Seminar: P. Anandan, Translating AI Innovations into Solutions in the Global South

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This is a hybrid event, being held in the Computer Science Building, Rm. 150/151, and on Zoom. 

Speaker

P. Anandan

Title

Translating AI Innovations into Solutions in the Global South

Abstract

According to Kentaro Toyama, technology predominantly acts as an amplifier of human effort and the strength of institutions. In this presentation, will share examples from India and other developing nations that demonstrate how AI-powered solutions are being designed, implemented, and scaled to improve people's lives, in manner consistent with Kentaro’s observation.

Each project narrative will explore how specific problems were selected, the significant constraints and opportunities encountered during the design and development phases, and the approaches taken for implementation. The discussion will also address the challenges and possibilities associated with scaling these solutions.

A central lesson from these experiences is the necessity for what I call “radical collaboration.” This involves bringing together a diverse group of contributors—technology specialists, implementing organizations, subject matter experts, donors, and government agencies. Through these case studies, I will illustrate how such deep collaboration can turn AI-driven innovations into effective solutions for challenges in the developing world.

Bio

Padmanabhan Anandan '87PhD is the ex-CEO of Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence, an independent not-for-profit Research institute focused on developing artificial intelligence based applications for social good. He was formerly vice president for research at Adobe Systems and prior to that distinguished scientist and managing director of Microsoft Research. He was managing director at Microsoft Research India, which he founded in January 2005 in Bangalore. He joined Microsoft Research in Redmond, Washington in 1997, where he founded and built the Interactive Visual Media group. He was also previously a professor of Computer Science at Yale University. Anandan received a doctoral degree in computer science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is the recipient of the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences Outstanding Achievement and Advocacy Award. 

Pizza lunch will be available.