The official governing document of The Deep-Tech Community, establishing our mission, membership, and organizational structure.
The name of this organization shall be Deep Tech Community (hereinafter referred to as the "Community" or the "Association").
The Deep Tech Community is dedicated to accelerating progress in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep tech — defined as technologies rooted in substantial scientific or engineering advances, including but not limited to quantum computing, robotics, advanced materials, synthetic biology, climate tech, and next-generation computing.
The purposes of the Association include, but are not limited to:
The principal office of the Deep Tech Community shall be located in Palo Alto, California. The Executive Committee may change the location of the principal office and establish additional offices as necessary or appropriate for the conduct of the Association's activities.
Membership is strictly by invitation or nomination and is limited to individuals whose work has significantly contributed to innovation and progress in AI, ML, or deep technologies. Eligible members typically meet one or more of the following qualifications:
Membership decisions are based on merit, alignment with the Association's values, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the Community's mission.
The Association may include the following categories of membership:
The Executive Committee may create, modify, or discontinue membership categories as needed.
Membership is by invitation, nomination, or application. All nominations or applications must be reviewed by the Membership Committee and approved by a majority vote of the Executive Committee or a delegated review panel. The Association reserves the right to request supporting materials or conduct interviews as part of the review process.
The Association may cap the number of active members to preserve quality, diversity, and active engagement.
Members in good standing shall be entitled to:
Members are expected to:
Any member may resign by submitting written notice to the Secretary or Membership Committee. Resignation is effective upon receipt of such notice.
Membership may be suspended or terminated for cause, including but not limited to:
Decisions on suspension or termination shall be made by the Executive Committee after appropriate review and due process. The affected member shall be notified in writing and given an opportunity to respond before final action is taken.
Led by appointed leaders with recognized expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and deep-tech innovation, the Deep Tech Community curates a suite of exclusive events designed to foster high-value collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic alignment among its members. These gatherings are integral to the Association's mission of accelerating innovation and cultivating a globally connected ecosystem of technical thought leaders.
The Association facilitates a range of carefully curated meetings and convenings, including but not limited to:
All members are encouraged to actively participate in meetings and contribute to the intellectual and collaborative fabric of the Association. Participation may include speaking, hosting, moderating discussions, or contributing to working groups. Certain gatherings may be limited to specific membership categories or roles, based on topic relevance or confidentiality requirements.
Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or in hybrid formats, at intervals determined by the Executive Committee. Notice of meetings, including agendas and participation details, shall be provided to members via electronic communication no less than ten (10) days in advance, unless otherwise specified by these Bylaws or waived by unanimous consent.
The Association may, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, establish membership dues, fees, or special assessments to support its programs, events, or operational needs. All dues shall be used solely for the advancement of the Association's mission as a non-profit organization.
If dues or assessments are established, members shall be notified of the amount, payment schedule, and acceptable methods of payment. Members shall have at least thirty (30) days' notice prior to any payment deadline. Failure to pay dues within a reasonable time may result in suspension or termination of membership, subject to Executive Committee review.
The Executive Committee may waive, reduce, or defer dues or assessments for specific members or categories of membership based on financial hardship, exceptional contribution, or other relevant considerations.
Membership dues and assessments, once paid, are non-refundable, including in the case of resignation, ineligibility, or termination.
The Executive Committee shall serve as the principal governing body of the Association. It shall be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, policy-making, financial stewardship, and organizational priorities of the Deep Tech Community. The Committee acts in service of the Association's mission and ensures its activities align with the principles of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
The Executive Committee shall consist of no fewer than [3] and no more than [9] members, including the Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer. Committee members shall be selected based on their expertise, leadership in the deep tech sector, and commitment to the Association's mission. Additional roles (e.g., Director of Membership, Director of Programs) may be established by majority vote.
Members of the Executive Committee shall be appointed by existing Committee members or a designated Nominations Committee. The initial Chairperson of the Executive Committee was appointed by consensus among early contributors to the Association and affirmed by majority vote at the first convening of the Committee. Members shall be selected based on their demonstrated leadership in AI, ML, and deep tech fields, as well as their commitment to the Association's values of excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Additional roles may be defined and assigned as needed.
The Executive Committee shall meet at least quarterly. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson or by a majority of Committee members. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Decisions shall be made by majority vote of those present, unless otherwise specified in these Bylaws.
Any Committee member may resign by providing written notice to the Chairperson. A member may be removed for cause — such as misconduct, repeated absence, or breach of fiduciary duty — by a two-thirds vote of the remaining Committee members.
Executive Committee members shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their duties, subject to prior approval.
Meetings of the Executive Committee or members may be held electronically, including by video or phone conference, as long as all participants can hear one another and fully participate. Participation via electronic means shall be considered equivalent to in-person attendance. Notice, quorum, and voting requirements apply equally to electronic meetings.
The Association may use electronic communication—including email, messaging platforms, and other digital tools—for official notices, voting, recordkeeping, and internal coordination. Members are responsible for maintaining up-to-date contact information and checking communications regularly.
The Association shall operate exclusively as a nonprofit organization. All funds received by the Association, whether from membership dues, donations, grants, or other sources, shall be used solely to further its mission and objectives.
The fiscal year of the Association shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year.
The Treasurer shall maintain accurate and complete financial records, prepare quarterly financial statements, and present an annual report to the Executive Committee. All financial transactions shall require proper documentation and approval according to policies set by the Executive Committee.
An annual budget shall be prepared by the Treasurer and approved by the Executive Committee prior to the start of each fiscal year. Any expenditure not included in the approved budget must receive Executive Committee approval.
The Association's financial records shall be subject to an annual review or audit by an independent auditor or a committee appointed by the Executive Committee.
No part of the net earnings of the Association shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, officers, or other private persons, except that the Association may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and reimburse expenses incurred in carrying out its purposes.
The Association shall indemnify and hold harmless any director, officer, or member acting in good faith on behalf of the Association against expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with Association activities, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Whenever notice is required to be given under applicable law or this document, a written waiver signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.
© 2024 The Deep-Tech Community. All rights reserved.
Last updated: December 2024