2026 GET-AI SERIES: 1. From Prompt to Power - The Gen AI Starter Lab
Join us virtually or in person—though we highly recommend attending in person to get the most out of the session.
We are excited to continue the Orange County Computer Society (OCCS) Global Emerging Technologies (GET) Series—a monthly platform dedicated to spotlighting transformative innovations in computer science and technology. Hosted by the IEEE Orange County Computer Society Chapter, this series brings together professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts to explore the cutting edge of what’s possible.
Following a highly engaging March session filled with thought-provoking conversations on Advancement in Digital healthcare , we’re thrilled to bring you a powerful double-feature this April—exploring both the strategic and technical sides of artificial intelligence.
Curious about Generative AI? This hands-on lab simplifies core concepts—from tokens and LLMs to RAG, Agents, and MCP—while showing how they work together in real systems. By the end, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to build your own AI-powered applications.
Session 1: Understanding Generative AI — Core Principles and Industry Impact (40 mins)
1. What is GenAI
Understand how AI generates content and why it’s transforming every industry.
2. Tokens & How LLMs Think
Learn how text is broken into tokens and how that impacts cost, speed, and output.
3. Models & Ecosystem
Explore key GenAI players and choose the right model for your use case.
4. Prompting (Vibe Programming)
Master the art of guiding AI using structured, effective prompts.
5. RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)
Enhance AI accuracy by grounding responses in your own data.
6. Agents (Automation Layer)
Move beyond chatbots to AI systems that can reason, plan, and take actions.
7. MCP (Tool Integration Layer)
Enable AI to securely discover and interact with real-world tools and APIs.
Session 2: GenAI in Action — From Prompt to Working Prototype (60 mins)
1. Hands-On Build
Follow along in a live demo as we integrate concepts and build an AI-powered application in real time using Visual Studio Code and Python notebooks
2. Architecture & Best Practices
Understand how all components fit together in a real-world AI system.
3. Next Steps
The journey doesn’t end here—stay with us for what’s next.
Gora Datta
FHL7,SMIEEE,SMACM
Chair IEEE Computer Society – OC Chapter
Chair IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) - OC Chapter
Chair & Board Member IEEE Blockchain Technical Community
Founding Chair IEEE P3271.01 Working Group – Standard for Recurring Transactions Using Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs)
📧 gora.datta@ieee.org
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/goradatta
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
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- 5270 California Ave
- Irvine, California
- United States 92617
- Contact Event Hosts
- Co-sponsored by Gora Datta
- Starts 10 April 2026 07:00 AM UTC
- Ends 27 April 2026 07:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Vinay
GenAI in Action: From Prompt to Prototype
Move beyond theory and see Generative AI in action. In this session, we’ll start with a prompt and transform it into a working prototype—step by step. Experience a live demo, learn best practices for prompt design, and walk away with the tools and code to start building your own GenAI applications
Biography:
Vinay Sharma is a seasoned technology leader and Technical Program Manager with over 26 years of experience delivering impactful software solutions across GenAI, healthcare, supply chain and enterprise applications. At Microsoft, he leads open-source GenAI accelerator initiatives that help organizations quickly prototype and scale real-world AI solutions.
Vinay is known for building and scaling high-performance engineering teams from the ground up, and driving consistent delivery of high-quality outcomes. With a proven ability to bridge deep technical execution with strategic outcomes, Vinay brings expertise in GenAI, agile transformation, stakeholder engagement, and platform engineering. His leadership is rooted in innovation, operational excellence, and a passion for solving complex problems at scale
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Pradyumna Kodgi
Core Principles of Generative AI and Its Industry Impact
This session explores the foundational principles behind Generative AI, including how models are trained, how they generate content, and the key technologies that power them. It also examines the growing impact of GenAI across industries such as healthcare, finance, and enterprise technology—highlighting real-world applications, opportunities, and challenges
Biography:
Pradyumna Kodgi is a product leader with nearly two decades of experience delivering impactful solutions across enterprise integration, AI-driven automation, healthcare, and large-scale digital platforms. He specializes in enabling organizations to design and scale connected, intelligent systems that power modern enterprises.
Pradyumna is known for leading complex integration initiatives, building scalable architectures, and driving adoption of innovative technologies across diverse industries. With a strong ability to bridge deep technical expertise with strategic outcomes, he brings experience in enterprise integration, AI, platform engineering, and product strategy.A Fellow at BCS and a Senior Member of IEEE, his leadership is rooted in innovation, operational excellence, and a passion for solving complex problems at scale.
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Agenda
GenAI Unlocked: From Buzzwords to Breakthroughs
Generative AI is no longer just a trend—it’s transforming how we create, innovate, and solve problems across industries. But what’s really behind all the excitement?
In this interactive session, we’ll cut through the hype and help you truly understand Generative AI—without the jargon.
🔍 What you’ll explore:
- What Generative AI actually is (in simple, practical terms)
- How it works behind the scenes
- Key concepts and terminology you’ll hear everywhere—explained clearly
- Real-world use cases shaping industries today
💡 What makes this session different?
This isn’t just theory. You’ll experience Generative AI in action through a live, interactive demo, where we’ll demo and explore real examples together.
🛠️ To keep the learning going, we’ll also share source code and hands-on resources so you can experiment, build, and deepen your understanding at your own pace.
🎯 Who should attend?
- Beginners curious about AI
- Professionals looking to understand GenAI fundamentals
- Engineers, product managers, and innovators exploring AI adoption
✨ Walk away with:
- A clear, confident understanding of Generative AI
- The ability to engage in GenAI conversations without confusion
- Practical exposure to how GenAI works in real scenarios
Whether you're just getting started or looking to solidify your foundation, this session will kickstart your journey into the world of intelligent creation.
We will serve dinner at the event.