Jacob Smith
Jacob Smith is an Innovation Advisor and the Digital Lead within the Innovation Advisors group at RTI International, specializing in the integration of generative AI to streamline workflows, optimize business processes, and enhance strategic decision-making. As RTI Innovation Advisor's lead expert on AI adoption, he combines years of experience in technical innovation and strategic consulting with a deep understanding of AI-powered digital transformation strategies and human-centered design to help Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and small businesses identify opportunities where AI can drive efficiency and unlock innovation pathways. He leads initiatives to embed artificial intelligence into internal operations, developing AI-enabled frameworks to enhance project execution, improve cross-functional collaboration, and accelerate business development. His work includes augmenting and automating complex workflows and identifying scalable AI-driven solutions that balance innovation with operational feasibility, empowering organizations to harness AI’s potential while managing risks and aligning teams around its adoption. Jacob has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Tuesday December 9
Joint Cleaning & Floor Care Products Program
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how companies innovate — from early-stage consumer research to final product safety checks. This session will explore five key domains where AI is making a tangible impact in product development: consumer insights, formulation and packaging, regulatory, sustainability, and safety/quality assurance.
Rafael Ortiz will open the session by providing a roadmap for these applications, setting the stage for a series of expert perspectives which will highlight how AI is being used today to streamline regulatory processes, design sustainable and effective formulations, and strengthen quality and safety practices.
The session will be interactive, with the panel directly engaging the audience to discuss practical challenges, opportunities, and real-world examples of how AI is shaping the future of product development.
Moderator:
Maggie Gottardi, R&D Director of Technology, State Industrial Products
Speakers:
Rafael Ortiz, Chief Technology Officer, CLR Brands
Anastasia Sartan, CEO, GetGenAI
Jacob Smith, Innovation Advisor, RTI International
Charlie Vallely, Chief Products Officer, Smarter Sorting