Tech experts discuss AI breakthroughs at UC 1819 Innovation Hub

The event was an 1819 Learning Lab Discover Session designed to help Cincinnati Innovation District partner companies understand emerging technologies and how they can create new opportunities and advantages for their business.

In what was described by attendees as “information-packed,” “compelling” and “engaging,” the event brought together innovation leaders from the greater Cincinnati region to discuss the pros and cons of AI. Presenters and panelists included:

• Peter Mulford, global partner and chief innovation officer with BTS
  
• Melissa Lacefield, principal Azure cloud solution architect, Microsoft
• Madiha Khan, category lead, banking and capital markets, Azure Marketplace, Cloud and AI, Microsoft
• Pete Blackshaw, CEO of Centrifuse
• Kirsten Moorefield, co-founder and COO of Cloverleaf

Much of the panel discussion focused on ChatGPT, which stands for “generative pre-trained transformer.” The software is an AI-driven natural language processing tool developed by OpenAI.

Mulford, who moderated the discussion, explained that since the inception of the World Wide Web, advanced technology has been tracking data. Mulford also shared his thoughts on AI tools including ChatGPT.

“I think there's tremendous opportunity to unlock value so we can all become better business leaders,” he said. “We just need to think creatively about how these incredible tools can open new opportunities, and at the same time, we’ve got really difficult issues, tensions and ethical questions to consider.”

Expanding on his statement, Mulford invited panelists to share their thoughts on what excited them about AI and what concerned them as they segued into the Q&A.  

During the Q&A session, some attendees were enthusiastic about the technologies presented and curious to learn more about the ethical considerations and responsible development of AI to safeguard their businesses from misuse or misinformation.

Moorefield addressed concerns related to how students can use AI to do their homework for them or use AI systems that prompt them to think and help them learn.

“We worry that AI could take over, and that starts on the individual level in how we use it. Will we let it do the thinking for us or will we hold ourselves accountable to use it to make us better critical thinkers?” she said. “And a big part of that is in how we hold AI companies accountable to the data inputs they're using and how transparent they are about those inputs. AI can be used to make humanity stronger, and we get to choose — based on how we use it — if it makes us stronger or weaker."

The presenters cautioned that AI is not intended to replace jobs. Instead, it aims to enhance the impact of employees using human skills like empathy, creativity and engagement. When combined with AI, the panelists noted, these vital human skills can empower employees, entrepreneurs and the nation for the greater good. 

Featured image at top: Peter Mulford, global partner and chief innovation officer with BTS. Photo/Olivia Bransford