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Innovation Keynote: Senator Mark Warner on AI and Workforce

  • May 1, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: 53 minutes ago


Friday, April 24 | 1:30 PM Irving Theater


Tom Tom Innovation Summit to feature Senator Mark Warner on AI, the Workforce, and Building an Economy That Serves People


Can we build an AI-driven economy that benefits the communities it impacts? U.S. Senator Mark Warner thinks we can — if we have thoughtful leadership and coordinated action. 


In a keynote conversation at the 2026 Innovation Summit in Charlottesville, he'll share his take on how we can equip workers with the skills they need, help businesses adapt to a rapidly changing landscape, and build an AI-driven economy that works for everyone.


The senator brings a depth of insight to a timely topic. Long before artificial intelligence shook the world, he stepped up as a technology and business leader in the private sector. His investments in startup tech companies (most notably the telecommunications giant Nextel) created tens of thousands of jobs. As a public servant, he's earned recognition for his bipartisan efforts, most recently co-sponsoring Economy of the Future Commission Act with Senator Mike Rounds. The bill proposes a collaborative analysis of the relationship between AI, innovation, and the role of companies, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders in ensuring broad participation in tomorrow’s economy.


“AI is going to transform nearly every sector of our economy,” said Senator Warner. “The question isn’t whether these changes are coming — it’s whether we are prepared. We need clear-eyed analysis and practical, bipartisan solutions to help workers gain new skills, support people whose jobs are disrupted, and make sure the United States leads the world in the industries of the future.”






Bold ideas to build tomorrow require courage and collaboration today. The Innovation Summit is designed to help current and future business leaders power up with 40+ sessions in four core tracks: Technology (AI, Life Sciences, Defense), Entrepreneurship (skill building, showcases, competitions), Investment (Angel networks, accelerators, commercialization) and Government (policy making, collaborations, infrastructure).


Looking for a startup to back? The Investor Connect Track sessions and networking opportunities are tailored for angel groups, family offices, institutional investors, accelerators, and ecosystem leaders. The Summit also includes five showcases where potential funders and collaborators can meet founders from dozens of promising startups in AI + Data, Life Sciences, and Enterprise Innovation.




 
 
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