Class of 2026
As I walked into Grainger Hall on the morning of February 7, I was immediately surrounded by the buzz of anticipation in the air. The Wisconsin School of Business was hosting its annual AI Day, bringing together industry leaders to explore the latest advancements in AI and how it’s transforming various sectors throughout the business world. The agenda for the day included insightful talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with experts from both academia and a multitude of organizations. What struck me the most was the wide variety of industries and prestigious companies Wisconsin had recruited speakers from. Between representatives for Google, Epic, and the Philadelphia Phillies, AI Day’s massive turnout
was no surprise at all.
The day began with Associate Dean Page Moreau discussing Wisconsin’s RISE (Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence) Initiative and the development of the UW AI hub. The AI hub has 4 major roles including research support, teaching, corporate outreach, and genuinely making UW a thought leader in AI. The goals for the hub are to invest research and growth into this evolving technology, infuse AI into school curriculum, and leverage industry partners to collaborate in cutting-edge innovation. Professor Moreau also introduced Matt Seitz (an ex-Google director of 14 years) as the new director the AI hub!
To further the conversation around UW’s integration with innovative AI practices, Professor Katie Gaertner took the stage to discuss how Wisconsin plans to both merge AI into existing curriculum as well as develop new AI specific courses. A fantastic aspect of UW’s culture is the belief that students need to be educated and comfortable with AI, so they know how to effectively use it when they enter the workforce. Wisconsin understands that banning new technologies would be counter-productive to its mission, as the world’s best future business leaders will know how to effectively develop and integrate their skills into evolving AI technologies.
The first industry presentation of the day came from Tyler Huebner of Google who shed light on the intersection of AI and sustainability. Google’s data centers power everything from search queries to Gmail for billions of users, creating a growing environmental impact. To counter this, Google has developed a combination of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient hardware, and innovative cooling systems to power these data centers. They use AI to continuously monitor and adjust the cooling systems, reducing energy use by up to 40%. AI is also used to predict electricity demand and shifts computing workloads to times when more renewable energy is available. Furthermore, the AI within Google Maps has been rapidly processing human data as we drive to provide more fuel-efficient routes. So far, this evolving technology has saved over 2.9 metric tons of carbon equivalent emissions. By 2030, Google’s goal is to achieve netzero emissions across operations and run all offices and data centers on 24/7 carbon free energy such as solar and wind.
Prior to starting my MBA at UW, I worked as a Project Manager at Epic Systems, so I certainly looked forward to hearing about the AI advancements they had achieved since my departure. Epic representative William Scott informed us of their recent breakthroughs in transforming how healthcare is delivered, enabling more efficient and effective care for patients. Rather than simply providing AI tools to healthcare providers as they are developed, Epic has been carefully embedding AI into existing workflows while ensuring transparency and trust. A simple but effective example is seen within their new AI generated In-Basket message drafts to patients that are tailored to each individual and their wellness action plan. This technology helps save time for providers by creating the initial outline for them. To ensure trust and safety in this process, Epic has removed the “send” button on the AI drafted responses, forcing healthcare providers to review and edit the content before sending it to their patients. Additionally, to improve relationship building between patients and providers, Epic has developed an AI feature that will transcribe the conversation during a patient visit, performing all documentation that a physician would normally complete. The software can write free text, draft a clinical note, prescribe medications, and more. By saving time for doctors and allowing them to form a deeper connection with their patients, AI is drastically improving the way in which we are able to provide and receive the care we need.
The presentations mentioned above only scratch the surface of the transformative uses of AI and heavily impacted industries that were discussed during UW’s AI Day. Chris Smith from Deloitte Consulting gave a compelling presentation on how AI applies to Supply Chain by continuously monitoring stock levels and integrating data from sales and production. GenAI facilitates real-time demand forecasting and automated restocking processes, minimizing stockouts and reducing excess inventory costs. Philadelphia Phillies representative Michael Cunningham discussed the Go-Ahead Entry baseball program where fans can download the MLB Ballpark app and take a selfie. Upon arrival at Citizens Bank Park, the stadium cameras scan fan’s faces, allowing entry into the stadium without the need to present a physical ticket or mobile device, reducing wait times and enhancing fan experience.
What became abundantly clear throughout AI Day was how profoundly artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the business world. From Google’s inventive use of AI to achieve sustainability goals, to Epic’s transformation of healthcare delivery, to the Phillies’ enhancement of fan experiences, AI isn’t just an add-on technology, it’s becoming the backbone of business innovation. Each speaker demonstrated how AI is solving unique industry challenges such as reducing carbon footprints and optimizing supply chains processes. This cross-industry transformation highlights the critical need for future business leaders who can understand and exploit AI’s potential while navigating its complexities.
For current and prospective UW students, AI Day represents an invaluable opportunity to get a glimpse into their future career. Regardless of their intended industry, whether finance, marketing, operations, or human resources, students will witness how AI is revolutionizing their chosen fields. After the presentations and panels conclude for the day, UW offers an unparalleled networking event with industry leaders, potential mentors, and future employers. This demonstrates UW’s commitment to preparing students for the AI-driven future through both education and industry connections. Hearing from speakers like William Scott from Epic or Tyler Huebner from Google provides students with real-world insights that complement their classroom learning and help them envision their future roles in shaping AI implementation.
The Wisconsin School of Business’s ability to attract such high-caliber speakers and facilitate meaningful discussions around AI demonstrates why it stands out as a top choice for aspiring business leaders. Through initiatives like AI Day, the RISE program, and the AI hub, UW isn’t just teaching about AI, it’s actively shaping how future business leaders will implement and innovate with this technology. As AI continues to evolve and transform the business world, UW’s forward-thinking approach ensures its graduates will be at the forefront of this revolution, equipped with both the knowledge and experience needed to lead in their chosen industries. UW’s annual AI day is a testament to its commitment to preparing the next generation of business leaders for a future where understanding and leveraging AI will be fundamental to success.