Ari Lightman

Professor Carnegie Mellon University

  • Pittsburgh PA

Ari Lightman has 20 years of experience in new technology development and commercialization.

Contact

Carnegie Mellon University

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Biography

Ari teaches classes focused on assessing and measuring the impact of emerging technologies including Digital Transformation and Measuring Social. This later class is designed as an experiential learning, project-based class where students work closely with company sponsors to develop recommendations and an analysis framework around a social initiative. Companies who have taken part in the class include eBay, Adidas, Comcast, Warner Bros., Thomson Reuters, Verizon, Microsoft, Zynga, Starwood, HP, Bayer Corporation and Progressive Insurance.

Ari is also the Director of the CIO Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. The CIOI is an executive education center focused on providing needed skills for the next generation of IT manager. The center has been in existence for over 10 years and has provided training for several hundred executives. Ari is responsible for strategic execution and growth of the center into different content areas, organizations and international locations.

Ari has 20 years of experience in new technology development and commercialization. Earlier in his career, Ari was a member of several successful entrepreneurial high tech ventures where he was integral in raising venture financing, securing key partnerships and sales, and spearheading several initiatives from product management to business development. Ari began assessing the opportunity for data analytics as a management consultant working with wireless carriers. He has developed web communities and digital media strategies for companies and organizations within healthcare, chemical industry, telecom industry, consumer packaged goods market, and the financial services space. In addition, he has worked with leading research universities to put together strategies and processes for building expert communities to accelerate technology commercialization.

Areas of Expertise

Emerging Technologies
Technology Development
Generation Z
Social Networks
Commercialization

Media Appearances

'Most hated mom' Casey Anthony 'cashing in' with lucrative side hustle: expert

Fox News  online

2025-04-27

Casey Anthony connecting with an audience via Substack. Subscriptions range from $10-$250 for users to interact with her. "People enjoy hate-clicking on things or hate-reading and are fascinated with either the mystery or what they're up to now," said Ari Lightman (Heinz College).

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OpenAI sues Elon Musk claiming 'bad-faith tactics'

BBC  

2025-04-11

OpenAI is suing Elon Musk over claims he has tried "nonstop" to slow down its business for his own benefit. "This is about control. This is about revenue. It's basically about one person saying, 'I want control of that startup," said Ari Lightman (Heinz College).

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Friday’s ‘economic blackout day’ boycott shows shoppers are fed up with high prices. Will it hit retailers where it hurts?

Marketwatch  online

2025-03-28

People on social media are calling for an "economic blackout" today in protest of rising prices. Ari Lightman (Heinz College) says it may inspire counter-protestors. Lightman adds that consumers are "creatures of habit" who love convenience and products delivered to our doorstep.

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Media

Social

Education

Carnegie Mellon University

MBA

Strategy and Entrepreneurship

2000

University of Pittsburgh

M.Sc.

Environmental Engineering

1995

University of Toronto

B.Sc.

Biology

1991