Making Inclusion the Heart & Soul of AI
The Challenge
How Might We transform AI from a technology where inclusion is not just an aspiration, but the primary catalyst for innovation?
Lead Project Sponsor(s)
TBD
Timeline
July 2023 - Present
"Our growing agitation over bias, lack of diversity, and unequal access in AI compels us to demand change; this technology is too crucial to our future for it to remain flawed."
- iFp Emerging Innovators
Problem Statement
AI is revolutionizing our world, but its benefits are not reaching everyone equally. While some communities thrive, others, particularly those with limited resources and exposure to technology, remain on the outside. This growing divide not only limits opportunities for innovation and advancement but also threatens to deepen existing social, cultural, and economic disparities.
Disrupt.
disruption is the language we speak.
In the realm of AI, our disruption goes beyond technological breakthroughs; it's about dismantling barriers to inclusion. We harness diversity and inclusion as the engines of innovation, directly confronting systemic biases and unequal access. Our mission is not just to challenge the status quo but to create a new paradigm where traditionally sidelined voices are key to AI's evolution, leading to a diverse and innovative future.
Empower.
Empowerment makes our heartbeat.
Empowerment is the cornerstone of our mission, transforming observers into AI innovators. Through workshops, dialogues, and resources, we integrate diverse perspectives into AI development, catalyzing a shift towards an inclusive AI landscape. This approach ensures AI innovations reflect our collective vision for a diverse world, making technology a tool for amplifying everyone's potential.
creativity meets innovation
Our summer showcase revealed the beginning stages of Transforming AI. The Cambridge Foundry was buzzing as our Innovators unveiled early research, showcasing their findings through an array of methods including videos, case studies, demos, and a card game. And since we love pushing our limits, a web app is under development to expand the reach of the research. The showcase included a fireside chat with Dr. Nettrice Gaskins, a digital artist, academic, cultural critic, and advocate of STEAM fields, where she shared her inspiring work, which has been featured in the Smithsonian and other museums across the country.
"Anybody with access can use a tool, but to get better output artists are needed. Always."
— Dr. Nettrice Gaskins
Addressing the Bias
Adding to the excitement, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist and poet of code, made a surprise appearance. Her Ted Talk on algorithmic bias has garnered over 1.4 million views, and her MIT thesis methodology uncovered large racial and gender bias in AI services from companies like Microsoft, IBM, and Amazon. As a result, in 2020 these companies stepped back from selling facial recognition technology to law enforcement.
We have been studying Dr. Joy's trailblazing work for more than four years and are proud to honor her as one of the “Geniuses" in our upcoming Genius installation.
Innovate.
Innovation is what we do.
Innovation, for us, is not an end but a means to achieve a more inclusive, equitable future. Our approach to AI development is rooted in community-centric solutions that address the broad spectrum of societal challenges. By placing inclusion at the center of our innovation process, we ensure that every technological advancement reflects and respects diverse needs. Our commitment to inclusive innovation is about ensuring that AI serves as a bridge to a future where technology amplifies the potential of everyone.
Leading the Charge
Pioneers of Inclusive AI
Our iFp Emerging Innovators are redefining AI, placing inclusion at the forefront of every innovation. Their blend of creativity, technical skill, and social impact is reshaping the AI landscape, setting new standards for community engagement. They're not just part of the AI revolution; they're leading it, creating an AI ecosystem that's democratic, accessible, and transformative, actively building an inclusive AI future.
“Generative AI is giving us a chance to stop working in siloes. Many people in this room go back to their companies and think about corporate responsibility, and I want to expand that to creating shared value in companies by seeking out the community and the people here. I think that’s important, and I’m excited to see what comes next.” - iFp Emerging Innovator Jennat