Gov. Josh Shapiro gives keynote speech at AI Horizons conference in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH —
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro spoke at Thursday’s AI Horizons conference in Pittsburgh.
You can watch Gov. Shapiro’s full speech in the video player above.
The conference brings together tech leaders, startups and innovators at Bakery Square to discuss the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on communities.
The AI Horizons conference
Joanna Doven, CEO of AI Strike Team and producer of AI Horizons, said the conversations over the next couple of days are focused not only on how AI can be used safely in daily life but also on sending a message to those leading AI innovation.
It was noted several times during the event that Pittsburgh is well-suited for this type of work, with the infrastructure to set an example for cities across the United States.
Panelists talked about concerns regarding AI taking over and the importance of setting guardrails, training people for an AI-driven future and earning the trust of the community.
Doven said the conversations surrounding AI are not going away and stressed that Pittsburgh is staying ahead of the curve.
“That the builders of serious AIs that are solving human problems, they are choosing to build in Pittsburgh, not Silicon Valley, because there is an underlying ethos that to build hard things, it takes some time, it takes humans at the wheel and it takes a certain culture of grit that only Pittsburgh has,” Doven said.
Mayor Corey O’Connor joined leaders from Ernst & Young and Nvidia to discuss how artificial intelligence could transform city services, including permitting, trash collection and pothole repairs.
“Coming and hearing what other technologies are available to streamline our services to enable us to put out public works individuals in different ways so we can put out a good product for our residents is really something that we have to be innovative with and think completely differently than we did in the past,” O’Connor said.
During the discussion, leaders highlighted the importance of being intentional with AI implementation, including setting guardrails, training employees for an AI-driven future and earning the trust of the community.
It was said several times that Pittsburgh is in a prime position to lead the charge in AI innovation. O’Connor made it clear that the city would not use AI until there is a clear path for its application. In no world would they replace someone, but believes if it can make things easier for their employees, they want to hear it out.
The mayor also emphasized efforts to keep Pittsburgh in the spotlight as a leader in AI and as a city that supports business growth.
“For us to sell ourselves, we have to be ourselves, and that means if you are calling somebody from Pittsburgh, we are calling you back. We are going to be very aggressive in selling our region because we have to,” O’Connor said.
Shapiro echoed a similar message and hopes top tech and government leaders can work together to find a way to use AI effectively and ethically.
“The leading companies in this space, and some who are here with us today, have openly talked about what could happen if this technology falls into the wrong hands, and how, more and more, their own hands can’t fully guide it and shape it,” Shapiro said. “The fear and confusion that everyday Americans have is understandable, and it needs to be addressed comprehensively with a focus on responsible, safe and ethical uses of this extraordinary technology.”
Shapiro also voiced his criticism of House Speaker Mike Johnson for recessing at a time he believes lawmakers should be discussing AI’s future.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States, and Shapiro urged President Donald Trump to make artificial intelligence a top priority during their discussions.
“This should be among the top issues on President Trump’s agenda for their visit. I, for one, hope that President Trump will leave the bluster and showmanship at the door,” Shapiro said.
At the end of the first day of the summit, a hack-a-thon was announced to address housing in Allegheny County. Students who participate have the chance to win $30,000 in prizes.