Emerging Technologies Initiative
The Lam-Larsen Initiative for Emerging Technologies (ET) is an academic initiative at San Francisco State University with the mission to advocate for the transformative potential of emerging technologies and foster their ethical integration into education, research, and industry practices.
By promoting innovation and collaboration, the initiative empowers students, faculty, and partners to harness the power of cutting-edge tools — such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and data analytics — to address complex challenges and shape a more sustainable and equitable future.
Funded by the generous donation from the Lam-Larsen family and the Rippleworks Foundation, the initiative has established itself as a hub for innovation and collaboration. It currently partners with leading organizations in the high-tech domain to provide our students and faculty with access to industry expertise, resources, and real-world applications.
The initiative runs multiple programs and activities including webinars, workshops, conferences, internships, research projects, and guest lectures, aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry, to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital economy.
Webinars and Workshops
Emerging Technologies host and organize events and workshops featuring experts within various fields of new and emerging technology.
Webinars and Workshops
Student Projects and Initiatives
Emerging Technologies encourages students to foster and design cutting-edge educational endeavors in the realm of emerging technologies.
Student Projects and Initiatives
Partnerships and Collaborations
Emerging Technologies builds partnerships with industry leaders and academic institutions to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Annual Conference
Since 2025, ET partners with a corporation to hold a conference with a theme related to emerging technologies. The conferences aim for students to explore career paths, network with industry experts and to expand perspectives for a fast-changing future.
Annual Conference
AI Hub
Soft-launched in 2026, the new AI Hub is designed to connect curriculum, student projects, faculty innovation, events, and external partnerships rather than treating AI as a disjointed collection of isolated workshops or tools.
Learn more about the AI HubDirector
Niel Shahrasbi
- Professor