Topaz Gilad

Bon Voyage! Leading Machine Learning Research Journeys With Happy (Into-production) Endings

VP of AI and Algorithms – Voyage81

Topaz Gilad

Bon Voyage! Leading Machine Learning Research Journeys With Happy (Into-production) Endings

VP of AI and Algorithms – Voyage81

Bio

Topaz is an R&D manager specializing in AI, machine learning, and computer vision, leading production-oriented innovative research.

With experience in large companies as well as startups in various industries, from space imaging and semiconductor microscopy to sports tech, wellness, beauty, and self-care, she has developed methodologies to scale up while improving quality, delivery, and teamwork.

Currently VP of AI and Algorithms at Voyage81, an innovation company that excels in computer vision deep learning algorithms in both RGB and hyper-spectral domains, Topaz was previously head of AI at Pixellot, a leading AI-automated sports production company.

Topaz is also an advocate for women in tech. When she is not building algorithmic teams, she enjoys painting.

Bio

Topaz is an R&D manager specializing in AI, machine learning, and computer vision, leading production-oriented innovative research.

With experience in large companies as well as startups in various industries, from space imaging and semiconductor microscopy to sports tech, wellness, beauty, and self-care, she has developed methodologies to scale up while improving quality, delivery, and teamwork.

Currently VP of AI and Algorithms at Voyage81, an innovation company that excels in computer vision deep learning algorithms in both RGB and hyper-spectral domains, Topaz was previously head of AI at Pixellot, a leading AI-automated sports production company.

Topaz is also an advocate for women in tech. When she is not building algorithmic teams, she enjoys painting.

Abstract

Why is the process of transforming research into a “real-world” product so full of question marks? We often know where the research journey starts but have uncertainty about how and when it ends.

In this talk, I will share my own experience leading algorithmic teams through the cycle of research into production of live-streaming AI products. I will also share how to mitigate between agile incremental delivery and giant leaps forward that require longer research. The talk will outline test-driven machine learning development, how understanding the minimum viable product (MVP) way of thinking can help not only managers but every developer. Learn to outline MVP for new AI capabilities and move forward with production in mind while always raising quality standards. At the end of this session, you will get the boost you need to take the data-driven experimental mindset to the next level, along with methodologies you can adapt for development as well as research.

Abstract

Why is the process of transforming research into a “real-world” product so full of question marks? We often know where the research journey starts but have uncertainty about how and when it ends.

In this talk, I will share my own experience leading algorithmic teams through the cycle of research into production of live-streaming AI products. I will also share how to mitigate between agile incremental delivery and giant leaps forward that require longer research. The talk will outline test-driven machine learning development, how understanding the minimum viable product (MVP) way of thinking can help not only managers but every developer. Learn to outline MVP for new AI capabilities and move forward with production in mind while always raising quality standards. At the end of this session, you will get the boost you need to take the data-driven experimental mindset to the next level, along with methodologies you can adapt for development as well as research.

Discussion Points

  • Data scientist role definitions – full stack data scientists vs. specialisations
  • Pure data science teams vs embedded teams
  • Data science reporting lines
  • Professional and personal development in embedded teams

Discussion Points

  • Data scientist role definitions – full stack data scientists vs. specialisations
  • Pure data science teams vs embedded teams
  • Data science reporting lines
  • Professional and personal development in embedded teams

Planned Agenda

8:45 Reception
9:30 Opening words by WiDS TLV ambassador Nitzan Gado and by Lily Ben Ami, CEO of the Michal Sela Forum
9:50 Prof. Bracha Shapira – Data Challenges in Recommender Systems Research: Insights from Bundle Recommendation
10:20 Juan Liu – Accounting Automation: Making Accounting Easier So That People Can Forget About It
10:50 Break
11:00 Lightning talks
12:20 Lunch & poster session
13:20 Roundtable session & poster session
14:05 Roundtable closure
14:20 Break
14:30 Merav Mofaz – “Every Breath You Take and Every Move You Make…I'll Be Watching You:” The Sensitive Side of Smartwatches
14:50 Reut Yaniv – Ad Serving in the Online Geo Space Along Routes
15:10 Rachel Wities - It’s Not Just the Doctor’s Handwriting: Challenges and Opportunities in Healthcare NLP
15:30 Closing remarks
15:40 End