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Q&A with Cynthia Teniente-Matson,
President of San Josè State University and Keynote Speaker
This November, San José State University partners with the PIT-UN Summit, the marquee event for public interest technologists from across academia, government, civil society, and industry. We sat down with SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson, a Summit keynote speaker, to learn what in-person and virtual attendees can look forward to.
Q: Why is San José State partnering with the PIT-UN Summit? As an institution, what drives your interest and commitment to developing public interest technology?
As the anchor institution of what we call the “Epicenter of the Future,” San José State University is uniquely positioned to partner with the PIT-UN Summit due to our deep-rooted connection to Silicon Valley and our mission to drive meaningful impact through technology. As the oldest public university in California and the only public research university in Silicon Valley, we have a long history of bridging academic excellence with practical, real-world applications that meet the needs of the present day and the future. Our location in the heart of Silicon Valley provides us with unparalleled access to tech innovators, industry leaders, and cutting-edge research.
San José State University is Silicon Valley’s number one source of graduates in education, engineering, computer science, and business, and companies in the region employ more graduates from SJSU than from any other university in the U.S. With social justice being a part of our institutional DNA, SJSU graduates are helping companies develop platforms and products that are inclusive, equitable, and socially responsible.
Partnering on the PIT-UN Summit aligns with our strategic vision to leverage our unique influence in the Silicon Valley ecosystem to address the pressing challenges of our time by engaging with global leaders and experts in exploring how technology can be harnessed for the greater good. Our commitment to public interest technology reflects our belief that technological advancements should serve to uplift and empower all communities.
Through interdisciplinary programs and partnerships, we encourage students and faculty to explore how technology can solve real-world problems and address social inequities. By focusing on ethics, accessibility, and inclusivity, we aim to prepare the next generation of technologists who are not only skilled but also committed to advancing social good. Our partnerships with Silicon Valley companies, local nonprofits, government agencies, and community organizations ensure that our technological research and solutions are directly applicable and beneficial to the communities we serve.
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Q: What is the role of public universities like SJSU in developing a technology sector that truly serves all communities?
Public universities like SJSU serve as incubators for innovative ideas that prioritize social impact and play a crucial role in shaping a technology sector that serves all communities. As institutions committed to accessibility and public service, we have a unique responsibility to ensure that technological advancements do not exacerbate existing inequalities, but instead contribute to a more equitable society. At SJSU, we encourage students and faculty to pursue projects that address critical issues such as digital divide, privacy, and environmental sustainability. By providing support and resources for these initiatives, we contribute to a technology sector that is advanced, ethical, and inclusive.
Our role extends beyond traditional research and education. We are catalysts for community engagement, bridging the gap between academia and the public sector. By fostering partnerships with local communities, businesses, and government entities, we help translate research into actionable solutions to local and global challenges. Our focus on public interest technology ensures that the benefits of technological progress are widely distributed and accessible.
Q: What ideas, initiatives, or experiences are you most excited to share with the PIT community at the summit?
As we prepare to partner with the PIT-UN Summit, I am particularly excited to share several initiatives and experiences that exemplify our commitment to public interest technology. We are eager to showcase our collaborative research projects that address digital equity, cybersecurity, and other issues. These projects underscore our commitment to ensuring that technology serves the broader public interest, aligning with the goals of the PIT-UN Summit.
We view the summit as a profound opportunity to advance the conversation around public interest technology and to demonstrate our commitment to a technology sector that is inclusive, ethical, and impactful. We look forward to engaging with all of you and to collectively exploring ways in which we can harness technology to create a better, more equitable world.