLeap (multisensor wearables for athletes). He also played a key role at Quantenna, where he built and led the engineering group, delivering cutting-edge silicon products that contributed to its IPO and $1 billion acquisition, as well as in two other startups acquired by major
  Silicon Valley firms. Previously, he held senior engineering roles at Qualcomm, Broadcom, and GlobalFoundries, as well as research positions at NEC Labs USA and IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, where he pioneered ultra-low-power SoC designs. Babak holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, with a minor in Technology and Innovation Management from Columbia Business School. He also earned a doctoral degree in Information Technology from Tampere University of Technology in Finland and completed an executive program in Venture Capital at Columbia Business School.