What AI does — and could d o — to software developers

Newsletter for April 24, 2024

If you're seeing this on Tuesday night, then UpSurge Baltimore's latest annual report has already been released and I'm very likely at the annual meeting in Baltimore Peninsula, gleaning insights from the report alongside you. You can see the full report linked in our news incubator below.

In today's newsletter, you'll also see our CEO Chris Wink's latest column, an interview with a conference speaker and coding instructor on whether generative AI will replace software developers. Also, we held our dinner for startups in DC last week and my colleague's Kayla and Danya were in attendance. Founders there think that connectivity is a key for success.

— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

This week’s newsletter is brought to you by the Morgan Lewis Startup & Accelerate webinar series, providing entrepreneurs knowledge and tools to grow their businesses and offering investors assurance their investments are on the right track. Check out the spring schedule here.

Tariq Hook, a seasoned software engineer, witnessed significant changes in the industry since he began coding in the 1990s. He currently leads a team of five engineers that heavily uses AI tools like GitHub Copilot to increase efficiency. While these tools have made the team up to twice as fast, the gains primarily stem from generating repetitive code and aiding in debugging rather than creating complex or innovative solutions.

This raises questions about the future role of software developers, including: Will generative AI eventually replace them, leading to fewer jobs? Or will it simply augment their capabilities, resulting in more efficient teams?

➡️ See what engineers (including one from EcoMap) say about AI tools here.

Members of the DMV's startup scene praised the diversity and supportiveness that they feel set it apart during a recent dinner Technical.ly hosted for DC's 2024 RealLIST Startups. Attendees highlighted the importance of connection and community. They said events like DC Startup Week provide opportunities for networking and support, empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive.

➡️ Learn more about why our DC honorees believe connection is key to success.

• The UpSurge 2024 Baltimore Tech Ecosystem Report is now out! The report offers data delving into our local startups, capital and workforce, providing insights into our ecosystem's health and potential. [UpSurge Baltimore/YouTube]

• The AIM-AHEAD Research Fellowship Program invites early-career researchers to apply AI/ML methodologies to biomedical research data, clinical cohorts and genomics to tackle health disparities, as well as biases in algorithms or data. [AIM-AHEAD]

• Know someone who recently completed high school and is looking for alternatives to college? Check out Maryland's Service Year Program. Applications are open to graduates and GED recipients ages 18 to 21. Read this story about Colby Davis, a Maryland Service Year participant. [Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation/Ashley Esposito]

• The National Aquarium's 2023 annual report highlights initiatives stretching into science, tech, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM). The aquarium collaborates with communities and partners to equip students with essential skills for future academic and career success. [National Aquarium]

• Maryland Public Television's (MPT) "Made in Maryland" series returns May 1 to provide an insider's look at the state's leading makers, creators, innovators and manufacturers. Featured companies like Direct Dimensions and Magma Build Studios are breaking new ground by blending art with industry, as well as using technologies to bridge the gap between the physical and virtual worlds. [MPT]