Transforming AI
Building AI That Empowers
2023-Present
AI is being built fast, but not always for us.
It's shaping our futures, our opportunities, and even our identities, often without our input. For too long, AI has been built by a narrow group while historically excluded communities have had little say in shaping its future.
Transforming AI is iFp's initiative to change that.
We equip young innovators, especially from underrecognized groups, to understand how AI works, question who it serves, and take action to shape its future. Through education, research, advocacy, and hands-on innovation, we're co-creating AI for us, by us.
Because if you're not designing the future, you're being designed out of it.
"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
Our Approach
QUESTION IT
Who builds AI? Who benefits? Who gets left out? We teach young innovators to be curious and critical—to ask who algorithms serve, why they matter, and what voices are missing when powerful technology is shaped by so few.
UNDERSTAND IT
How does AI actually work? Where does bias enter? We turn complexity into clarity through hands-on learning, making AI's inner workings accessible so students can identify problems, assess impact, and advocate for change.
REIMAGINE IT
What could AI look like if it served everyone? We create space for young people to envision AI that reflects their values, serves their communities, and builds a more just future—because you can't build what you can't imagine.
BUILD IT
How do we turn vision into reality? From games to web apps to policy proposals, students make their ideas tangible—proving that a different AI future isn't just possible, it's already being created.
TRANSFORMING AI PROJECTS
This initiative comes to life through interconnected projects— from community dialogues to student research, from interactive games to policy advocacy. Each explores different facets of AI's impact and amplifies youth voice in shaping its future.
DIALOGUE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
TRANSFORMING AI SUMMITS
2023-Present
Annual gatherings showcasing student research, featuring leading voices in AI ethics, and building connections between emerging innovators and industry leaders. Past speakers include Dr. Nettrice Gaskins, Dr. Joy Buolamwini, and Dr. Ehi XXX. Each summit marks a milestone in expanding youth leadership in AI conversations.
VIEW SUMMIT ARCHIVES
CREATIVE & INTERACTIVE PROJECTS
RESOURCES AND ADVOCACY
OBLIVION
2025 - Present
A 2D side-scrolling platformer where players navigate a city divided by a powerful AI system. Following Alex's search for his missing sister, players experience the iFp design process—Question it. Understand it. Reimagine it. Build it— through gameplay. The game explores what happens when powerful technology remains in the hands of a corrupt few, inviting players to think like designers and imagine alternatives.
AI WEB PROJECTS
2024 - Present
Interactive web experiences exploring AI's impact through storytelling and design:
AI Adventure – Choose-your-own-path story exploring ethical AI dilemmas and their consequences.
Get the Word Out – Social media campaign amplifying youth perspectives on AI bias and algorithmic accountability.
Our Earth – Interactive visualization examining AI's environmental impact and sustainable alternatives.
EXPLORE WEB PROJECTS
AI AND US TOWN HALL
2025-Present
Community conversations bringing together diverse voices—students, educators, business leaders, and residents—to explore AI's impact and imagine more equitable futures. Gatherings feature panel discussions, youth showcases, and a community commitment wall where attendees share their hopes, concerns, and commitments for AI's future.
VIEW TOWN HALL ARCHIVES