Black Fire Innovation, Intel Collaborate to Advance Hospitality
Black Fire Innovation is a new research and technology hub created to drive innovation in the hospitality, gaming and entertainment industry. The hub is now announcing its collaboration Intel, which will provide technology and computing resources in order to help develop next-generation data-rich consumer experiences while also offering research and internship opportunities for students and partners at the Black Fire Innovation facility. The 43,000 square-foot-space was designed to change the landscape of hospitality with its replica integrated resort labs, where new concepts can be created and tested.
"With a proven track record of continually advancing the future of technology, Intel will elevate Black Fire Innovation while also advancing its expertise in IoT, visual analytics, and bleeding-edge computing capabilities," said John Celona, Vice President of Business Innovation and Technology Strategy for Caesars Entertainment. "Not only will they work alongside industry leaders and train the workforce of the future, Intel will play an integral role in improving the travel and hospitality customer experience."
Intel will also take up residence in the facility's co-working space, where Intel experts will mentor and guide student interns and partners on course curriculum development that will bring industry-driven innovation to the classroom.
"This collaboration will push the boundaries of hospitality innovation and is exactly what we envisioned for Black Fire Innovation," said Zach Miles, UNLV associate vice president for economic development and president of the UNLV Research Foundation. "Intel's technical expertise onsite will accelerate research and development activities for our teams and partners, and it will prepare our students for integration into future-focused hospitality roles."
This is the latest announcement from the collaboration between UNLV and Intel. In 2014, Intel and Switch partnered with UNLV to bring one of the world's most powerful supercomputers to Las Vegas. Since its arrival, the supercomputer has supported big data research in physics and astronomy, neurosciences and health care, and hospitality.
The core research focus for Black Fire Innovation is using emerging technologies to enhance the customer experience using blockchain, data science, robotic automation, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. The space will offer opportunities for participating startups, researchers, and partners to examine how technology changes the way companies approach hospitality to appeal to evolving consumer tastes.
