The annual GeekWire Summit kicks off later this week and we’re really looking forward to conversations with U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington state and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell.
Cantwell worked in the state’s tech sector before being elected to the Senate in 2000. She is currently the chair of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and serves on multiple committees that address tech and business policy.
She recently led the passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, marking a notable bipartisan victory. The $280 billion bill kickstarts science innovation in the U.S., including support for semiconductor manufacturing and investments in basic science research in AI, robotics and other fields. The act also funds the creation of rural innovation hubs.
Harrell, who took office in January, was previously a Seattle City Council member. He often focused on tech issues, acting as chair of the council’s Energy, Technology, and Civil Rights Committee and promoting utility regulations and internet access for students.
This month he approved the $6.5 million Green New Deal Opportunity Fund that helps public buildings transition off of fossil fuel heat and creates services for climate-related emergencies including extreme heat events and wildfire smoke.
We’ll be asking Cantwell and Harrell about their efforts around innovation and business, and we want to know what questions are you eager to have answered? Send us your ideas at tips@geekwire.com.
Now in its 11th year, the Summit is GeekWire’s signature technology and business conference. Attendees will gain insights into tech trends reshaping key industry sectors, including drones, artificial intelligence, voice-recognition, virtual reality, the gig economy, wireless payments and much more.
The GeekWire Summit takes place Oct. 6-7 in Seattle.
