As the Co-Founder of AI4Purpose Inc. (https://ai4purpose.com), 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 company journey included a face-to-face kickoff at the Cornell University’s NYC Conference Center, inaugural data science hackathon at the New York University’s Center for Data Science, reaching semi-finalist status of two international digital health contests, pitched digital solutions at Reuters, growing members to be nearly 500, receiving an endorsement from the American Statistical Association’s NYC Metro Chapter to host an AI Workshop, as well as hosting ongoing fireside chats with entrepreneurs. Additional activities involved receiving an AI100 Award, co-chairing the CxO NYC event, and moderating Reuters AI, IMPACCT RWE, etc.
For a half a year old startup, AI4Purpose has been an exhilarating and challenging journey since Summer, 2024. Below are some key pieces of advice based on common 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, setting a clear path for growth and innovation.
2. Build a Welcoming Culture
An enthusiastic team with a can-do attitude is the greatest asset. We have assembled a group of renowned experts who are not only skilled but also share passion and vision. Diversity in skills and perspectives can drive creativity and problem-solving. Foster a collaborative culture where every team member feels valued and motivated. We are also seeing our members have grown well past 400 since our inception.
3. Focus on Engagements
Understanding and addressing customer needs is crucial. Engage with our audience, particularly the future of data science at local institutions to engage to turn our vision and mission “to innovate, to connect, and mentor” into reality. This human-centric design thinking and approach ensures that your solutions are relevant and valuable, increasing the likelihood of market success.
4. Leverage Cutting-Edge Technology
Let’s stay updated with the latest technological advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, data science, real-world applications, and related disciplines. We will understand incorporate state-of-the-art tools and methodologies to maintain a competitive edge. However, balance innovation with practicality in a benefit-risk framework to ensure that the solutions are not only novel, user-friendly and minimally biased.
5. Develop a Robust Business Model
A sustainable business model to scale up (e.g., growing our membership and impact) is essential for long-term successes. We consider various ways that the three pillars of our business can bring values.
6. Conduct Activities Systematically
Partnership is such a critical component for growth, and different activity options with professional organizations including fireside chats, conversations, panels, conferences, and hackathons as we have initiated.
7. Embrace Agility and Adaptability
The startup landscape is broad, dynamic, focused and competitive. The ability to pivot and adapt is crucial. We are prepared to tailor and adapt our strategies based on member input and emerging trends. This flexibility can help you navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
8. Prioritize Ethical Practices
As an AI-focused company, we prioritize ethical considerations. As a community, we will ensure that AI can be transparent, fair, and respect user privacy. Building trust through ethical practices can differentiate your brand and foster long-term loyalty.
9. Network Strategically and Effectively
Building a strong network through technological forums and community engagements. Collaboration with other startups, academic institutions, and industry leaders may accelerate future growth and innovation.
10. Measure and Celebrate Milestones
We hope to set clear milestones and key metrics to track the progress. Although we are still a “youngster” at our infancy, we celebrate key achievements to maintain morale and motivation. We can reflect on successes and learn from failures to continuously improve.
While establishing and growing our organization, I would also like to share the good news that just a few weeks ago while in my hospital, a celebration bell rang, and the staff told me that it was on the very last day of each patient’s treatment. In that instance, a sense of relief and liberation washed over the entire waiting room, and that became a very special moment for all patients to look forward to.
At the same time in my own life to embark on founding AI4Purpose, my months have been filled with the unexpected diagnosis, a battery of endless tests, a jungle of data points in a web of electronic medical records, an extensive set of assessment forms, an uncertainty of prognosis, and a fear of the unknown. The mixture of emotions were constant elements on a daily basis. Life cannot just be built on uncertainty alone, which can throw a wrench from time to time, but on solid science, just as how the diagnosis was brought through unexpected awareness, for which I am forever grateful.
In retrospect, a renowned artificial intelligence expert mentioned the great potential of imaging for early prevention, which prompted me to have a checkup. It is indeed an understatement that the malignant diagnosis and confirmation came as an utter surprise. My fear is now replaced by science, medicine, technology, probability, statistics, survival curve, data science, computer science, oncology, radiology, image-guided surgery, economics, …, and above all, hope, resilience, and triumph.
I have met so many compassionate and caring professionals who made each step a little easier and more bearable. They have made it certain in my mind that a new beginning is waiting ahead! I volunteered to join a biobank study to see if there was anything I could do to help future patients.
Through AI4Purpose’s founding members and rapidly growing network, many have stood by me in this community and across the globe. Their unwavering support, guidance, kindness, and encouragement fueled my determination. At the same time, my colleagues supported my daily trip to the hospital every late afternoon during the final stretch of therapies.
- There were also a few innovations that that came to me mind as a patient:
- Sunglasses for virtual reality goggles while receiving radiation therapies;
- Music that lifts up the spirit (I chose Bruno Mars yesterday);
- Nutritional dishes that are colorful and appetizing.
Let’s make every day count. Embrace life’s journey. Nurture body and soul. Inspire through storytelling. Motivate each other through healthy living. Never take health for granted. However, never stop believing.The celebration bell rang and bright chapters unfold for years to come!
Starting AI4Purpose has been exciting and challenging, but with a clear vision of the three pillars,, a passionate set of talented team members, and a socially focused approach, we can navigate the startup journey successfully. Stay committed to our mission, remain adaptable, and always strive for innovation and ethical practices.
