Keynotes Announced for IEEE SustainTech Leadership Forum

The IEEE Computer Society (CS) announced the keynote speakers for its upcoming IEEE SustainTech Leadership Forum. Scheduled for August 27-28, 2024, at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego, Calif., U.S.A., the event will explore cutting-edge environmentally friendly technologies in the built environment. The conference will showcase how leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), big data, computer vision, blockchain, and more can support sustainable practices for factories and businesses.  

Notable keynote speakers from leading organizations in sustainable practices, including Mitsubishi and Panasonic, will address the forum. Anthony Vetro, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs (MERL) and member of the SustainTech Program Leadership Board, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating, “Today, we are in an environment where sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have,’ but a necessity. Businesses and manufacturers can contribute significantly to sustainability. From waste reduction to resource efficiency and more, innovative sustainable practices can help create a better future for people and the planet. That’s why we are so excited to lead the effort to bring about the first IEEE SustainTech Leadership Forum.” 

Here are the Keynote Speakers: 

Takajiro “Tak” Ishikawa, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MHIA) 

Topic: Navigating the Transition to Sustainable Energy Solutions in a Power-Hungry World 

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 9:00 a.m. PDT 

Andrea Murphy, Director of Environmental Affairs at Panasonic North America 

Topic: Transparency Is Hard, But Collaboration Can Make Reaching Sustainability Goals Easy (or at Least Easier) 

Date: Tuesday, August 27, 1:15 p.m. PDT 

Aravind Padmanabhan, Executive VP and CTO of Nvent 

Topic: Innovating for Product Sustainability – Making Data Centers Greener 

Date: Wednesday, August 28, 9:00 a.m. PDT 

These talks will delve into how innovative and integrated solutions can help achieve carbon neutrality, improve quality of life, and ensure a safer world. 

“Solutions like sustainable AI have the potential to drastically reduce technology’s environmental impact,” said Jyotika Athavale, 2024 IEEE CS President. “IEEE CS is committed to bettering our world through computer science and engineering, and advancing sustainability measures serves as a priority for our membership and the broader community. We are honored to be part of this inaugural event that will help set the standard for sustainable technology practices today and into the future.”