SAM WITTCHEN GIVING A TALK AT IGNITE PHILLY (SARAH HUFFMAN/TECHNICAL.LY)

What investors want to hear in an AI pitch

At the Total Impact Summit earlier this month, the annual conference hosted by local nonprofit ImpactPHL, investors told companies how they decide which AI projects to fund.

Getting on the same page about how a business plans to use AI and keeping up to date with regulations make a company more compelling to investors, they said.

➡️ Read my takeaways for companies looking to get AI cash

Open-source communication startup wins $10k

Martin Bedouret founded Cboard in 2017 to develop communications tools for people with speech and language impairments after his own ALS diagnosis. His startup now has $10,000 in seed funding thanks to a pitch competition hosted by 2Gether-International, a DC-based startup accelerator run by and for disabled founders.

“Cboard was created because we believe in making communication accessible for everyone through augmentative and alternative communication,” Bedouret said at the event. “Winning this competition is a big deal for us and shows that our mission matters. Your support motivates us to keep pushing forward and making a difference.”

➡️ Read on for Kaela’s coverage of the funding event

News Incubator: What else to know today

 

• Incyte’s move to Bracebridge brings 500 jobs to Wilmington. Check out our timeline on economic development in the city, from a financial boom to empty buildings and a plan to bounce back. [Technical.ly]

• City Council voted to approve a five-year extension of Verizon’s franchise agreement. It comes with a $500,000 grant from Verizon toward digital equity efforts. “This bill was introduced in Council at the Parker administration’s request,” a spokesperson for the mayor told Technical.ly, “and it is anticipated that the mayor will support this legislation.” [The Philadelphia Inquirer/Techncial.ly]

• Biotech leaders gathered to discuss the future of life sciences in Philly. Despite recent headwinds, they agree it’ll soon bounce back. [Philadelphia Business Journal/Technical.ly]

• The Wharton School announced a new Wharton AI and Analytics Initiative that will expand AI in teaching and research. [Wharton/Technical.ly]

🗓️ On the Calendar

• Coffee&Code@Philly will host its weekly code session on June 1. [Details Here]

• Deep dive into generative AI at Philly Tech Council’s AI for Everyone event on June 5. The free event will feature lightning talks, guest speakers and an opening keynote. [Details Here]

• The WICT Network’s Tech It Out conference will take place at the Union League on June 6. This year’s theme focuses on the transformative potential of AI. [Buy Tickets]

• Coded by Kids is celebrating its 10th anniversary on June 6 at the Center for Design Philadelphia [Buy Tickets]

• Attend rePhil on June 10 to connect with the local tech scene. It’ll feature three talks from the Philly AWS Meetup group, and proceeds go toward organizations aimed at promoting diversity in tech. [Register Here]