The past few years have seen an uptick in new accelerator and incubator programs that are focused on helping startups launch and grow. Participating in one of these programs can be advantageous for an emerging business looking for expert insight, seed money, venture capital, or market exposure. But not all are created equal. While most
Rise of the Machines: DATA vs. the Borg Collective
At the most recent SXSW, Hanson Robotics, based in Plano, TX, debuted its latest personal robot – Sophia. With lifelike skin that is made from patented silicon, Sophia can emulate more than 62 facial expressions. Cameras inside her “eyes,” sophisticated computer algorithms, and a combination of voice recognition technology and other tools enable Sophia to “see” and “think.” Sophia is just the latest example of major advances in the development of machines striving to attain human “characteristics,” “intelligence,” and “awareness”.
Creepy? Maybe. Predestined? Definitely.
Life Imitating Fiction
Arguably, the notion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Cognitive Computing has been around since Frankenstein was published in 1818. For example, consider the Star Trek series, especially The Next Generation, where AI is prevalent. The android DATA was imparted with human-level intelligence and expertise by his creator, Dr. Soong. Albeit fictional, DATA is an example of a machine achieving human-level awareness. Conversely, Seven of Nine (or more specifically the Borg/Borg Collective) is essentially a human or humanoid that has been assimilated and made more machine-like, striving for efficiency and perfection of a machine. The Borg individual is given artificial limbs, eyes, and other body parts, as well as implants (for example, brain implants), so that each Borg individual can communicate with the Collective and the Borg Queen.Continue Reading Rise of the Machines: DATA vs. the Borg Collective
Silicon Wadi: VC Business in Israel
Known to many as the “Start-up Nation,” Israel has also been dubbed “Silicon Wadi”; ranking 7th amongst all countries in venture capital activity outside of the U.S. In 2015 alone, there were 326 VC investments in Israel, approximately 60% of which were in the information technology sector. In a recent article entitled Inside Silicon
DHS Set to Publish Final Rule Allowing Further STEM OPT Extensions for Foreign Students
Today DHS released an advanced copy of its final rule allowing foreign students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) for an additional 24 months. DHS will publish the final rule in the Federal Register this Friday. The rule will go into effect on May 10. Beginning May 10, students who are currently in the U.S. under their 17-month STEM OPT extension will be able to file to extend their OPT for an additional 7 months.
This rule gives foreign students with STEM degrees the opportunity to work in the United States for up to 36 months. The extended time period offers a number of benefits to foreign students and U.S. employers that wish to hire them. By defining fields of study that qualify for STEM in accordance with the Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) categories, the new rule expands on the permissible fields of study that were authorized under the old STEM rule. Notably, increasing OPT work authorization from 29 months to 36 months will give F-1 STEM OPT holders more chances at being selected for an H-1B visa number in the annual H-1B lottery. The rule also redresses the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia’s vacatur of the 2008, 17-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extension rule, and part of the contentious legal battle surrounding the overall validity of the STEM extension program, which is expected to be decided by a Federal court in May.Continue Reading DHS Set to Publish Final Rule Allowing Further STEM OPT Extensions for Foreign Students
Greenberg Traurig Hosts First Annual International Entrepreneurs Summit of Philadelphia
Greenberg Traurig will host the First Annual International Entrepreneurs Summit of Philadelphia at the International House Philadelphia on March 22. The First Annual International Entrepreneurs Summit of Philadelphia is an opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs and international students, including scholars and researchers interested in starting a business, to learn about launching a venture in the region.
To Patent or Keep Secret? That Is the Question
As an emerging technology company, maintaining an edge over your competitors may depend to a great extent on choosing the right strategy for intellectual property (IP) protection. The question is what kind of protection do you actually need, and how do you go about getting it? Two types of IP protection that most tech startups
Could Star Trek’s Replicator Become a Reality with 3D Printing Technology?
The TV franchise Star Trek featured some amazing technological advancements that have continued to intrigue us for many years. For example, the “replicator” was a device that was able to instantly produce nearly any object, food or medicine on demand. Imagine how such a technology could change the way we live, the food we eat,
Rudolph W. Giuliani to Join Greenberg Traurig in New York
Global Firm Makes Major Strategic Moves in Crisis Management, Cybersecurity, White Collar Defense and Investigations
NEW YORK (January 19, 2016) — Former New York City Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani has announced he will join global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP, as Global Chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity and Crisis Management Practice and Senior Advisor
No Cybersecurity Crying in ’16
Cyber liability may have been an exotic notion as recently as a couple of years ago. But today, even after notorious breaches, some organizations still don’t appreciate that leaving firewalls and other technology-based precautions to the “IT Guys” won’t cut it. Effective management of a data security incident benefits from adequately addressing risks at all
Congress Finally Passes the Cybersecurity Act of 2015
After seeking to pass broad private sector cybersecurity legislation for a number of years, Congress finally passed and the President signed into law the Cybersecurity Act of 2015 (Cybersecurity Act).
The Cybersecurity Act makes three key changes in current law. First, it provides explicit authorization for companies to share cyber threat information with each other and the government, as well as receive such information. Second, it authorizes private sector use of defensive measures, and third it provides a safe harbor from liability for sharing the cyber threat or defensive measure information in good faith in compliance with the safeguards required by the legislation.Continue Reading Congress Finally Passes the Cybersecurity Act of 2015