https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gdg-merced_we-did-it-we-did-our-first-devfest-activity-7257436121343696897-PWHB/ 

From Undercover Geek to Emerging Tech CEO

Keynote by Daisy Mayorga-Fuentes

In this keynote, Daisy Mayorga shares her journey of embracing her love for learning despite societal pressures to fit in. From secretly indulging in her curiosity to discovering a passion for technology, she uncovers both the transformative power of tech and its darker challenges, like algorithmic bias and social media addiction. Now a co-founder of yüda, Daisy reflects on how she overcame self-doubt, navigated obstacles, and found purpose in building equitable tech solutions. Her story is a call to action for others to embrace their inner geek, harness their curiosity, and become leaders in their own right.

Leon: Cofounder Match Powered by AI

Presented by Ankit Jha

AI Co-Founder Match is a platform that harnesses Gemini's cutting-edge AI technology to match and connect like-minded entrepreneurs. Reviewing user-profiles and abilities along with their interests, it proposes matches according to objectives and knowledge areas. This groundbreaking tool is designed to simplify the process of finding a co-founder and support the development of AI startups.

Web AI: New models, tools, and APIs for your next web app

Presented by Rabimba Karanjai (Google Developer Expert)

Learn what's new with the state of Web AI at Google and discover Gen AI models you can run client-side in the browser, along with new tooling and APIs for your company's next web app. I'll cover key web ML updates from Google Chrome, TensorFlow.js, MediaPipe Web, Core ML, Visual Blocks, and beyond. Suitable for everyone.

Building Intelligent Applications: Harnessing Neo4j with Google Cloud's Generative AI

Presented by Shadab Hussain (Google Developer Expert)

In today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape, the ability to craft intelligent applications that leverage the power of generative AI is crucial. This session will explore the integration of Neo4j’s graph database capabilities with Google Cloud’s cutting-edge generative AI tools, providing a powerful ecosystem for developing advanced applications.

We will dive deep into how Neo4j’s graph-based data models can be combined with the generative AI capabilities of Google Cloud to create applications that not only understand and reason about complex relationships but also generate insightful content and predictions. Through practical demos and code walkthroughs, you’ll learn how to deploy this integrated solution to solve real-world problems in various domains such as personalized recommendations, intelligent search, and more.

Drone Technology

Presented by Kathy Kanemoto with Guest Speaker Rosio Rodriguez

Join us for an engaging session on the importance of drone safety and the innovative ways drones are transforming various sectors, with a focus on agriculture. Learn how our ag tech drones and IoT devices are used in cutting-edge research to enhance farming practices. The session will include live demonstrations with small drones and simulators, offering hands-on experience in drone technology.

Robot Over trust in Life-or-death Decision-making and Social Emotion

Presented by Colin Holbrook

This talk will provide an overview of several lines of recent research indicating a dramatic potential for over trust in anthropomorphic robots during life-or-death decision-making, as well as evidence that social robots can evoke emotions comparable to those evoked by humans.

The role of Generative AI in promoting equitable education 

Presented by Daniel Jovan Pulido

Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is poised to revolutionize the education landscape by offering unprecedented access to customized, interactive learning experiences. As technology becomes increasingly integral to educational methods GAI tools play a critical role in helping people synthesize information and enhancing learning outcomes across diverse populations. 

Cascarita SaaS for Recreational Sports Management: The Startup Journey

Presented by Saul Reyes-Morales and team

Saul will share insights into his entrepreneurial journey and the innovative solutions Cascarita is developing for the recreational sports industry.

Coding in the Era of AI

Presented by Michael Solati (Google Developer Expert)

In this session Michael will dive into how AI is changing the game for developers and the essential skills needed to stay ahead of the curve. Get ready for a thought-provoking session that's sure to inspire and inform.

Dreamscape Learn

Dreamscape Learn is an innovative educational platform that integrates virtual reality (VR) and immersive storytelling techniques to create a highly engaging and interactive learning environment. The platform aims to transform traditional education by leveraging the power of VR to make complex subjects more accessible and captivating. Students can explore virtual worlds, interact with dynamic simulations, and engage in experiential learning that enhances understanding and retention. Dreamscape Learn is designed to complement conventional teaching methods, providing a multi-sensory experience that fosters deeper learning and critical thinking skills.