Join us for a fireside chat between Aravind Srinivas and Professor Jim Waldo on the future of AI and Srinivas' own founder journey.
Come meet one of the most important players in generative AI at an engaging fireside chat featuring Aravind Srinivas, CEO and co-founder of Perplexity, and Professor Jim Waldo. They'll explore the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its profound impact on how we seek, process, and trust information, as well as answer YOUR questions from the audience.
In this thought-provoking discussion, Aravind will share insights from his journey—from research scientist at OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind to launching Perplexity, an "answer engine" reshaping the way we interact with AI-driven information. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear firsthand from one of AI’s leading innovators and an esteemed expert in technology policy and distributed systems.
Sponsored by the Harvard Innovation Labs, Xfund, the HBS Rock Center for Entrepreneurship, and the HBS Tech Club, this event is open to all members of the Harvard community.
Registration is required and seating is limited for the in-person event, so register today to secure your spot. The talk will also be livestreamed; register for an online ticket to receive the link.
[Special opportunity for Harvard student founders: Apply to pitch Aravind in person on March 30!]
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Aravind Srinivas is the CEO of Perplexity, the conversational "answer engine" that provides precise, user-focused answers to queries — with in-line citations. Aravind co-founded the company in 2022 after working as a research scientist at OpenAI, Google, and DeepMind. To date, Perplexity has raised over $165 million from investors including NEA, Jeff Bezos, Nat Friedman, Elad Gil, NVIDIA, and the late Susan Wojcicki. Aravind has a PhD in computer science from UC Berkeley and bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. You can find him on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
Jim Waldo is Gordon McKay Professor of the Practice of Computer Science in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard, where he teaches courses in distributed systems and privacy; the Chief Technology Officer for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; and a Professor of Policy teaching on topics of technology and policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. Learn more.
GETTING TO THE HARVARD INNOVATION LABS
The Harvard Innovation Labs is located on the first floor of Batten Hall at 125 Western Avenue, Allston, MA 02134. We are situated on the Harvard Business School campus, a 15-20 minute walk from Harvard Square. You can also use the Harvard shuttle. The University offers daily parking for faculty, staff, students, visitors, and guests in the HBS lot on Western Avenue. The HBS lot is available 24/7 and accepts both cash and credit card payments.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Harvard Innovation Labs welcomes attendees of all abilities to our events, both in person and online.
Requests for American Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the University will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.
If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact i-lab@harvard.edu in advance of the event.
FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS
Please note: By registering, you agree to receive emails about this event and future communications from the Harvard Innovation Labs.
