USC Viterbi’s Information Sciences Institute (ISI) is excited to return to LA Tech Week with a full lineup of immersive, in-person events from October 13-19, 2025. Located in Marina del Rey, ISI—one of the nation’s premier computing research institutions—is opening its doors to the public for panels, lab tours, and community gatherings.

“LA Tech Week is a great opportunity to connect with the broader tech community and share the work we’re doing at ISI,” said Craig Knoblock, Keston Executive Director of ISI. “We’re looking forward to opening our doors, showcasing some of our most exciting research, and starting conversations that could lead to new partnerships and ideas.”

All events are free and open to the public, but space is limited. Registration is required.

What’s Happening at ISI During LA Tech Week?

Monday, October 13

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
New Space Race: Inside the Minds Fueling Humanity’s Next Leap
Moderator: Dave Barnhart, Research Professor in the Department of Astronautical Engineering and Director of the Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) within ISI
RSVP here

Join moderator Dave Barnhart and industry leaders as they explore how startups, researchers, and companies are driving the new space age—from satellites to sustainable exploration and beyond.

Tuesday, October 14

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Step Into the Future: ISI Lab Tours
RSVP here

Get a behind-the-scenes look at ISI’s groundbreaking research, from a quantum computer colder than space to satellite tech tested on the ISS, plus the cybersecurity testbeds transforming how we fight digital threats:

• Step inside the lab housing a quantum computer colder than space, driving breakthroughs in cryptography and AI.
• Explore the Space Engineering Research Center (SERC), where satellites and docking technology are built and tested on the International Space Station.
• Learn how the Deter and SPHERE testbeds are transforming the fight against today’s toughest cybersecurity threats.

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Inside the Minds: Building the Machines That Will Change Everything
Moderator: Yolanda Gil, ISI Fellow and Senior Director for Major Strategic AI and Data Science Initiatives at ISI
RSVP here

AI is rewriting the rules of the game. Step inside the minds of the visionaries building the machines that will disrupt industries, redefine human potential, and reshape the future. Moderated by AI trailblazer Yolanda Gil, this panel pulls no punches on what’s coming next.

Wednesday, October 15

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Digital Civics @ USC and Beyond: Positive AI
Host: Gordon Bellamy, ; ISI Co-Host
RSVP here

Join CloudKitchens co-founder Diego Berdakin (who built a $15B company and now chairs USC’s Ethics in Media & Technology), gaming industry legend Gordon Bellamy (Director of Cinematic Ethics and former EA executive behind Madden NFL), and USC Marshall’s John Shehan as they decode the AI literacy secrets that make founders irresistible to employers and investors alike.

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Inside the Minds: Bending Our Reality
Moderator: Hailey Weinstein, ISI alumna and Founder at Stealth Startup
RSVP here

Quantum computing isn’t just science fiction—it’s already disrupting the fields of cryptography, drug discovery, and AI. This panel explores how researchers are reshaping the boundaries of what’s possible.
Sponsored by Stifel Bank

Thursday, October 16

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Unleashing American Drone Dominance
Hosted by Rhoman Aerospace; ISI Co-Host
RSVP here

Join us to discuss scalable UAV autonomy, innovation at the DoD & Army Research Laboratory, and opportunities for collaboration and funding. Technologists, startups, investors, and defense partners are welcome!

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Inside the Minds: Building the Robots That Will Run the World
Moderator: Karl Jacob, entrepreneur and strategic advisor to ISI
RSVP here

Driverless trucks, drone swarms, and service bots are no longer futuristic—they’re operational. This panel unpacks the technical, social, and regulatory challenges behind scaling robotics and autonomy.

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Silicon Beach Mixer
ISI Rooftop, Marina del Rey
RSVP here

Meet founders, funders, engineers, and researchers at this open-air networking event. With food, music, and drinks under the California sun, it’s the perfect way to cap off a week of ideas and inspiration.
Sponsored by NewMark, JP Morgan, Stifel

Stay Connected

Join us in Marina del Rey as we explore the technologies shaping the future of humanity—together. For full details, speaker updates, and registration links, visit us here. 

Published on September 10th, 2025

Last updated on September 10th, 2025