This year, RIoT’s annual Demo Night drew over 500 attendees, celebrating the power of tech-driven innovation in an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration and connection. The event showcased the remarkable potential of technology to create meaningful impact and foster connections among industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The night kicked off with an impactful keynote on a topic that resonates with millions—cancer. Don Shin, Founder & CEO of CrossComm, and Bonny Morris, PhD, MSPH, RN, Vice President of Navigation at the American Cancer Society, presented ACS CARES, a groundbreaking AI-powered platform developed by CrossComm and backed by the American Cancer Society.
Leveraging advanced AI and Large Language Models, ACS CARES connects caregivers, families, and patients, providing responses that feel authentically human and deeply compassionate. Shin and Morris illustrated how technology could transform personal stories into meaningful support networks, bridging gaps in care with AI-driven empathy.
As the keynote set an inspiring tone, the energy continued to buzz on the exhibit floor. Numerous companies, startups, and organizations showcased their cutting-edge technology across a variety of fields, from IoT to AI to data-driven solutions.
A highlight of the evening was the fierce competition among 16 former RIoT Accelerator Program (RAP) teams, each vying for the coveted title by collecting the most #LarryBucks from attendees. The voting was intense, as attendees enthusiastically cast their #LarryBucks for their favorite startup. Ultimately, SoberRide, a local high school entrepreneurship team, emerged victorious! Their innovative solution aims to prevent drunk driving accidents with an advanced breathalyzer that features retinal scanning and other sensors to ensure drivers are sober before starting their vehicles.
Phase Dock, a two-time winner of the startup showcase, congratulated the SoberRide team, stating, “Their dedication to creating safer communities through innovation is inspiring, and this recognition is a testament to the impact they’re making. We can’t wait to see where they go from here.”
Beyond the demos and presentations, Demo Night served as an invaluable space for networking, allowing professionals, founders, and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and spark collaborations that could fuel future innovations. This year’s Demo Night was more than just an event; it was a celebration of technology that inspires, cares, and connects people in meaningful ways.
Thank you to everyone who joined and participated in making this Demo Night one for the books. A special thank you to our friends at All Things Open for allowing RIoT to partner with ATO’s annual conference to host Demo Night. Here’s to continuing the conversation and pushing forward to a future where technology doesn’t just innovate—it truly cares.