The annual Research Showcase hosted by The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington featured top computer science engineers presenting their latest work. The event included research presentations, technical sessions, and a poster event where attendees could learn about more than 100 student projects. Seattle venture firm Madrona awarded the “Madrona Prize” to projects with excellent research and commercial potential, with this year’s winner focusing on using AI to enhance team communication in remote work environments.
The winning project, Meeting Bridges, aims to improve asynchronous collaboration by utilizing “meeting artifacts” such as notes and recordings. Another project by the team features an AI agent that analyzes group chats for social signals and shares relevant information automatically. The team, led by PhD candidate Ruotong Wang and advised by UW professor Amy Zhang, is part of the Allen School’s Social Futures Lab. Madrona Prize winner aligns with the firm’s interest in AI technologies for virtual meetings, as evidenced by its investment in Seattle startup Read AI, which recently raised $50 million. Madrona also recognized two runner-up teams working on enhancing performance of large models on wearable devices and developing a new method for protein sequencing using nanopores.
The Madrona Prize poster event also included the “People’s Choice” award, which went to two groups. AHA is developing a Vision-Language Model for detecting and reasoning over failures in robotic manipulation, while AltGeoViz is working on facilitating accessible geovisualization. These projects showcase the diverse range of research being conducted by students at the Allen School. Previous winners of the Madrona Prize have also focused on innovative technologies with commercial potential, highlighting the school’s commitment to fostering research that can make a real-world impact.
The Research Showcase provides a platform for students at the Allen School to present their work to industry professionals and potential investors. By highlighting projects with both academic rigor and commercial viability, the event encourages students to think about the practical implications of their research. The support from Madrona, a prominent venture firm in Seattle, further validates the importance of the work being done by these students. As AI technologies continue to reshape industries and drive innovation, projects like those recognized at the showcase are at the forefront of cutting-edge research.
The Allen School’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and development is evident in the projects awarded by Madrona, which focus on leveraging AI and machine learning for practical applications. The School’s collaboration with industry partners like Madrona provides students with valuable opportunities to showcase their work and potentially secure funding for further research. As the field of computer science continues to evolve, events like the Research Showcase play a crucial role in connecting academia with industry and driving innovation forward. The recognition and support from organizations like Madrona reinforce the importance of investing in research that has the potential to transform the way we live and work.
Overall, the Research Showcase hosted by the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington highlights the cutting-edge research being conducted by students in the field of computer science. The event provides a platform for students to showcase their work, engage with industry professionals, and receive recognition for projects with commercial potential. By focusing on projects that leverage AI and machine learning for practical applications, the showcase aligns with industry trends and fosters innovation in the field. With the support of organizations like Madrona, students are encouraged to pursue research that can make a real-world impact and drive forward the future of technology.
