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Advisory Board Notes-June 2025
- Gail Nolan
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Summary:
The meeting focused on various initiatives and opportunities for technological advancement in Puerto Rico, particularly in the context of funding and collaboration. Gail Nolan CEcD opened the discussion by emphasizing the need for funding initiatives due to recent cybersecurity incidents affecting local law enforcement. She proposed the formation of subcommittees to delve deeper into specific topics, fostering a collaborative environment among participants.
A portion of the meeting was dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence on creativity and problem-solving, with insights shared by Bob Brumley and Gail Nolan. They discussed the balance between leveraging AI tools for efficiency and maintaining human creativity, citing examples from Goldman Sachs regarding the reduced need for human analysts. The conversation also touched on the challenges faced by new companies in obtaining accurate AI-generated insights without a digital presence.
Gail Nolan provided updates on the organization's engagement at the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association's annual conference, where she highlighted opportunities for local manufacturers to adapt production lines and explore new markets.
Further discussions included proposals aimed at enhancing Puerto Rico's technological landscape, such as leveraging 5G technology for improved power distribution and introducing telemedicine initiatives using virtual reality. Gail highlighted the importance of local ownership of solutions and the need for strategic approaches to future grants. The meeting concluded with a focus on collaboration, mentorship opportunities for emerging talent, and the potential for job creation related to the CHIPS Act. Participants were encouraged to engage in upcoming committees to contribute to white papers and proposals which could be used to secure future funding, ensuring a proactive approach to the region's technological development.
Chapters & Topics:
Welcome and Introductions
Gail Nolan CEcD welcomed attendees and prompted introductions, particularly for newcomers. The conversation touched on recent cybersecurity breaches involving the police, emphasizing the importance of addressing such issues through funding initiatives. Participants, including Cruz Ramos and Bob Brumley, engaged in casual dialogue as they awaited the start of the meeting.
Bob Brumley and Gail Nolan CEcD explored the role of AI in analytics and its potential to diminish originality. Brumley noted that companies like Goldman Sachs have significantly reduced their workforce due to AI's efficiency in processing information. They emphasized the need to focus on specific problems that AI can solve rather than using it as a blanket term.
Opportunities for Technology Adoption and Product Diversification in Puerto Rico
Gail Nolan CEcD shared insights from the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association's annual conference, where she presented on technology adoption initiatives. She noted a referral from a company with an AI-based optic caliper, leading to a donation for practical demo use to a Puerto Rico entity. Additionally, a local distributor is looking for Puerto Rican manufacturers to shift into consumer products, indicating potential market opportunities.
Update on NTIA NOFO 3 O-RAN Proposal
Gail Nolan discussed the recent developments regarding the NTIA NOFO 3 O-RAN proposal, noting that the NTIA's requests for clarification and formatting changes indicate strong interest in their project. She stressed the focus on capacity building in Puerto Rico and mentioned a request by a partner to create a simplified overview slide of O-RAN's value proposition to industry, which the organization is working on. Admiral Simpson added that the positive feedback from NTIA suggests a strong partnership approach is being recognized.
Admiral Simpson outlined a proposal that aims to integrate electricity and communications resiliency using 5G technology as a control plane for power distribution. Gail Nolan CEcD mentioned the significance of a $10 million grant for Puerto Rico, which would support local initiatives and partnerships, and address concerns related to energy in the current reshoring efforts.
Proposal for Resiliency and Telemedicine Initiatives in Puerto Rico
She also introduced a telemedicine project in collaboration with the Piedmont region, focusing on virtual reality applications for healthcare delivery. Gail Nolan outlined a proposal for Puerto Rico to leverage VR and drones for customized drug delivery and clinical trials. Nannette Martinez, Education Committee Chairperson at HIMMS – Puerto Rico Chapter talked about the opportunity to teach participants through an interactive workshop series, and offered the PR5GZ an opportunity to present one on VR in Sept/Oct.
More information on HIMMS: https://www.himss.org
Kamil Agi followed with an update on the EDA Tech Hub, noting that while Puerto Rico received the designation two years ago, they did not advance in the latest proposal round. He emphasized the importance of distributed manufacturing in the drug supply chain and the evolving roles of the EDA and NSF in this context.
Microgravity Opportunities and Committee Formation for Puerto Rico's Technological Development
Gail Nolan highlighted the upcoming Department of Commerce solicitation focused on national security, suggesting that Puerto Rico could leverage its unique microgravity capabilities. This would be specifically impactful for re-entry of space based research and novel materials for distribution to Pharma and Medical Device companies. In this area Puerto Rico would be highly differentiated from other regions. Additionally, she provided updates on funding opportunities related to broadband and energy grid improvements in Puerto Rico. https://broadbandbreakfast.com/commerce-department-to-relaunch-tech-hubs-program/
PR5GZ Committee Working Sessions
Nolan outlined four committees aimed at addressing key technological focus areas within the organization. Those committees will meet once a month to design initiatives and write whitepapers/proposal. The jotform below allows individuals to select one or more of four committees, and a monthly meeting time will be assigned based on input from participants. The committees are:
· O-RAN Smart Factory Working Group
· VR Telemedicine Working Group
· Cybersecurity Planning Development Team
· PRMA Technology and Telecommunications Subcommittee Summit (must be PRMA member)
Jotform Committee Sign-up Here: https://form.jotform.com/251548476084162
Grant Application Guidance and Mentorship
Harry Garcia Cans inquired about the best approach to apply for grants, indicating his lack of experience in business matters despite his technical skills. Gail Nolan CEcD acknowledged Harry's previous involvement as a student leader and recommended he reach out to Edgar Cruz, who has a nonprofit focused on mentoring young talent. This connection could provide Harry with the guidance he needs to participate in relevant projects. Several other participants encouraged Harry to reach out to them regarding job related job opportunities on the Island.
Evolving Space Contact: https://www.evolvingspace.org/
Collaboration Opportunities in Cybersecurity and Space Initiatives
Jonathan Soto-Nieves introduced iTerra's work in cybersecurity, especially related to moon landings, and shared his efforts to partner with the University of Mayagüez on an electronic warfare project. Admiral Simpson mentioned Airanaculus, a startup with a NASA grant, and suggested that Jonathan could connect with its CEO for potential collaboration. He also noted the upcoming CHIPS Act award, which could create job opportunities in Puerto Rico.
aTerra Contact: https://iterrasolutions.com/
Action Items:
* Gail Nolan CEcD will connect with Miguel Velez-Rubio offline to discuss the assistant who will help move initiatives forward.
* Gail Nolan CEcD will distribute a jot form for participants to sign up for subcommittees focused on various initiatives.
* Nannette Martínez will coordinate a workshop activity for training specialized for women in healthcare using VR technology.
* Kamil Agi will lead the resubmission of the EDA Tech Hub proposal and encourage industry participation.
* Admiral Simpson will provide additional information about the NSF Vines piece to share with partners working in the Brookbank area.
NSF Vines Info: NSF VINES will enhance U.S. competitiveness in advanced telecommunications technologies, including NextG wireless telecommunications and emerging potential NextG vertical industries, and prepare the American workforce for jobs available now and in the future,” said Brian Stone, chief of staff performing the duties of director at NSF.Emerging NextG vertical industries include connected autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, remote healthcare and smart grids
* How will the funding from the Department of Energy for the energy grid repair and upgrade be utilized?
* How can young professionals engage in the ongoing projects and initiatives?
Reach out to Evolving Space. Contact Here: https://www.evolvingspace.org/
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