Steering AI Towards a Responsible Future

Artificial Intelligence

LEADERS INSIGHT

Neema Balolebwami

Who did we interview?

Neema, Founder of EMEA Venture Builder, specializes in crafting AI solutions for businesses. As a Data Scientist, Web Developer, and Economist, she's deeply invested in realizing AI's potential while prioritizing ethical practices. Neema is a compelling speaker, advocating for the responsible use of AI in shaping a beneficial future for all. Her unique blend of technical skills and commitment to ethical AI makes her a leading figure in the field.

Neema Balolebwami Nelly

Let us quickly get to our expert's point of view.

• Ques 1 : How did you first become interested in artificial intelligence, and what motivated you to pursue a career in this field?

  Ans : The AI industry is one of the fastest-growing and most promising fields. Working in AI provides me with constant intellectual challenges as I engage in solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions. This requires continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements. I love using data to help businesses. I studied for two master's degrees—one in Economy Management and the other in Business Research. After starting my own company, EMEA Venture Builder, I realized I needed to learn how to code. Then, I completed training as both a Data Scientist and a Full-Stack Web Developer.

  The rapid progress in machine learning and deep learning algorithms has played a pivotal role in driving the growth of the AI industry, enabling machines to learn from data, recognize patterns, and make intelligent decisions. Pursuing this career in AI allows me not only to solve complex problems but also to collaborate with entities for a disruptive digital transformation.

• Ques 2 : AI has made significant advancements in recent years. What are some of the most exciting breakthroughs or developments you've witnessed?

  Ans : I'm truly fascinated by the use of AI in healthcare. We've developed a special tool that swiftly identifies a disease called Crohn's and distinguishes between type 1 Ulcerative Colitis and type 2 Crohn's Disease in less than a minute. Medical professionals sometimes face challenges in identifying this disease early on because the symptoms are very similar. Our AI tool plays a crucial role in diagnosing it, marking a significant step forward. This solution enhances the diagnoses and tailors treatments to individuals. The more we integrate AI, the better we can care for people and keep them healthy.

• Ques 3 : How can we leverage AI in 2024? What is the best event that you attended recently? What were your key takeaways?

  Ans : Looking ahead to 2024, the key lies in ethical AI development. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at TechBBQ in Copenhagen and DevCon in Bucharest, where I talked about how to unleash the power of AI through ethical considerations. I emphasized the importance of training the AI model with an unbiased dataset, ensuring the use of diverse information to avoid discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or geopolitical location. I highlighted the need for transparency throughout the entire data journey, from collection to AI deployment. Also, I pointed out that human values should be at the core of AI development. The future will bring the best of AI working collaboratively with humans to enable the best capabilities from human-machine teams.

• Ques 4 : As an AI leader, what challenges and opportunities do you see on the horizon for the AI field in the coming years?

  Ans : The rapid evolution of AI requires leaders, including myself, to be flexible and open to new changes. Nowadays, employees are using AI for tasks such as creating content, debugging codes, and outlining key insights. Sometimes, it might be tempting for leaders to resist this change, especially given that most companies are traditionally structured for operational excellence rather than adaptability.

  
  

  Adaptability is key to addressing these new challenges, and we need to embrace it. As a leader, while developing AI, it is my responsibility to ensure that the AI models are designed and implemented ethically and transparently during the entire lifecycle of development, starting from the collection of data, when the algorithm begins to process and make decisions, to the deployment of the AI.

• Ques 5 : AI often intersects with other technologies, such as robotics and IoT. What are some exciting AI-related projects or applications that you've been involved with or have observed recently?

  Ans : Using smart machines, robots, and internet-connected devices together is bringing exciting new ideas. When I see how these things help companies with different needs, it makes me even more committed to making sure everyone can benefit from these technologies.

  
  

  I was part of a cool project to make recycling clothes easier, finding out where the clothes came from by scanning the materials and identifying used electronics by scanning a barcode. The goal was to ensure old things get reused or recycled properly. We developed a mobile application powered with AI to help identify the origins of fabrics and electronics in minutes with just a scan. This not only saves time in the recycling industry but also increases precision while taking care of our environment.

  
  

  This AI solution makes recycling faster and better. It's an example of how working together with technology can make a big difference in how we do things.

• Ques 6 : Could you recommend any books, research papers, or other resources for individuals interested in delving deeper into AI innovation?

  Ans : I recommend exploring books like :

  • "Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control" by Stuart Russell

  • “Ethics for Artificial Intelligence Books" by Paula Boddington

• Ques 7 : What’s your success mantra?

  Ans : Working smart, being open-minded, and creating a space for upskilling.