In this episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Raquel Ranzone, Associate Director of Strategy & Partnerships at the Howe Innovation Center at Perkins School for the Blind. Raquel shares her powerful story of being born four months premature with Retinopathy of Prematurity and how that experience fuels her work connecting the disability community with the innovation community. We talk about why accessibility is everyone’s business, why disability is the only group anyone can join at any time, and how many of the “everyday” technologies we rely on—from touchscreens to audiobooks—actually began as disability tech. Raquel also explains the $40B opportunity in disability innovation, the gap between what people with disabilities truly need and what the market builds, and how Perkins is mapping more than 2,500 disability tech solutions worldwide. It’s a hopeful, practical conversation about designing for real people—not edge cases. Building AI Boston – https://BuildingAIBoston.com Perkins School for the Blind – https://www.perkins.org Howe Innovation Center – https://www.perkins.org/howe-innovation-center Raquel Ranzone (LinkedIn) – https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelranzone Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-ai-boston/id Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/building-ai-boston YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingAIBoston

In this episode of Building AI Boston, co-hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sit down with Jenn Azar, CEO of Stellix, a visionary leader helping accelerate innovation at the intersection of science, technology, and human ingenuity. They explore how AI, digital transformation, and Industry 5.0 are reshaping the future of life sciences and drug discovery—from advanced manufacturing to personalized medicine—and how leaders can guide teams through change with empathy, humor, and purpose. Highlights: • How Industry 5.0 is bridging discovery and delivery in life sciences • The digital acceleration of drug discovery and biomanufacturing • Building adaptive, curious teams in a rapidly changing world • Why technology should create more space for human creativity • What it takes to lead with optimism and resilience amid transformation AI isn’t just transforming industry—it’s redefining how science moves from the lab to life. 🌐 BuildingAIBoston.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify 🎥 Watch on YouTube 💼 Learn more about Stellix: https://www.stellix.com 👥 Follow co-hosts: Anna Devere | Kara Peterson #BuildingAIBoston, #AI, #Industry5_0, #DigitalTransformation, #LifeSciencesInnovation, #DrugDiscovery, #Biomanufacturing, #Stellix, #JennAzar, #HumanCenteredAI, #AIinBiotech, #FutureOfWork, #TechWithPurpose, #WomenInAI, #AIBoston, #LeadershipInAI, #ScienceAndTechnology, #AIForGood, #InnovationPodcast, #BostonTech

🎙️ New Episode: Building Future Innovators In this episode of Building AI Boston, co-hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sit down with Charlotte Duncan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation and Harvard-trained educator. They explore how AI is transforming the way students learn — and why empowering the next generation with ethical, creative, and hands-on AI experience matters more than ever.Highlights:     •    Learning vs. teaching — why students need both in the AI era     •    The next digital divide: empowered AI users vs. everyone else     •    How the Mark Cuban Foundation’s free AI bootcamps work (mentors, projects, real-world skills)    •    Why human connection and communication will define the future workforce     •    How students are already building real AI solutions — including a TIME “Kid of the Year” alumAI isn’t just reshaping technology — it’s reshaping education, opportunity, and the future of work. #BuildingAIBoston #AI #EdTech #MarkCubanFoundation #Innovation #BostonAI #BostonTech

Live from Suffolk University during Boston Startup AI Week!In this special episode of Building AI Boston, co-host Kara Peterson sits down with Parag Shah of CarGurus, a leader in applying AI and data science to bring more trust and transparency to car buying and selling.CarGurus is harnessing the power of AI to transform the car-shopping experience—empowering consumers with greater personalization, richer vehicle data, and smarter deal ratings, while helping dealers connect with customers more effectively and make data-driven decisions that support their business. In this conversation, Parag Shah shares insights on:* How CarGurus leverages AI to revolutionize the car-buying experience* The challenges and opportunities of AI in large-scale consumer platforms* Why Boston is emerging as a global hub for AI innovation* What the future of automotive commerce looks like in an AI-driven world. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, technologist, or consumer, this episode shines a light on how AI is driving smarter solutions in one of the world’s largest industries.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of AI. Hashtags #BuildingAIBoston #BostonStartupWeek #BostonAI #ArtificialIntelligence #CarGurus #AI #BostonTech #StartupBoston #BostonInnovation

Recorded live at Suffolk University during Boston Startup Week, this special episode of Building AI Boston brings together innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of AI. Our guest, Brendan Witcher, a leading analyst and visionary on customer experience and digital strategy, shares powerful insights on how artificial intelligence is transforming businesses, reshaping consumer expectations, and influencing the startup ecosystem. In this episode, you’ll discover: How startups can leverage AI to accelerate growth and scale smarter The biggest challenges and opportunities AI presents for entrepreneurs Why Boston is becoming a global hub for AI innovation Brendan’s perspective on the next big wave in digital transformation Whether you’re a founder, innovator, or AI enthusiast, this live conversation will inspire new ways of thinking about technology and its role in building the future. Stay connected: Visit us: https://www.buildingaiboston.com Want to sponsor Building AI Boston? Email us at info@buildingaiboston.com #BuildingAIBoston #BostonStartupWeek #ArtificialIntelligence #BrendanWitcher #SuffolkUniversity #BostonStartups

n this episode of Building AI Boston, hosts Anna Devere and Kara Peterson sits down with Brendan Witcher, a leading voice on digital strategy and innovation, to break down what businesses really need in their Smarter AI Playbook. Brendan shares practical insights into how organizations can successfully adopt AI without getting lost in the hype. From aligning AI initiatives with customer experience to overcoming the cultural and operational roadblocks, this conversation is all about turning AI into real business outcomes. 🔹 Topics we cover include: Why most AI initiatives fail—and how to fix it Building a smarter AI playbook for growth and impact How Boston companies are leading the way in AI adoption The human side of AI: trust, transparency, and customer value What’s next in the AI revolution If you’re a business leader, innovator, or AI enthusiast looking for actionable strategies, this episode is packed with insights you can use today. 📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations from the heart of Boston’s AI movement. #BuildingAIBoston #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #BostonTech #BrendanWitcher #SmarterAI

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we are honored to welcome Dr. Ami Bhatt, a nationally recognized leader in cardiology, digital health innovation, and AI-driven patient care. Dr. Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology and Chair of the inaugural Digital Health Advisory Committee at the FDA, shares how Boston is at the forefront of reimagining healthcare through AI and technology. Learn how Dr. Bhatt is transforming patient experiences and leading the next generation of healthcare innovation. Connect with Dr. Ami Bhatt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dramibhatt/ American College of Cardiology: https://www.acc.org Join us as we explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, telehealth, predictive analytics, and the future of cardiovascular care. Subscribe for more conversations about Boston’s AI future! #BuildingAIBoston #DigitalHealth #ArtificialIntelligence #HealthcareInnovation #BostonTech #FutureOfMedicine #Cardiology #Telehealth

🎙️ Just dropped: A new Building AI Boston episode with Stephanie Roulic, Founder & CEO of Startup Boston! Get the inside story on Boston’s startup ecosystem—and how AI is changing the game for founders and innovators. Stephanie shares her journey building Startup Boston, the power of community-driven innovation, and how today’s AI tools are making entrepreneurship more accessible than ever. Don’t miss this episode—and don’t miss your chance to join Startup Boston Week, the region’s biggest (and most welcoming) event for founders, operators, and the startup-curious. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s your ticket to new ideas, powerful connections, and a firsthand look at how AI is shaping the future of business. 🚀 Register for Startup Boston Week: https://www.startupbos.org/sbw2025 #buildingaiboston #StartupBoston #StartupBostonWeek #BostonTech #Entrepreneurship #AI #Innovation #communityleadership

Welcome to Building AI Boston — where we explore the people and ideas shaping our AI future. In this episode, we’re joined by Paul Baier, CEO of GAI Insights and Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, to talk about what it really means to get AI-ready — as individuals, teams, and entire regions. From founding the AI Blueprint for Massachusetts to launching Boston AI Week and the wildly popular “AI Woodstock,” Paul shares what it takes to build a thriving, inclusive tech ecosystem. We cover: • The danger of “ostriching” — ignoring the AI wave instead of preparing for it • How Boston is uniquely positioned to lead in AI talent, policy, and innovation • Why small teams, human connection, and community leadership matter now more than ever This conversation is part wake-up call, part playbook — and packed with practical ideas for anyone looking to pick up a shovel and get involved. Register for Boston AI Week: September 26th - October 3rd, 2025 https://aiweek.boston #AI #FutureOfWork #BostonTech #CommunityLeadership #BuildingAIBoston

Welcome to Building AI Boston! In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Malinow, PhD, founder of Hey Junior — a cutting-edge AI tool designed to help job seekers land interviews faster by automating personalized engagement on LinkedIn. About Andrew: Andrew is a data scientist and humanitarian whose own experience navigating unemployment inspired him to create Hey Junior. His solution? A GPT-powered “Junior” that:     •    Comments thoughtfully on posts related to your skills and interests     •    Integrates with scheduling tools like Calendly     •    Initiates real conversations with hiring teams before you even step in We cover:     •    The human + AI handoff: where Junior ends and Andrew begins     •    How to sign up for the beta and get Junior working for you Links & Resources: Hey Junior Beta → https://heyjunior.ai/ Sign-up waiting list → (see Andrew’s LinkedIn posts) Andrew on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-malinow-phd/ If you’re tired of resume black holes and want meaningful conversations that lead to job offers, hit Subscribe and join us in reshaping the hiring ecosystem. #AI #JobSearch #FutureOfWork #BuildingAIBoston

In this episode of Building AI Boston, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Catherine Brownstein, a leading force in pediatric genomics and rare disease research at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Brownstein shares how AI is revolutionizing how we diagnose and treat rare diseases, her collaboration with OpenAI, and why Boston is a global hub for medical innovation. With over 15 years of experience in bioinformatics, genomics, and computational biology, she walks us through groundbreaking AI projects that are changing lives—especially for children with conditions that once defied diagnosis. Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, or the future of personalized medicine, this is a must-watch conversation. Guest: Dr. Catherine Brownstein Scientific Director of the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research Boston Children’s Hospital / Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School Learn more about her work: https://www.childrenshospital.org/research/researchers/catherine-brownstein https://connects.catalyst.harvard.edu/Profiles/display/Person/47081 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingAIBoston#AIinHealthcare #BostonChildrensHospital #RareDiseases #CatherineBrownstein #ArtificialIntelligence #OpenAI #Genomics #PrecisionMedicine #Pediatrics #BuildingAIBoston #HarvardMedicalSchool #MedicalInnovation #BostonAI #HealthcareTech

Join us for an inspiring episode of Building AI Boston as we sit down with Onur Yüce Gün, Director of Computational Design at New Balance and a trailblazer at the intersection of architecture, AI, and product innovation. In this episode, Onur shares his journey from academia to architecture, and how his passion for parametric design, generative systems, and computation led him to revolutionize footwear design at New Balance. Discover how AI is driving creative exploration, performance optimization, and storytelling in product development, and why the future of design is more human because of it. Connect with Onur Yüce Gün 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/onuryucegun/ 🔗 https://onuryucegun.com About the Show Building AI Boston brings you into the minds of the leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence, design, and innovation, all from the city known as the "Silicon Valley of the East." Hosted by Anna Devere Powered by WCRN | Spotify | YouTube

Join Allison Byers, founder and CEO of Scroobious, as she delves into the challenges and solutions surrounding equitable access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Drawing from her extensive experience in the startup ecosystem, Allison discusses the systemic barriers that diverse founders face and how innovative platforms like Scroobious are working to bridge the funding gap. In this insightful conversation, Allison shares: Her personal journey from leading a medical device startup to becoming a passionate advocate for funding equity. The inspiration behind Scroobious and its mission to democratize access to early-stage capital. Practical advice for founders navigating the fundraising landscape. Strategies for investors to discover and support high-potential, underrepresented startups. Discover how redefining success beyond traditional venture capital metrics can lead to a more inclusive and prosperous entrepreneurial ecosystem. 🔗 Learn more about Scroobious: https://www.scroobious.com 📌 Connect with Allison Byers: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-byers/ Beta Reader: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhqKXsMsw7XDS6WYd5a9C2G7dKEzoP9NYuZ2l0bRg1N9L7Eg/formResponse #EquitableCapital #StartupFunding #DiversityInTech #AllisonByers #Scroobious #Entrepreneurship #InclusiveInnovation

Can you really launch an AI-driven product in a few hours with no code? Karen Kelly says yes — and she’s on a mission to prove it. In this episode of Building AI Boston, we dive deep with Karen Kelly, a 3x founder, TEDx speaker, and marketing visionary whose career has spanned healthcare, media, and technology. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for imagination, connection, and compassion, Karen is helping non-technical founders build real, scalable products with her newest venture: Launch by Lunch. From being named one of Boston’s “50 on Fire” startups to speaking at Startup Boston and being featured in AdAge, Karen has consistently challenged the limits of what's possible — and now she’s unlocking the future of no-code AI. 👉 Visit Karen’s no-code accelerator: https://launchbylunch.co 👉 Connect with her team: https://www.linkedin.com/company/launch-by-lunch-no-code

In this episode, we sit down with visionary creator Jason Parks, CEO of ROTU Entertainment & Media, Ltd., to explore how art, empathy, and AI are shaping the future of immersive experiences. From the creation of narrative-driven virtual worlds to pioneering AI in game development and storytelling, Jason reveals how ROTU is pushing the boundaries of tech, culture, and consciousness. 🌐 Learn more about ROTU: https://www.rotu.com 🔗 Follow Jason Parks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonparksrotu 👾 Whether you're fascinated by the metaverse, XR/VR, AI-enhanced storytelling, or how Boston continues to lead the way in innovation, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 💬 Leave a comment below — What immersive experience do you think AI will create next? 🔖 Hashtags: #BuildingAIBoston #JasonParks #ROTU #Metaverse #ImmersiveStorytelling #AIInnovation #VirtualReality #XR #GameDevelopment #BostonTech #FutureOfEntertainment #ArtificialIntelligence #TechVisionary #AICreativity

Can robots really understand us? Dr. Tom Williams believes they must. In this cutting-edge episode of Building AI Boston, we sit down with Dr. Tom Williams, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Colorado School of Mines and director of the MIRROR Lab (Mines Interactive Robotics Research in Human-Robot Teaming). His groundbreaking work explores how robots interpret human communication—and how that shapes our trust in AI. From the ethics of autonomous agents to real-world applications of cognitive robotics, Dr. Williams offers a visionary look into how we can build artificial intelligence that’s not just smart—but socially and emotionally aware. 🔹 Learn about the future of human-robot teaming 🔹 Discover why transparency in AI matters 🔹 Explore how language, empathy, and trust define next-gen robotics 🎓 More about Dr. Tom Williams and the MIRROR Lab: https://mirrorlab.mines.edu 🌆 Boston is the future of AI. Be part of the conversation.

AI Avenger: Exploring Creativity and Innovation with King Willonius In this episode titled "AI Avenger," we delve into the multifaceted world of King Willonius—comedian, filmmaker, technologist, and the creative mind behind the viral AI-generated song "BBL Drizzy." Recognized as one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in AI, King Willonius shares his journey at the crossroads of comedy, technology, and cultural storytelling. Key Highlights: • The Genesis of "BBL Drizzy": Discover how King Willonius crafted the first AI-collaborated song that became a cultural phenomenon. • Embracing AI in Creative Processes: Insights into how AI tools have revolutionized content creation, enabling artists to dream bigger and produce more efficiently. • Manifesting Success: A candid discussion on the power of belief, resilience, and the art of manifesting one's aspirations. Connect with King Willonius: Official Website: kingwillonius.com YouTube Channel: @KingWillonius Instagram: @kingwillonius Spotify: King Willonius on Spotify Apple Music: King Willonius on Apple Music Hashtags: #KingWillonius #BBLDrizzy #AI #Comedy #Music #Innovation #AIAvenger

In this episode, we sit down with the visionary Amanda Dorenberg, President of Billboard Canada and a powerhouse in AI, data innovation, and digital transformation. From shaping smart cities to reinventing how we experience advertising and media, Amanda is at the forefront of merging artificial intelligence with real-world impact. 🚀 Discover how she’s leveraging AI to reimagine out-of-home advertising, empower urban development, and champion diversity in tech leadership. 🔍 Topics we cover: Data-driven innovation in public spaces Women in tech and leadership How Amanda is turning data into dynamic storytelling The future of cities, media, and intelligence 📌 Learn more about Amanda Dorenberg: 🌐 https://www.amandadorenberg.com 📈 Billboard Canada: https://www.billboardcanada.ca 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandadorenberg 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandadorenberg 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with AI leaders and innovators shaping the future of Boston and beyond. 👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for updates! 🔔 Hit the bell so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet a true Boston Gamechanger, Bobbie Carlton, founder of Carlton PR & Marketing, Innovation Nights and Innovation Women. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: An overview of Innovation Women and how it overcomes the gender bias in the high-tech community Bobbie’s approach to ethical AI as a PR and Marketing Professional Why being a creative human is still important An inspiring conversation around succeeding in male-dominated fields This episode represents the spirit of a Boston legend who’s soft spot for the under-served and under-represented makes her a Boston Business Journal Woman to Watch. Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!

In this episode of Building AI Boston, you will meet Boston’s own Chris Angiolillo What You’ll Discover in This Episode: How a local business owner “clones himself” with AI to better show up for his customers Sequence automation for hiring and other process efficiency How AI augments a Boston born franchise and how Dunkin stays on top of its game Navigating the dangers of the hyper-efficient digital age Join us for a view inside what makes this franchise owner successful, how AI supports his real estate business and how he maintains hope for the future with an eye efficiency. Like, comment, and subscribe to Building AI Boston for more episodes featuring the pioneers shaping the future of AI in Boston—and beyond!