Innovation Showcase: Real-World AI from Startup to Enterprise

Thu Aug 21 2025 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm UTC-07:00

Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County | Irvine

Itay Sharfi
Publisher/HostItay Sharfi
Innovation Showcase: Real-World AI from Startup to Enterprise
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Fast-paced GenAI demos from startup + enterprise leaders. Outdoor showcase, real use cases, high-signal networking.
About this Event

Come for the garden. Stay for the bold ideas. This is where real GenAI gets real.

Ideas hit different when you’re outdoors, surrounded by sharp minds, and hearing firsthand how real companies, from stealth-mode startups to industry giants, are shaping the next wave of AI.

At the Ascend GenAI Innovation Showcase, you’ll hear from product leaders and technologists who are delivering GenAI solutions right now. You will hear talks about real products with real use cases, in enterprise software, automation, infrastructure, and agentic AI.

Set in the peaceful and inspiring Outdoor Garden at the Merage JCC in Irvine, this is a one-of-a-kind space for meaningful conversations and memorable connections.


Spotlight Presentations

Paul ChadaFounder, DoozerAI

Paul’s company is transforming the way enterprises work through autonomous digital agents. He’ll share how DoozerAI builds AI coworkers that actually do the job, and the breakthroughs and barriers to making that real.

Metin KaplanHead of Opcenter Core & X, Siemens | Adjunct Professor, CSUF

At Siemens, Metin leads the global Manufacturing Operations Management portfolio, overseeing enterprise-level solutions across international engineering hubs. In this session, he’ll explore how AI is transforming the manufacturing landscape—and how Siemens is empowering its customers with cutting-edge AI technologies.

Raghu BalaFounder, Synergetics.ai | 4x Startup Exits | MIT Sloan Instructor

Raghu brings decades of experience launching AI products in automotive, healthcare, logistics, and fintech. He’ll map out where agent-based systems are gaining traction — and how to spot real opportunity vs. trend-chasing.

Charles Fan – Co-Founder & CEO, MemVerge | Ex-VMware SVP | Serial Entrepreneur

Charles leads MemVerge, a pioneer in Big Memory AI software powering next-gen AI infrastructure. Previously, he was SVP/GM at VMware, where he launched Virtual SAN and led storage and big data initiatives. Charles also founded EMC’s China R&D Center, served as CTO at Cheetah Mobile, and co-founded Rainfinity (acquired by EMC). With deep roots in enterprise tech, he holds a Ph.D. from Caltech and a B.E. from Cooper Union.


What Attendees Say About Our Last Event

“Great event! Left with new ideas for a product — always a good sign.” — Bob, Product Executive


“So much energy in the room… Inspiring to connect with other builders and investors.” — Ascend GenAI attendee


"I was really surprised to find such an insightful GenAI event in SoCal organized by Itay Sharfi." — Sheila, AI Program Manager


Why You Should Join
  • Hear real stories from real AI inovators , across startups and enterprise
  • See what GenAI looks like when it works in production
  • Meet professionals, investors, and founders with signal, not noise
  • Enjoy thoughtful conversation in a unique, open-air venue
  • Light snacks and soft drinks included

📍 Venue

1 Federation Way, Irvine, CA

Free parking | Garden setting | Smart casual

🎟️ Get your tickets now. Tickets were sold out on our last event.

Follow for speaker updates, photos, and future events.


Agenda

🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM
Networking
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Innovation Lightning Talks: GenAI presentations / demos from our speakers
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Networking
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County, 1 Federation Way, Irvine, United States

Tickets

USD 31.72

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