THE GODFATHER OF TECH

PROFESSOR TIMOTHY E. BATES

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Trusted by Clients

Pioneer

Groundbreaking Projects

Mentor

Leadership & Community

Academic

Fractional CTO & Professor

Tim is a true pioneer in the deployment of immersive intelligent visualization technologies, and it is with great pride that I support him as a thought leader for industry. He is a natural leader and teacher.
I have known Tim for over a decade and I have respected his impressive work in deploying smart technologies at General Motors. As an early adopter of immersive virtual reality, I collaborated with Tim on areas of advanced intelligent technologies that benefit the entirety of industry. Tim continues to influence industrial design and engineering, sharing knowledge on how to apply technology to solve real business problems in industry.

Elizabeth S. Baron
Founder, Immersionary Enterprises LLC
Immersive Realities Global Lead, Ford Motor Company, Ret.

About

The Godfather of Tech, A.K.A. Professor Timothy E. Bates…

Discovered at the age of 13 by the U.S. Marshals Service as a hacker and later recruited by the U.S. Government to train and educate them on how to track down digital pirates and hackers. The Godfather of Tech has a passion that extends beyond his extensive expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Immersive Technologies. His stunning resume includes positions like Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Global Fortune 200 companies, such as Lenovo, (ranked The World’s Most Admired company by Fortune Magazine) and America’s Top Automaker, General Motors. At General Motors, he led groundbreaking projects like the company’s software-defined ecosystem for the Hummer Electric and digital twinning of vehicles to solve problems during the iterative process long before the manufacturing began.

His technical expertise is sought-after and utilized by market-leading organizations, such as Deloitte & Touché LLP, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Dow Chemical, the US Marshals Service, and the US Marine Corps. He currently serves as a Fractional CTO to a number of emerging technology start-ups and is a Professor of Practice for University of Michigan, College of Innovation and Technology.

The Godfather of Tech has received several awards recognizing his contributions and leadership in the technology field. Notably, he has been honored with the BEYA Black Engineers Association Award: Modern-Day Technology Leader, which acknowledges his innovative work and leadership in modern technology developments. He has also received a CIO Award for the GM Layers of Defense Strategy, recognizing his strategic contributions to cybersecurity and defense mechanisms at General Motors. Furthermore, Bates has been distinguished with a CEO Award for Technical Fellow: Immersive Strategy, highlighting his pioneering work in immersive technology strategies. He has received Military Commendations for Cyber Security related activities, acknowledging his contributions to cybersecurity in a military context.

Most importantly he makes time to provide leadership to underserved communities through his work with nonprofits, including Black Tech Saturdays and Taste of Tech.

A tech pioneer in AI, Blockchain, and Immersive Tech, dedicated to uplifting the community.

Tim's exceptional ability to drive innovative technology solutions has consistently positioned him at the forefront of the industry, particularly in the field of immersive technologies. During our time together at General Motors, Tim's passion and drive were unmistakable. He was instrumental in developing pioneering technologies that not only propelled GM forward but often set new industry standards. His role in evaluating future technologies and developing practical use cases, especially around immersive tech, was unparalleled. Tim was the go-to expert for cutting-edge technological initiatives, consistently leading GM into uncharted territories with confidence and foresight. More recently, I have observed Tim's impressive evolution into an AI expert. He has taken his profound knowledge to new heights, applying AI in innovative and impactful ways. His reputation in the Detroit tech community is well-deserved; he is recognized for his deep expertise, extensive network, and his remarkable ability to make complex topics accessible and exciting. Tim’s presentations and discussions are not just informative but also inspire enthusiasm and understanding among his audience. Tim’s approach to technology is not just theoretical; it’s deeply rooted in practical application. This hands-on, results-driven mindset is what sets him apart. He is a brilliant "do-er," someone who applies his vast knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios. This pragmatic approach to innovation is particularly valuable in an educational context, where the bridge between theory and practice is crucial. In summary, Tim Bates is an exceptional professional whose contributions to the field of technology, particularly at General Motors, showcase his outstanding capabilities. His dedication to advancing technology, combined with his ability to engage and inspire those around him, make him an ideal fit for the University of Michigan Flint. His involvement will undoubtedly bring a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic, practical approach to technology education and innovation.

Dan RudmanSenior Engineering Manager, Digital Energy Product Innovation, General Motors