Data Science Salon Kickstarts 2025 with DSS ATX Conference, Featuring AI Startup Showcase

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 13, 2025 — Data Science Salon, the most diverse data science and machine learning community in the US, is excited to announce five events held across the country, as well as 25 meetups where data science professionals of various backgrounds can share and exchange ideas and knowledge.

The first event will be held in Austin, TX, hosting Data Science Salon ATX on February 19–20, 2025.

“The Austin AI community is diverse and active – many efforts experimenting and implementing across many vectors: startups, enterprises, academia, etc.,” commented Brent Schneeman, director of AI and Software Engineering at PMG, LLC. “Data Science Salon ATX is a high-bandwidth and well-curated opportunity to gather the community to learn from and collaborate with people from deep practitioners to the AI-curious.”

The first day of the event will focus on AI and machine learning applications in the enterprise. It will be held at Oracle NetSuite headquarters, 2300 Oracle Way. The conference will include talks, panels, and open discussions, as well as networking opportunities.

The format features a combination of talks and panels with an optional expo and plenty of time for networking in a casual environment with entertainment. Data Science Salon attendees include executives, senior data science practitioners, data science managers, analysts, and machine learning engineering professionals. Speakers from top global companies like Gap Inc., Comcast, AMD, and Wells Fargo will share the stage with other smaller players like ArangoDB, Root Signals and John Snow Labs. The conference will also be enriched by a representative from the City and County of San Francisco.

“DSS ATX is a fantastic community event for anyone, from data science enthusiasts to those looking to enhance their current skills,” said Gopinath Sundaramurthy, Ph.D, founder and head of Data Science at Ensemble VC. “It offers a great balance of networking and learning, with timely and relevant topics reflecting the rapid evolution of the field. I made valuable connections that I still maintain today. A unique highlight was the startup series, providing data product leads a crucial platform to refine their messaging and pitches—something rarely seen outside of highly technical conferences. Finally, the presenters, all AI/ML practitioners from major companies, focused on real-world applications and production-level challenges, making the content far more practical than the theoretical discussions often found at other events.”

Apart from speeches, participants will enjoy discussion panels where experts can exchange thoughts and insights on changes in the modern AI and ML ecosystem.

“Returning to the Data Science Salon ATX for the third time this year, I’m reminded of its distinct blend of technical depth and genuine community,” commented Fatma Tarlaci, Adjunct Faculty, Computer Science at UT Austin. “DSS creates a space where data science and AI/ML professionals—whether local or visiting—can exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and learn from real-world applications. I particularly appreciate the focused environment where every conversation is substantive. What makes DSS unique is its impact on both Austin’s tech ecosystem and the broader data science/AI/ML community. Startups, enterprises, and VCs come together to share diverse perspectives, keeping discussions grounded in the realities of building AI and data-driven solutions. It’s a must-attend event for anyone serious about the field—not just for the insights, but also for the connections. The opportunity to meet and collaborate with industry peers in such an engaging setting is invaluable.”

The second day of the event will focus on a startup showcase, where innovative AI-powered companies can present their solutions and products to potential clients and investors.

“Our mission is to empower people of various ethnic backgrounds in the data science community, enabling them to use their talents for the benefit of the world. With our work, we gradually encourage more and more companies to hire more diverse talents,” commented Anna Anisin, founder of Data Science Salon. “In events like this one, we create a safe space to exchange knowledge and experience.”

Data Science Salon Enrolled in Google Grant Program for Nonprofits

Data Science Salon’s work toward building a more inclusive data science environment has been recognized by multiple institutions, including Google.

The company was enrolled in the Google Ad Grants program, providing the organization with support to reach more people with its message.

Through the Google Grants Program, the company provides nonprofits like Data Science Salon with up to $10,000 per month to help them fulfill their goals. With the Grants program, Google has supported over 115,000 nonprofits across 51 countries. These ads help organizations attract sponsors, volunteers, and supporters more effectively, leveraging the reach granted by digital technologies.

Data Science Salon is known for its events in Miami, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and Seattle. The conferences attract some of the largest enterprises as well as cutting-edge AI/ML startups and over a thousand participants each year. The events are distinguished by a strong emphasis on building connections with peers, supported by a code of ethics.

Data Science Salon community events can be found here. Meetups can be found on the Data Science Salon LUMA page here.

About Data Science Salon

Since 2016, the Data Science Salon (DSS) has been cultivating a diverse, vendor-neutral community for data science professionals. With a commitment to eliminating bias in both recruitment and algorithms, DSS provides a platform for learning and innovation. Our initiatives, including face-to-face and virtual events, DSS Insider, webinars, podcasts, meetups, and training sessions, foster knowledge-sharing and best practices in a casual yet insightful setting. Through these efforts, DSS is dedicated to shaping a more inclusive and unbiased future in data science.

Source: Data Science Salon