Accelerate AI

June 17, 2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (EDT)

Description

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how all organizations operate. But for many small and midsized businesses, the challenge isn’t awareness – it’s knowing where to start and what will actually move the needle. Accelerate AI is designed to help you cut through the noise with expert-led guidance focused on practical applications that drive growth and reduce inefficiencies.

You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of where AI fits in your organization and how to start applying it in ways that make sense for your team, your goals and your resources.

What you’ll learn

• Where AI can actually add value in your workflows – and where it won’t
• The skills, mindset and alignment your team needs to make AI work for your day-to-day operations
• How to make smarter AI investments focused on real business impact
• A clear way to evaluate tools and decide what’s worth your time and budget
• How to implement AI while protecting your data and minimizing risk

Featured speakers

Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa, CEO, 43North Foundation

• Western New York native who has built a distinguished career serving the community she loves through leadership roles at 43North Foundation, TechBuffalo and M&T.

Dan Magnuszewski, CEO, Radial Ventures

• Serial entrepreneur and technology executive who co-founded ACV Auctions, taking it from Buffalo startup to publicly traded company.

Mike Canzoneri, Chief Technology Officer, Radial Ventures

• Three-time founder who has spent his career building software, systems and the teams that ship them, partnering with companies to solve the real problems people face at work.

Jonathan Gorczyca, VP, Product & Design, Radial Ventures

• Product executive working at the intersection of software and AI, delivering organizational innovation and powerful technology for venture-backed startups and established enterprises.

Nicholas Barone, VP, Product & Design, Radial Ventures

• Co-founder of Helm Experience & Design who has spent his career building and investing in Buffalo's technology ecosystem, working with startups and organizations on brand identity, product design and user experience.

Noah Harris, Managing Director, Radial Agency

• Engineer who has worked with a range of mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 5 companies on running and leading engineering teams, strategizing with their leadership and driving impactful change.

Kevin Cleary, Professor, University at Buffalo School of Management

• Former Information Security Officer at UB whose expertise includes cybersecurity architecture, risk management, policy development and enterprise security operations across startups and large public companies.

Celine Krzan, Professor, University at Buffalo School of Management

• Proven entrepreneurship coach who helps founders and teams build the operating models, skills and change readiness to work effectively alongside AI.

Dominic Sellitto, Assistant Director, University at Buffalo Center for AI Business Innovation

• Recognized expert in AI, cybersecurity and data strategy who helps organizations turn emerging technologies into measurable business value.

Program overview 

Accelerate AI begins with opening remarks from the 43North Foundation, followed by a keynote panel featuring Radial Ventures and breakout sessions led by the University at Buffalo. The event concludes with a networking reception to connect with peers, speakers and regional leaders.

1:00 p.m.: Arrival & registration

1:30 p.m.: Opening remarks by 43North Foundation

• The Four Pillars: 43North Foundation’s Blueprint for an Innovation Economy
• With Sarah Tanbakuchi-Ripa
  

1:40 p.m.: Keynote address by Radial Ventures

• AI for Business Leaders: Where to Start – and How to Scale It into Measurable Results
• With Dan Magnuszewski, Mike Canzoneri, Jonathan Gorczyca, Nicholas Barone and Noah Harris

2:15 p.m.: Session #1 by Celine Krzan of UB

• If you feel like AI is moving faster than your business, this is where you catch up.
  • How to figure out where AI actually belongs in your workflow
  • The skill and mindset shifts your team needs to stop falling behind and make AI work for you
  • A personal action plan you can build during the session and use this week

3:15 p.m.: Session #2 by Kevin Cleary of UB

• If you’re trying to balance the power of AI with the responsibility of protecting your data, move beyond fear and compliance checklists and focus on practical ways to enable AI safely and responsibly.
  • Where AI projects most often introduce security, privacy and governance risks – and how to address them early
  • Practical strategies to protect sensitive data while still enabling meaningful AI use across your organization
  • A clear framework for aligning AI initiatives with security, privacy and ethical standards without slowing innovation
    

4:15 p.m.: Session #3 by Dominic Sellitto of UB

• If you’re wondering how to turn AI investments – both time and money – into real business returns, this session cuts through the hype and focuses on practical strategies that drive measurable ROI.
  • Why many AI initiatives quietly become cost centers and how to avoid that trap
  • Practical approaches to reduce AI spend while increasing measurable business value
  • A simple framework to evaluate and quantify AI investments before you commit resources

5 p.m.: Reception & networking

Event details

Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 1-5 p.m. (with networking reception to follow)
Location: Seneca One (1 Seneca St., Buffalo, NY 14203)
Cost: Free