Davenport University has announced its participation in the annual Tech Week Grand Rapids, scheduled for September 14-19. The institution will utilize its W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus to host a series of specialized sessions from September 15-17, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and practical technological application.
Focusing on AI and Workforce Integration
The programming begins on September 15 with a session titled “Bridging the AI Velocity Gap.” Hosted by the university’s Institute for Professional Excellence (IPEx), the event features Google senior AI/ML engineer Rihana Msadek. The discussion is designed to address the “velocity gap”—the disparity between the rapid pace of artificial intelligence development and the rate at which the workforce can effectively adopt these tools. Dan Rundhaug, vice president of IPEx & Strategic Partnerships, noted that the event aims to provide business leaders with a concrete roadmap to audit capabilities and prepare their teams for AI integration.
Advancing Medical and Gaming Technology
On September 16, the university shifts its focus toward health sciences and digital entertainment. The “Anatomage Demo” will showcase advanced 3D anatomy visualization technology, allowing participants to navigate human body systems in real-time. According to Joseph Brown, department chair of Allied Health, this technology represents a significant leap from traditional anatomy instruction.
Later that evening, the university will hold the official launch of Ashlight: Undercroft, a mobile action-adventure game developed by Norfic Games with contributions from Davenport students. The launch follows a year of beta testing and public feedback collection, highlighting the school’s commitment to collaborative, industry-integrated learning.
Cybersecurity and Digital Safety
The series concludes on September 17 with a panel focused on internet safety and scam prevention. As digital threats evolve, the session aims to educate the public on identifying phishing, social media fraud, and AI-enabled scams. Jeff Martin, computer information systems faculty, emphasized that the goal is to provide attendees with actionable information to protect their personal and financial security.