We had the good fortune of connecting with Jing Yang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jing, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for Paper Copilot was inspired by a pressing need to better understand how technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is evolving across academia and industry. As AI continues to reshape our world, I recognized the growing demand for a platform that could provide clarity on its development—tracking advancements through metrics like publication keywords, frequency, and affiliations. While AI is currently a major focus, it’s only one part of a much larger vision. The ultimate goal for Paper Copilot is to create a platform that tracks technological progress across all fields in real-time, offering comprehensive insights into innovation trends and their impact.
I began with AI because of its unprecedented pace of advancement and the increasing synergy between academic research and industry applications. However, my broader ambition is to extend the platform’s scope, enabling users to gain a global perspective on how innovation unfolds across various technological domains.
At its core, my thought process revolved around one fundamental question: How can we make sense of the rapid pace of technological development across disciplines? Paper Copilot was designed to address this challenge, acting as a centralized hub where users can explore trends, uncover collaborations, and understand the bigger picture of how technology evolves.
The vision for Paper Copilot is to create something both practical and transformative—a resource that empowers researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to make informed decisions, identify trends, and see the interconnectedness of technological advancement. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, my goal is to foster a more transparent, data-driven understanding of how technology progresses and where it’s heading.
More than just a resource, Paper Copilot is a lens into the evolution of technology. It enables users to stay informed, spot trends, and contribute meaningfully to the dynamic and transformative landscape of innovation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a dynamic journey, intertwining research, innovation, and unique experiences that span across various fields. What sets me apart is not just my technical expertise but also the diverse opportunities that have shaped my perspective and approach to problem-solving. From my academic work to my involvement with global events like the Olympics, the NBA, and the G20, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to projects and initiatives that require collaboration, adaptability, and a focus on excellence.

Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Southern California’s Vision & Graphics Lab, where I collaborate with esteemed professors on cutting-edge research in Light Stage technology and machine learning. My work focuses on advancing material representation and light interaction in digital environments, which directly informs my broader ambition: bridging the gap between academia and industry through innovative tools like Paper Copilot. This platform, which tracks and visualizes technological progress, has already attracted a global audience, with users from over 165 countries exploring its insights.

In addition to my academic and entrepreneurial work, my roles at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the NBA, and the G20 Summit have been defining experiences. These opportunities taught me the importance of teamwork, cross-cultural communication, and adaptability—skills that have directly contributed to my professional growth. Being part of such prestigious and high-stakes events has also reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration to achieve extraordinary outcomes.

The path to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Like many, I’ve faced challenges, including moments of uncertainty. However, I’ve been fortunate to receive invaluable suggestions and support from the broader research community. Their feedback, combined with lessons learned from both successes and setbacks, has been instrumental in helping me refine my work and push forward.

A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of persistence and staying open to new ideas. Whether it’s through academic research, real-world applications, or global events, I’ve seen firsthand how resilience and collaboration can overcome even the toughest challenges.

What I want the world to know about me and Paper Copilot is that it’s about more than just a resource—it’s about understanding the bigger picture of innovation and making that knowledge accessible to everyone. My story is one of passion, adaptability, and a belief in building bridges—whether they connect people, industries, or ideas.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d want to give them an unforgettable mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and some of my personal favorite spots in the area. Here’s how I’d plan our week:

Day 1: Classic LA Vibes
We’d kick things off with a morning hike at Runyon Canyon to take in those sweeping views of the city and the Hollywood sign. After working up an appetite, we’d head to Republique for brunch—their pastries and French-inspired menu are unbeatable. In the afternoon, we’d explore the Griffith Observatory, soaking up both the science and the incredible sunset view of LA. For dinner, I’d take them to Bestia, where the Italian food and atmosphere are as vibrant as the city itself.

Day 2: Beach Day
No LA trip is complete without some time by the water. We’d start at Santa Monica Pier for the classic beach-town feel, then bike down to Venice Beach to enjoy the street performers, quirky shops, and local art scene. For lunch, we’d grab poke bowls at Sweetfin. The evening would end with a seafood dinner at The Lobster, where you can watch the sun set over the ocean.

Day 3: Arts & Culture
We’d dive into the city’s artsy side with a visit to The Getty or The Broad museum, both offering world-class collections and stunning architecture. Lunch would be at Grand Central Market, where you can find everything from tacos to ramen. In the afternoon, we’d explore the vibrant murals and shops in the Arts District. Dinner would be at Majordōmo, David Chang’s inventive Korean-American spot that’s perfect for foodies.

Day 4: Day Trip to Malibu
We’d drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu for a scenic day. A visit to the Getty Villa would combine art, history, and beautiful views. For lunch, we’d hit up Malibu Farm on the pier for fresh, locally-sourced food. The afternoon would be spent relaxing on the beach or hiking in Point Dume State Beach. Dinner would be at Nobu Malibu, with its unbeatable sushi and oceanfront location.

Day 5: Fun & Entertainment
This day would be all about classic LA fun. We’d start with a studio tour at Warner Bros. Studio to get a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood magic. Lunch would be burgers at In-N-Out (because you have to!). The afternoon would be for exploring The Grove for shopping and people-watching. At night, we’d catch a live show at the Hollywood Bowl or enjoy a comedy night at The Comedy Store.

Day 6: Nature & Food Adventure
We’d venture to Topanga Canyon for a mix of nature and bohemian vibes. A morning hike at Topanga State Park would be followed by brunch at Inn of the Seventh Ray, a dreamy spot surrounded by nature. The afternoon would be for relaxing or exploring nearby boutique shops. Dinner would be a foodie adventure in Koreatown, indulging in BBQ at Quarters Korean BBQ or fried chicken at Kyochon.

Day 7: Hidden Gems & Farewell
On the final day, we’d explore some of my favorite hidden gems. We’d start at Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice for boutique shopping and coffee at Blue Bottle. For lunch, we’d head to Guelaguetza, a James Beard-winning Oaxacan restaurant. The afternoon would include a visit to LACMA or the La Brea Tar Pits, depending on their interests. For a farewell dinner, we’d dine at Spago in Beverly Hills for a truly iconic experience.

Throughout the week, we’d make time for coffee stops at Intelligentsia or Alfred Coffee and dessert runs to places like Milk Bar or Salt & Straw for ice cream. LA is a city with something for everyone, and I’d make sure their visit was packed with unforgettable experiences!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe immense gratitude to the many people and influences that have shaped my journey. First and foremost, I want to recognize Minnie Ma for introducing me to this incredible opportunity with Shoutout LA and for her unwavering support throughout my journey. Her encouragement has been truly invaluable.

I’m also deeply thankful to the broader community of researchers, professionals, and peers who have generously shared their insights and suggestions. Their feedback and collective wisdom have been instrumental in shaping Paper Copilot and ensuring it continues to meet the needs of its users.

Additionally, books and thought leaders in innovation and technology have significantly shaped my perspective. Their explorations of the intersections between technology, human progress, and creativity have inspired the foundation of my vision for Paper Copilot.

This shoutout is for everyone who has been part of my journey—whether directly or indirectly. Your impact has been profound, and I couldn’t have come this far without you.

Website: https://jingyangcarl.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jingyangcarl/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/jingyangcarl

Other: Github: https://github.com/jingyangcarl

Paper Copilot:

Site: http://papercopilot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercopilot
Linkedin: https://jingyangcarl.com/
Github: https://github.com/papercopilot

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.