Video: IBBC Tech Forum on AI
By John Lee.
The Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) hosted a very informative Tech Forum on the topic of "How Tech and AI can benefit services and entrepreneurs in Iraq and internationally'", as part of its Spring Conference in London last week.
The session was chaired by Ashley Goodall, and speakers included:
William Page, 1001.tv
Daniel Sawko, ShipShape
Raman Salihi, SoftCell
Professor Frank Gunter, Lehigh University
James Wallman, World Experience Organisation
Please click below to view the full webinar:
(Source: IBBC)

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