2025 EduTech Outlook
Name:
2025 EduTech Outlook
Date:
October 1, 2025
Time:
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
Registration:
Register Now
Event Description:
The greater Rochester area possesses a strong and engaged collection of higher education institutions. These organizations play an important role in training the future workforce and next generation of leaders. In addition, these educational institutions employ a significant number of people in the region. It is critical for the business community to maintain a close relationship with higher ed, and the EduTech Outlook is an event which provides this opportunity. From updates on projects and initiatives, to identifying emerging workforce trends, this annual event connects businesses and education leaders to discuss collaboration and engagement opportunities between the private and educational sectors.
With the rise in new technologies, the 2025 EduTech Outlook will include a keynote from Andre Tost, IBM Distinguished Engineer and Worldwide IBM AI Engineer, as well as speakers on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. As these technologies become ever more important, hear from experts on how these technologies intersect with both business and higher education.
Join us on Wednesday, October 1st, from 8:00am to 10:30am, to hear from students and leaders from local higher education institutions about the outlook for higher education in the Rochester region.
Registration is requested by end of day on Wednesday, September 24.
Agenda:
7:30am - Registration
8:00am - Welcome/Open Remarks
8:10am - Technology Keynote
Andre Tost, IBM Distinguished Engineer and Worldwide IBM AI Engineer
Andre is a Distinguished Engineer at IBM and one of IBM's leading technical experts on Artificial Intelligence, Hybrid Cloud, IT Architecture and Software Engineering. He currently works as an AI Engineer in the IBM watsonx organization, focusing on bringing Generative AI solutions to enterprises across the globe.
Before his current assignment, he acted as the CTO for the AI Center of Competence in IBM Security, as well as the Chief Architect for IBM Cloud Paks, which deliver IBM's software portfolio running in containers on Red Hat OpenShift.
Throughout his career, Andre has worked in various consulting, development, and architecture roles in IBM. He has worked with large IT organizations across the globe across a broad set of technologies and has acted as Lead Architect for many large IT projects. He started his career at IBM as a C++ and Java developer and still enjoys developing code.
Andre co-authored six technical books, published over 40 technical articles and has spoken at conferences worldwide. Originally from Germany, he now lives and works in Rochester, Minnesota (US).
8:40am - Higher Education Leadership Panel Discussion
Moderator - Ryan Parsons, President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce
9:10am - Break
9:20am - Technology Panel Discussion
9:50am - Student Experience Panel Discussion
10:30am – Chamber Annual Meeting (Included with EduTech Admission)
11:00am – Chamber Annual Meeting Concludes
*Additional contributors to be announced. Agenda subject to change.
By attending a Chamber event, you consent to the Chamber Event Policy.
With the rise in new technologies, the 2025 EduTech Outlook will include a keynote from Andre Tost, IBM Distinguished Engineer and Worldwide IBM AI Engineer, as well as speakers on cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. As these technologies become ever more important, hear from experts on how these technologies intersect with both business and higher education.
Join us on Wednesday, October 1st, from 8:00am to 10:30am, to hear from students and leaders from local higher education institutions about the outlook for higher education in the Rochester region.
Registration is requested by end of day on Wednesday, September 24.
Agenda:
7:30am - Registration
8:00am - Welcome/Open Remarks
8:10am - Technology Keynote
Andre Tost, IBM Distinguished Engineer and Worldwide IBM AI Engineer
Andre is a Distinguished Engineer at IBM and one of IBM's leading technical experts on Artificial Intelligence, Hybrid Cloud, IT Architecture and Software Engineering. He currently works as an AI Engineer in the IBM watsonx organization, focusing on bringing Generative AI solutions to enterprises across the globe.
Before his current assignment, he acted as the CTO for the AI Center of Competence in IBM Security, as well as the Chief Architect for IBM Cloud Paks, which deliver IBM's software portfolio running in containers on Red Hat OpenShift.
Throughout his career, Andre has worked in various consulting, development, and architecture roles in IBM. He has worked with large IT organizations across the globe across a broad set of technologies and has acted as Lead Architect for many large IT projects. He started his career at IBM as a C++ and Java developer and still enjoys developing code.
Andre co-authored six technical books, published over 40 technical articles and has spoken at conferences worldwide. Originally from Germany, he now lives and works in Rochester, Minnesota (US).
8:40am - Higher Education Leadership Panel Discussion
Moderator - Ryan Parsons, President, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce
- Dr. Jeffery Boyd, President, Rochester Community and Technical College
- Dr. Lori Carrell, Chancellor, University of Minnesota Rochester
- Dr. Kenneth Janz, President, Winona State University
9:10am - Break
9:20am - Technology Panel Discussion
9:50am - Student Experience Panel Discussion
- Maria Garcia-Moya '27, Heath Sciences Pathway, University of Minnesota Rochester
10:30am – Chamber Annual Meeting (Included with EduTech Admission)
11:00am – Chamber Annual Meeting Concludes
*Additional contributors to be announced. Agenda subject to change.
By attending a Chamber event, you consent to the Chamber Event Policy.
Event Sponsors:
