Reflection: an End-of-Year Message from an AI4Purpose Co-Founder

Reflections on AI4Purpose’s Founding Year

As the Co-Founder of AI4Purpose Inc., a nonprofit organization based in New York City (NYC), I would like to say a warm welcome and celebration, which marks the end of our founding year of 2024. It was a whirlwind of establishing AI4Purpose Inc., to innovate, connect and mentor in artificial intelligence (AI) and related fields.

A few highlights during the first half of our journey included a face-to-face kickoff at Cornell University’s NYC Conference Center, an inaugural data science hackathon at the New York University’s Center for Data Science, reaching semi-finalist status in two international digital health contests, pitching digital solutions at Reuters, growing members to nearly 500, receiving an endorsement from the American Statistical Association’s NYC Metro Chapter to host an AI Workshop, and hosting ongoing fireside chats with entrepreneurs. Additional activities included receiving an AI100 Award, co-chairing the CxO NYC event, and moderating Reuters AI, IMPACCT RWE, and more.

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Key Lessons and Advice for AI Startups

For a half-a-year-old startup, AI4Purpose has been an exhilarating and challenging journey since Summer 2024. Below are some key lessons based on shared experiences and best practices for startups in the AI sector:

1. Identify a Clear Purpose and Vision: A well-defined mission that addresses a specific problem or need is the first step when embarking on a new startup adventure. Our nonprofit organization as a charity will guide your decisions and help attract like-minded team members. Ensure your vision is both ambitious and achievable.
2. Build a Welcoming Culture: An enthusiastic team with a can-do attitude is the greatest asset. Diversity in skills and perspectives drives creativity. We have assembled a group of experts who not only share skills but also passion and vision.
3. Focus on Engagements: Engage with our audience, particularly the next generation of data scientists, to bring our mission — “to innovate, to connect, and to mentor” — into reality. A human-centric approach ensures that solutions are relevant and meaningful.
4. Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology: Stay updated with advancements in AI, ML, deep learning, and data science. Incorporate state-of-the-art tools while maintaining practicality and ethical balance.
5. Develop a Robust Business Model: A sustainable framework for scaling up — such as growing our membership and impact — is essential for long-term success.
6. Conduct Activities Systematically: Partnerships and professional collaborations — from fireside chats to hackathons — help drive momentum and credibility.
7. Embrace Agility and Adaptability: The AI startup landscape evolves rapidly. Flexibility allows us to adjust strategies based on insights and trends.
8. Prioritize Ethical Practices: We ensure AI remains transparent, fair, and respectful of privacy. Ethical rigor builds trust and long-term loyalty.
9. Network Strategically and Effectively: Build relationships across academia, industry, and communities to accelerate innovation.
10. Measure and Celebrate Milestones: Set clear metrics and celebrate achievements to maintain morale. Reflect on both successes and failures to continuously improve.

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Personal Reflections on Resilience and Renewal

While establishing and growing our organization, I would also like to share a deeply personal moment. Just a few weeks ago, while in my hospital, a celebration bell rang — marking the final day of each patient’s treatment. A wave of relief and joy filled the waiting room. That moment became a powerful symbol of hope and healing for everyone there.

At the same time, founding AI4Purpose coincided with an unexpected personal diagnosis — a journey filled with countless tests, data points, and moments of uncertainty. Yet amid this complexity, I found solace in science and technology, where knowledge illuminated a path forward. For that, I am profoundly grateful.

What began as fear has transformed into curiosity, data, collaboration, and — above all — hope, resilience, and triumph. I was inspired by an AI expert’s reminder about imaging for early prevention — a conversation that quite literally changed my life. The diagnosis came as a shock, but today it fuels my purpose even more deeply.

I’ve met compassionate professionals whose care has made every step lighter. I also volunteered to join a biobank study to help future patients. Through AI4Purpose’s growing community, I’ve witnessed how kindness and shared vision can turn adversity into innovation.

During my recovery, a few ideas came to mind as a patient:

• Sunglasses for virtual reality goggles during radiation therapies
• Music that uplifts the spirit (I chose Bruno Mars yesterday)
• Nutritional dishes that are both colorful and healing

Let’s make every day count. Embrace life’s journey. Nurture body and soul. Inspire through storytelling. Motivate through kindness and science. Never take health for granted — but never stop believing. The celebration bell has rung — and new chapters are just beginning.

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Looking Ahead

Starting AI4Purpose has been exciting and challenging, but with a clear vision of our three pillars, a passionate team, and a socially focused approach, we can navigate this journey with confidence. Let’s remain adaptable, innovative, and ethical — building a community where technology serves humanity with purpose.

— Kelly Zou