Bodegas TV Debuts NYC's First In-Store Video Network at Innovation Summit

Summit Programming

Panels will explore four pillars of bodega modernization, all anchored in the “Sovereign Bodega” thesis - modernization without displacement, technology without erasure:

• Media Tech & AI: Transforming storefronts into hyper-local media hubs through decentralized broadcasting and intelligent automation.
• FinTech: Deploying integrated financial systems and frictionless micro-payments that unlock new revenue streams for small businesses.
• Security: AI-powered ambient systems that protect assets while enhancing the customer experience.
• Infrastructure: Synchronizing inventory, data, and content across distributed physical locations.

Panelists Include

• Andre Ureña - Co-Founder & Chairman, Centro AI; Founder, Latin American Professional Alliance 30+ years across insurance, fintech, real estate, and technology.
• Milbert Kiggundu-Bentham - Co-Founder & CEO, Alvix Advisory Former Bank of America executive leading digital engagement for millions of small-business clients.
• Samira O. - Founder, Building Experimental AI Products AI strategy background spanning Amazon, Scale AI, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania.
• Charlie Barnet - Co-Founder, World Mobile (MVNO) Built a family telecom business to $100M+ in revenue across multiple continents.
• Arabel Alva Rosales, J.D. - President & CEO, AAR Tech Former Acting Chairman of the Chicago Transit Authority; host of Chic Innovator podcast.
• Jean Michael Lif - Co-Founder, RDÉ Harvard-trained policy analyst; Cultural Ambassador of the Museo de Arte Moderno in Santo Domingo.
• Riya Goel - Investment Banker, Bank of America; Founder, Barnard Investment Group
• Steve Yanovsky - Founder, Brand Alchemy. Media innovation veteran with experience leading digital strategies for Apple, ESPN, Microsoft Xbox, Pepsi, Unilever, and Atlantic Records. Co-founder of DriverTV, the automotive industry’s first contextual video-on-demand network, acquired by NBCUniversal.

Quotes

Our bodegas are always open. They are the ones who are building relationships, community, and they are the ones creating jobs.” 

- Vanessa Gibson, Bronx Borough President

Technology is something we can all integrate into our businesses. We are in every corner and we are here to stay.

- Carlos Collado, National Supermarket Association, Bodega and Small Business Association

Bodegas are institutions that are highly community focused. I care because I’m a member of the world community, and I support small businesses. 

I’m amazed by the level of support from all the participants and bodega owners and people who are part of Tech Week, and the amount of commitment and resolve to protect bodegas. People really love and care about bodegas, this is the beginning for bodegas to involve more technology.

- Ozzie Cortes, Cortes Global Equity Partners, LLC

About the Co-Host & Partners

Bodega & Small Business Group (BSBG): Led by President Francisco Marte, BSBG represents thousands of NYC bodega owners and serves as the community anchor for this initiative.

Cortes Global Equity Partners, LLC: Ozzie Cortes serves as Founder & CEO and is listed as an Investor & Advisor on Bodegas TV project. He is also an Associate at Tech Ranch Austin.

About Bodegas.TV

Bodegas.TV is a smart-screen video network deploying inside NYC’s bodegas, delivering hyper-local media, advertising campaigns, and AI-curated content directly to the point of purchase. ThThis network targets Latino and urban communities, contributing to $45 billion in annual spending in NYC's corner stores.he launch at NYTechWeek marks the beginning of a planned expansion to 500 bodegas by end of 2026, and 2,000 bodegas within three years.

For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, contact:

Maria Probert

Bodegas TV

Email Contact | (332)222-6640