Convocation: Matt Ginsberg

As co-founder and CEO of On Time Systems Inc., Matt Ginsberg has helped develop computer programs to build U.S. Navy ships more efficiently and to find the most-fuel-saving routes for U.S. Air Force noncombat flights. The company’s "Green Driver" app uses data from a city’s traffic signalsto help guide drivers on a route with the fewest red lights, saving time and fuel. Some of the statistical techniques in this work are also handy, it turns out, for solving crossword puzzles. Ginsberg has created more than 30 crossword puzzles for The New York Times, and with his expertise in artificial intelligence created Dr. Fill, a crossword solving computer program. Ginsberg is also the author of the world’s first expert-level bridge-playing program. While Ginsberg and On Time Systems Inc. seek to use technology to make the world a better place, the real life lesson is that just because you can build a better mousetrap doesn't mean it will be accepted. The title of his presentation is "Of Mousetraps and Men: A Cautionary Tale."