Issue #22: Synapse balances power and purpose of AI
Hello everyone!? As we come together once again to share our latest updates, it's impossible to ignore the harrowing backdrop of recent global events. As the world grapples with the abject horror inflicted upon Palestinians, we also find ourselves deeply troubled by the way technology has been weaponized in this conflict. From algorithmic filter bubbles to targeted Google ads and doctored footage, we are reminded of the grave consequences of the unchecked and irresponsible design and deployment of emerging technology.??
It is an axiomatic fact that technology is not objective, nor is neutral. And as it is our duty to be mindful of its? biases, we have published a new techQualia article about the intricate web of ethical concerns surrounding AI models in the MENA region.?
This month, we also honor our commitment to bridging the AI literacy gap by providing you with a comprehensive overview of Synapse’'s most recent initiatives, aimed at enhancing the accessibility, safety, and adoption of AI technology.
In this issue: ?
1. The AI Journey: “Business ??????? " Podcast featuring Ahmed Abaza
Our very own Synapse Analytics Co-Founder & CEO, Ahmed Abaza, was featured in the latest podcast from Business ???????. In the episode, Ahmed spoke to Ahmed Rashad about his journey leading up to the founding of Synapse Analytics, the challenges of leading a startup in the AI space, the current state of AI in the region, and its potential impact on our future.
You can watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dKyXEcjK
2. Space and Tech: The NASA Space App Challenge, judged by Synapsers
Our exceptional Machine Learning Lead, Nezar El-Kady , had the pleasure of judging an AI panel for the NASA Space App Challenge administered by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration at The American University in Cairo earlier this week.
This challenge brought together over 150 teams to develop innovative solutions to challenges facing space exploration and Earth science. They developed outstanding solutions for about 30 different space challenges from NASA this year.
As always, we thrive on interdisciplinarity and discussing technological interventions in various industries. Congratulations to all the winners and a big thank you to everyone who allowed us this opportunity and for making this event a success!
Nasa Space Apps Challenge: https://lnkd.in/drWNbD29
3. Investing in Africa 2023! Galal Elbeshbishy at Nclude London
Our Synapse Analytics Co-Founder, Galal Elbeshbishy, got the chance to pitch our projects and solutions, as well as participate in panel discussions at the flagship event AFSIC - Investing in Africa 2023 x Nclude
#AFSIC has represented an enormous opportunity at Nclude to support the Egyptian startup ecosystem.?
Nclude’s Senior Principal Rana Abdel Latif also gave her insights on the ‘Egypt investment summit’ panel, explaining that despite current slowdowns in funding, VC continues to attract funding in Egypt, especially when it comes to fintech, eCommerce and logistics-focused startups.
Thank you to Nclude for having us become a part of this incredible opportunity!
4. AI CONVERSATIONS
I. Siemens AI Talk: AI In Supply Chain
This month, our General Manager, Ahmed Nabih , and our Senior Data Science Consultant, Mostafa Attia , represented Synapse Analytics at the Siemens AI Talk.
After giving a comprehensive overview of AI, Nabih and Attia? conducted a detailed exploration of Optical Recognition technology (OCR), examining both its advancements and diverse applications. To make the experience even more engaging, they included a live demonstration.
The discussion also extended to the domain of Large Language Models (LLMs). They emphasized its significance and highlighted how it differs from conventional language models. They also discussed the real-world applications, benefits, and implications of LLMs.
The presentation concluded with an insightful end-to-end use-case walkthrough. This segment involved a breakdown of the framework, a thorough exploration of solution integration encompassing installation, deployment and maintenance, and an assessment of the resulting benefits and impact. The team also discussed the future possibilities and potential enhancements in this dynamic field.
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II. Data With Purpose Summit – by NOVA IMS (Information Management School)
Our General Manager, Ahmed Nabih , also represented Synapse Analytics at the Data with Purpose Summit – Cairo Edition by NOVA IMS (Information Management School). At the summit, he delivered a presentation that focused on "Bridging the Gap: AI-Enabled Credit Scoring for Greater Financial Inclusion.”?
He also participated in a panel discussion that focused on preparing organizations for artificial intelligence (AI) alongside Miguel Castro Neto - NOVA IMS Dean & Professor at NOVA IMS & NOVA Cidade: Urban Analytics Lab, Allam Aly - Senior Solution Consultant - Smart Industries at Orange Business Services, and Mohamed Nour - CTO of Sumerge. Throughout the panel, they touched upon data privacy, the state of AI in Egypt, various current use cases, and briefly discussed ChatGPT and Generative AI.
?III. Generative AI in Action by STEM Entrepreneurship Center
The STEM Entrepreneurship Center r hosted the Cairo AI Meetup Version 2, where they discussed "Generative AI in Action: Invest in AI."
Our Growth Manager, Mohamed Abaza , took part in a deeply informative panel discussion as part of the TechPreneur.ai Program organized by the STEM Entrepreneurship Center.
The panel's primary focus was on the current state of AI in Egypt, highlighting use cases implemented within the country, discussing what investors seek in AI companies, how both startups and large enterprises can invest in AI, approaches to implementing ethical AI with a focus on data privacy and bias, and providing insights on how students and employees can get into a career in AI.
5.? Synapse Analytics at CES Career & University Day
Mohamed Abaza, our Growth Manager, and Kanzy Ibrahim, our People and Culture Specialist, represented Synapse Analytics at the CES Career & University Day.
The Career & University Day at CES brought together a diverse array of companies representing various industries, providing students with a unique opportunity to gain insights into critical aspects of career development and academic choices. These insights encompassed career paths aligned with the students' fields of interest, the pivotal connections between academic studies and industry preferences, essential attitudes and approaches for achieving success in their chosen careers, and the multitude of prospects available, including student internships and specialized programs.?
This event was a great opportunity for students to expand their awareness and knowledge and gave them the chance to take important steps towards more informed decisions regarding their academic and professional journeys.
Two years ago, Azkavision Product Manager Marco Rizk wrote an article titled “Unpacking unethical algorithms, biases, and more”. In the article, he dove deep into what happens when models fail in production and unpack the human cost of it all – especially in the Middle East.?
AI adoption, in general, promises improved services and operations, benefiting both organizations and their customers. However, when AI models fail in real-world applications, the consequences can be dangerous posing life-changing scenarios for individuals. This month, he’s updated the article to offer some more insights into the why and how AI models may fail.
?Marco guides us through the various biases 'encoded by the data,' revealing shocking insights. By exploring the ever-evolving tech landscape, he prompts us to critically assess AI's impact on our lives and the societal biases it reflects.
Click here to read the full article: https://www.synapse-analytics.io/post/decoding-algorithmic-bias-how-ai-models-foster-discrimination
7. A CALL FOR WRITERS
We need you! Why? Because we publish at the intersection between tech and society—the human mind and its artificial counterpart. If you have an idea that you think bridges the gap between the tech scene’s empirical study of Artificial Intelligence and philosophy’s reflective study of human experience in the world, you’ve come to the right place.
We welcome pitches for feature articles, reviews, or blog posts with a word length between 800 and 1500 words. If you find it fascinating, we probably will too!
If you are interested in submitting a pitch for us to consider, head over to our website and fill in the form below.
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