NW Innovation Resource Center

🚀 NWIRC Monthly AI Meetup – June Edition

In collaboration with Cascadia AI and Cloud Computing, NWIRC presents our monthly AI Meetups—designed to share, discuss, and build practical AI knowledge through expert-led presentations and peer-to-peer conversations.

Each month features a new AI topic with industry- and field-specific insights tailored for small businesses, innovative entrepreneurs, and our regional workforce.

📅 Wednesday June 10, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 IRC Lab–SWIFT

In June, we welcome Ava Meredith, CS Professor and a co-recipient of the Microsoft Elevate grant, for:
Building a Blueprint for AI Security & Governance
In this session, you’ll get a practical breakdown of AI security rooted in industry standards, paired with a robust governance model that ensures responsible usage. This presentation bridges the gap between technical ex*****on and everyday operations offering critical insights for:

Developers: How to build, integrate, and secure AI systems using proven security standards.

Chatbot End-Users: How to safely interact with AI tools, manage data privacy, and avoid common prompt risks.

While developed with technical rigor, this framework is designed to be universally applicable to any organization looking to scale AI safely. Come walk away with an actionable roadmap for your team.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay competitive as we enter the AI optimization era in 2026.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an inspiring day exploring the future of the fusion economy in the Pacific Northwest. ⚡

From entrepreneurs and manufacturers to engineers, skilled trades professionals, and clean energy leaders, the conversations made it clear: our region is ready to lead the next era of innovation. Together, we explored how transferable skills from aerospace, maritime, and advanced manufacturing can help power the growing fusion energy sector and create new opportunities across our workforce and supply chain ecosystem.

A special thank you to all attendees, speakers, sponsors, partners, and collaborators who helped make this event such a success.

The momentum is building, and this is only the beginning. 🚀

Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible:


The Port of Skagit
Anvil Corporation

🚀 Join us for our next AI Meetup this May!

In collaboration with Cascadia AI and Cloud Computing, NWIRC’s monthly AI Meetups bring together innovators, small businesses, and professionals to explore practical, real-world applications of AI. Each session dives into a new topic with expert insights and engaging peer-to-peer conversations—helping you stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

As we move deeper into the AI optimization era of 2026, staying informed and secure is more important than ever.

🔐 This month’s session:

How Altrusion Uses AI as a Force Multiplier to Create the Fusion Energy Supply Chain

Hear from Dr. Van Dyk and Mason Gentry of Altrusion as they share how they’re building and deploying AI tools—from automated contract discovery to real-time quoting and supplier workflows—to scale operations far beyond team size

📅 Thursday, May 14, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
📍 IRC Lab–SWIFT

Join us for How Altrusion Uses AI as a Force Multiplier to Create the Fusion Energy at the IRC Lab–SWIFT and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI in industry.

Entrepreneurs, this one’s for you! Join us at the Business Builder Expo on March 31 at the Lynnwood Event Center from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM.

From insightful panel discussions to hands-on workshops and a resource fair, this event has everything you need to start, scale, and grow your business.

Don’t miss out—register now at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/north-puget-sound-business-builder-expo-tickets-1980123339211?aff=social