Colorado SunFest 2026 is a daylong event bringing Coloradans together to discuss what makes A Better Colorado. Find out more about specific sessions planned for Friday, May 1, below.

Panel Name: AI in our lives

Moderator: Tamara Chuang

Artificial Intelligence seems unavoidable if you’re plugged in, use a smart phone or interact with any sort of customer service system. Business reporter Tamara Chuang will speak with Dr. Mohammad Mahoor, the creator of AI Robot Ryan — a robot that likes to hang out at senior facilities, lead yoga classes and help staff in a pinch — as well as hear from Jon Nordmark, founder of Iterate.AI. 

Dr. Mohammad Mahoor

Director of Artificial Intelligence and Social Robotics Lab and professor of computer science at the University of Denver

Mahoor is a professor of computer science at the University of Denver and focuses his research on AI, machine learning and social robotics with a commitment to advancing technology that improves lives. He specializes in developing robotics and AI-based solutions to help enhance the quality of life for children with special needs and older adults with depression or dementia. 

As the director of Artificial Intelligence and Social Robotics Lab, he directs research at the intersection of AI, computer vision and socially assistive robotics. 

He received his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Miami. He previously worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Miami and joined the University of Denver in 2008.

Jon Nordmark

Co-founder and CEO of Iterate.ai

In 2013, Nordmark founded Iterate.ai, which developed platforms to help companies adopt, deploy and scale AI quickly.

Nordmark founded and was CEO of eBags.com, an online retailer of bags and travel accessories in 1998. He was an advisor and investor for startups and has served as a volunteer for the AI Task Force. 

Nordmark graduated with a bachelor’s of science from the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business. 

The panel — “AI in our Lives” — is one of 11 conversations scheduled for Colorado SunFest 2026.

The fourth annual Colorado SunFest is Friday, May 1, at Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs on the University of Denver campus. Tickets for the event are available on The Colorado SunFest event page. 

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Other Colorado SunFest Sessions

Type of Story: Behind the Story

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