EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

DATE: 1-2 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2015

Aneesh Chopra. Image courtesy: APEVENT: Aneesh Chopra, the first-ever federal chief technology officer and author of the book “Innovative State: How New Technologies Can Transform Government,” will share expert insight on how to leverage new advancements in technology.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome him to campus,” said Sridhar Kota, the Herrick Professor of Engineering who worked for Chopra during his tenure (2009-12) at the White House. “He is a brilliant innovator, impatient convener and true technology entrepreneur. His leadership is not only driving solutions to national challenges in education, energy and health care, but also inspiring students, concerned citizens and fellow entrepreneurs to become change agents.”

Chopra was appointed by President Obama and worked directly with him to develop and advance technology practices that fostered new ideas and encouraged government-wide coordination. These practices were implemented in many forms across a multitude of areas of policy, including job creation and modernizing veteran affairs processes. They were used to spearhead the release of government data to fuel private entrepreneurship in health, energy and manufacturing, and led the Startup America partnership.

He now uses his extensive exposure and experience at the White House to become a national thought leader on the potential technology brings to transforming how governments and societies operate.

“Aneesh Chopra’s contributions at the federal level are the embodiment of our own core message to students about doing,” said Thomas Frank, executive director of the U-M Center for Entrepreneurship. “Specifically that problems are best solved by exposure to opportunities to tackle real challenges. The CFE welcomes those who push the boundaries of convention to create the innovation of the future.”

Currently, Chopra is the co-founder and executive vice president of Hunch Analytics in northern Virginia, a “hatchery” that births companies to help health care and education providers mine open data to make better solutions. He also travels the country to talk about his experiences and discuss his book.

PLACE: Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor

INFORMATION: More details can be found at myumi.ch/LqVvJ. The event is open to the public, but an RSVP is required at myumi.ch/JyoMa. Live webcast: myumi.ch/6QkYL

SPONSORS: U-M Innovate Blue and the Center for Entrepreneurship at the College of Engineering

About Innovate Blue
Over the past decade, the innovation and entrepreneurial network at U-M has continued to connect and grow, powered by the ingenuity and entrepreneurial actions of students, faculty and staff. Innovate Blue unites this network of resources and programs to drive innovation and entrepreneurship and promote their place in the University’s mission. For information, visit innovateblue.umich.edu

About the Center for Entrepreneurship
The Center for Entrepreneurship, part of the U-M College of Engineering, provides academic programs, commercialization training and broad support resources for students, faculty and community members. Its teaching philosophy focuses on experiential learning with an emphasis on the development of an entrepreneurial mindset. It provides resources such as structured venture incubation programs, academic courses, global access to both internal and external advisors, mentorship, talent and funding. CFE’s mission is to ensure support for entrepreneurs from discovery through venture creation, and to enhance and expand an appreciation for entrepreneurial thinking for its students. Visit cfe.umich.edu