Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a moment.

From Google and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to Silicon Valley startups, organizations are pouring billions of dollars into AI. They’re hoping intelligent machines will help lead to new discoveries in medicine, materials and more.

The excitement helps explain why UB, which recently launched an institute dedicated to AI, and partners are hosting a summit next month on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The free event, which is open to the public, will take place from 5-7: 30 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 955 Main St. on the Downtown Campus. It is being organized by UB and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

It will feature a keynote address by Sargur N. “Hari” Srihari, SUNY Distinguished Professor in UB’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and an AI expert.

The event will also feature a roundtable discussion with David Doermann, SUNY Empire Innovation Professor in CSE; George Small, chief technology officer at Moog Inc.; and others. Doermann is the inaugural director of UB’s Artificial Intelligence Institute.

Organizers say the event is ideal for professionals interested in AI, computer science students (including middle and high school students), as well as anyone with an interest in how artificial intelligence and machine learning will shape the future.

Those wishing to attend are asked to register online.