DAX: Data Science and AI Exchange 2026

AI is advancing at an ever faster pace. It is impacting virtually every aspect of business. DAX brings together leaders from academia, industry and government for an exchange of perspectives and thoughtful dialog on both the opportunities and challenges of deploying AI responsibly.

Responsible AI builds confidence across the broader ecosystem and creates the conditions for sustainable innovation, risk management, and long-term value. DAX 2026 will explore how these principles are being translated into practice, highlighting the research and ideas that enable organizations to harness AI's power responsibly. The event will conclude with an Innovation Showcase featuring the latest research from several of Columbia’s labs as well as AI focused start-ups spun out from the university.

is Columbia University’s flagship event for industry executives seeking direct insight into where AI is headed and the research shaping what comes next. Designed as an exchange between industry and university leaders on pressing AI challenges, DAX offers attendees an inside look at emerging work in domains that matter most to business. Through cross-sector dialogue and applied examples, DAX connects cutting-edge developments with real-world strategic opportunities. Additionally, the Innovation Showcase features a glimpse of what is to come with research presentations and demos from Columbia AI start-ups.

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, Former Chief Data Officer, Visa; and Research Fellow at the Initiative for the Digital Economy, MIT

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Speakers will be announced soon

8:00 AM: Doors Open for Attendees (60 min)

9:00 AM: Opening Remarks (10 min)

• , Avanessians Director of the Data Science Institute and Professor of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Columbia Engineering (5 min)

9:10 AM: Keynote (40 min)

• , Research Fellow at the Initiative for the Digital Economy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); and former Chief Data Officer, Visa

9:50 AM: Session 1: Privacy & Security (40 min)

10:30 AM: Session 2: Safety & Agentic AI (40 min)

11:10 AM: Attendee Break (20 min)

11:30 AM: Session 3: Governance: Explainability & Compliance (40 min)

12:10 PM: Fireside Chat (30 min)

• , IBM Fellow and the IBM Global Leader for Responsible AI and AI Governance, T.J. Watson IBM Research Lab, New York
• Moderator:

12:40 PM: Lightning Round: Innovation Expo (30 min)

1:10 PM: Closing Remarks

1:15 PM: Innovation Expo

2:30 PM: Event Ends

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REGISTRATION DEADLINE: The Columbia Morningside campus is open to the Columbia community. If you do not have an active CUID, the deadline to register is at 12:00 PM the day before the event. External guests will receive a QR code by email to enter campus.

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Host or Publisher Data Science Institute, Columbia University