Transforming AI Summit 2023

In summer 2023, we began a deep dive into AI that would become our next initiative. This gathering, originally the Summer Showcase, is now recognized as the first in our annual Transforming AI Summit series.

The Cambridge Foundry buzzed as iFp Emerging Innovators unveiled early research into AI's biggest challenges: Bias in AI, AI Ethics, Creative Innovations in AI, AI for Social Impact, and Demystifying AI. Students showcased their findings through videos, case studies, demos, and a card game. And since we love pushing our limits, a web app was launched to expand the reach of the research.

The showcase featured a fireside chat with Dr. Nettrice Gaskins, a digital artist, academic, cultural critic, and advocate for STEAM fields, during which she shared her inspiring work featured in the Smithsonian and 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.

WHAT THIS SUMMIT LAUNCHED

The 2023 gathering marked the beginning of Transforming AI as a movement. This inaugural summit sparked:

  • Annual Transforming AI Summit tradition

  • AI student research program

  • Expanded partnerships with industry and academic leaders

  • Web-based AI education resources

  • Youth-led investigations into AI equity and justice.

As we strive for more equitable AI, these two pioneering women—Dr. Nettrice Gaskins and Dr. Joy Buolamwini showed the way. And iFp Emerging Innovators are walking closely in their footsteps.