Machine Learning Toronto (MLTO) - September 2025

Registration Instructions

NOTE: Meetup RSVPs are closed - to attend, you must register on the Luma event page.

Agenda
6:00-6:30 PM Arrivals and Networking
6:30-7:00 PM Tech Talk #1
7:00-7:30 PM Tech Talk #2
7:30-8:30 PM Networking & Wrap-up
8:30 PM Tear-down and Departures

Talk #1, Josh Harris, Founder and CEO @ AnswerLayer:**
Why Your Agent Needs a Semantic Layer

​What separates a “stochastic parrot” from a truly effective AI agent? The answer lies in meaning. Today’s data analytics industry already includes semantic layers, structures that turn raw data into knowledge people can act on. In this talk, we’ll follow that thread into semantic information theory, where researchers in theoretical biology show that autonomous agents need to find meaning in their environment, not just statistical patterns, to stay functional. We’ll then bring it back to AI: how extending the idea of a semantic layer could give future agents the ability not just to sound smart, but to act with purpose in the real world.
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Talk #2 - Swetha Subramanian, Vice President Data & AI, Independent Advisor

​About the Speakers
Josh Harris is the Founder and CEO of AnswerLayer, powering conversational analytics for complex, sensitive data. Over the past decade, he has held various ML and data roles, from building physics-informed neural networks at Basetwo AI to leading the data science team and infrastructure at KOHO Financial. In 2020, he received national research funding to apply Transformers to consumer spending data, in collaboration with MILA. Josh is largely self-taught, driven by intense curiosity and a passion for solving real-world problems.

​Swetha Subramanian is a Data and AI leader with 15+ years of experience transforming complex data challenges into market-defining, revenue-generating products. She has led high-performing global teams at Meta, Turn, and Loblaw, driving innovations like Meta’s Private Lift and Loblaw’s LOOP. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Global Executive and Women in AI 2025 Executive Leader Awardee, Swetha is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies on AI transformation and enterprise strategy. Based in Toronto, she is also a passionate mentor for women in tech and enjoys classical music, unscripted travel, and local culinary exploration with her family.

Many thanks to our supporters and sponsors!
We'd also like to acknowledge our venue partners for generously providing their amazing space for the event, and Trajectory Labs and PRAKTIKAI for making the event happen.

​​Speak or Support MLTO!
We are always looking for new speakers and sponsors to share their knowledge and help build the AI community in the GTA! If you are interested please get in touch directly or apply via one of the links below:
- Speaker Application Form: mlto.ca/speak
- Sponsor Inquiry Form: mlto.ca/sponsor
- Volunteer Application Form: mlto.ca/volunteer