On Aug. 8, the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry announced a cutting-edge keynote panel of science and technology experts for the 2024 Polyurethanes Technical Conference.

The keynote panel will take place during the conference’s opening session and will showcase the intersection of artificial intelligence and chemical manufacturing, with a focus on polyurethanes. The panel will feature three speakers from Deloitte, a leading professional services organization: Bob Kumpf, Ph.D., managing director; Maria Kipreos, Ph.D., specialist master; and Jim Eskew, AI innovation specialist master. All three are with Deloitte Consulting LLP. Each speaker will give a brief presentation, with a group discussion and interactive Q&A with attendees to follow. The keynote panel will take a deeper dive into topics, such as:

• Case studies highlighting AI’s role in the development of innovative products in polyurethanes.
• Cutting-edge AI tools and technologies tailored for research and development models in chemical manufacturing with the potential to revolutionize efficiency and productivity.
• Nuanced risks and challenges associated with AI adoption, such as data accuracy, software investments and operational risks.
• The business impacts of AI, including its utilization to strategically improve various facets of chemical manufacturing operations, such as safety protocols, logistics, supply chain, predictive maintenance and sustainability.

“AI is transforming the world, and this technology will have a profound impact on chemical manufacturing and management in the future,” said Jason Sloan, who recently joined CPI as a director. “Insights into AI adoption are critical for helping drive the polyurethanes industry forward, as well as our industry’s progress in areas like sustainability and circularity.”

The 2024 Polyurethanes Technical Conference will take place on Sept. 30-Oct. 2 at the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park in Atlanta. This year’s keynote is an example of why the conference is an invaluable experience for members and the value chain, as well as the year-round, robust advocacy and education CPI provides.

Register today for this premier event, which will also feature discussions on key regulatory and policy issues, educational sessions and the latest innovations in the polyurethanes industry.

About the Keynote Panelists

Kumpf is a materials chemist and chemicals and specialty materials managing director at Deloitte Consulting LLP, with 35+ years of experience across multiple geographies and functions. He has received over 20 U.S. and international patents and has published in refereed scientific and management journals.

Kipreos is a specialist master in strategy and analytics at Deloitte Consulting LLP. She is a member of the SFL Scientific team, a Deloitte business, where she is focused on building a science-centered portfolio. Kipreos is committed to exploring the transformative potential of AI/ML solutions in these industries and supporting her clients in adopting these cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum impact.

Eskew is an AI innovation specialist master at Deloitte Consulting LLP. He specializes in enabling organizations to unlock value through the utilization of AI/ML. Eskew has led cross-functional teams in designing, developing and deploying AI solutions to enterprise organizations. He has also devised AI adoption strategies for C-suite executives, identifying investment and resource requirements for multi-year transformational journeys.