Black Fire Innovation announces collaboration with Intel

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Black Fire Innovation, the new research and technology hub created to drive innovation in the hospitality, gaming and entertainment industry, today announced its collaboration with Intel as a key computing partner. The tech industry leader will provide technology and computing resources to 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 has focused on delivering engaging experiences for generations, therefore a collaboration between Caesars Entertainment and UNLV was the perfect opportunity to create more immersive, responsive and intuitive guest experiences," said Joe Jensen, Vice President and General Manager of Intel's Retail, Banking, Hospitality and Education Division. "Intel's commitment will provide the opportunity for industry partners to develop, integrate, and deploy guest enhancing solutions to accelerate innovation in the hospitality segment."

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 in a powerful 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. Housed in Switch's Las Vegas SUPERNAP data center, the Cherry Creek II gives UNLV and its research partners access to high-performance computing at a level few universities in the nation can claim. 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.