When the idea for Lokum App began to come to life, as a CRNA who wanted this progress for myself and for the profession at large, it was extremely important for me to commit to taking it all the way. First to make sure that CRNAs would be our guide in building this platform, and secondly, to ensure that we are building with work class technology. CRNAs report that their main 3 pain-points are: the outdated processes for finding the right job, ease and speed of credentialing, as well as salary insights and negotiation.
Keep reading to find out how being part of the Google family will help us tackle those pain-points with amazing perks (including $350, 000 in Google cloud credits), how I spent the last year cultivating relationships that resulted in Lokum being nominated to apply for the Google for Startups Accelerator, what got us accepted, and how my first week on Google’s Bayview, CA campus went.
Application Process & Timeline
Program Perks
Day 1: Orientation and Inspiration
As a member of this prestigious program, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to step into the heart of innovation at Google’s campus in Mountain View, California. We will spend the next 10 weeks leveraging Google’s world-class technical and business mentorship from Googlers for product design, CRNA user experience, and more.
The week kicked off with a warm welcome from the GFSA team, as we gathered for orientation. It was inspiring to meet fellow entrepreneurs and startups, each with their unique visions and groundbreaking ideas. The energy in the room was palpable, filled with a shared passion for harnessing AI to drive change. For a few behind the scenes clips of what happened on campus, check use out @lokumappishere on instagram and Tik Tok.
Day 2: Deep Dives into AI Technologies
One of the highlights of the week was the deep dive sessions into Google’s cutting-edge AI technologies. We explored everything from machine learning algorithms to natural language processing tools, language learning models, and gaining invaluable insights into how we can leverage these technologies to propel CRNAs forward. We were also graciously sponsored to attend the NVIDIA conference orienting us to the next generation of technologies in the Era of AI.
Day 3: Mentorship, Networking, Workshops and Collaborative Sessions
Mentorship sessions were a key component of the week, and I had the privilege of connecting with seasoned professionals and industry experts including some who have actually written the book on Gen AI. I loved this! Their guidance and advice were invaluable as we discussed strategies for developing our AI- strategy and navigating the challenges ahead.
The week was packed with workshops covering a range of topics. The collaborative spirit among participants was truly remarkable, as we shared ideas, offered feedback, and forged new connections that are sure to be instrumental on this journey.
Overall: Immersive Google Campus Experience
Wrapping up the week, I had the chance to explore Google’s sprawling campus, with its iconic buildings, lush greenery, and vibrant workspaces. From the quirky Google bikes and famous snack kitchens to the state-of-the-art facilities, it was a truly immersive experience that left me feeling inspired and eager to dive deeper into the world of AI innovation for CRNAs.
As I reflect on this whirlwind of a week, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious program. The support, resources, and expertise offered here are unparalleled, and I am excited to see where this journey takes us.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this thrilling adventure!