Why AI needs a little Hoosier hospitality
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Local tech leaders want to see Hoosiers play a pivotal role in the ongoing AI conversation.
Why it matters: AI hype has penetrated industries like energy, health care, pharmaceuticals and defense. But questions remain about its day-to-day utility and the risk calculus surrounding its use.
Driving the news: The AI Fusion Workshop on Friday in Carmel saw hundreds gather to learn about practical uses of AI in the business, education and nonprofit sectors.
- Blaizing Academy, the new name of coding and cybersecurity training nonprofit Eleven Fifty Academy, organized the event.
What they're saying: "We find that most people were just dabblers … so let's bring everybody together, show them the fundamentals and actually solve real problems today. Not hype. Not cat videos. Not parlor tricks," John Qualls, Blaizing CEO, told Axios.
Zoom in: The event's speakers included Clark Cully, a former Department of Defense chief digital and artificial intelligence officer who spent 14 years at the Pentagon before becoming Indiana Wesleyan's new tech division chair for the DeVoe School of Business, Technology and Leadership last month.
- Cully told Axios as the AI race heats up and new innovations spring forth, a dash of Midwestern mindfulness and morality could be a boon to everyone touched by the tech.
- "Integration of values into your education is an important part of what's necessary to navigate these technological transformations that are upon us," Cully said. "The choices you make are an important part of making sure these tools lead to prosperity and not a diminution of our humanity."
State of play: From earning a trio of federal tech hub designations in 2023 to outpacing its peers in tech venture activity to kick off 2024, the Indiana tech sector has celebrated a number of wins recently.
- But the state lags behind when it comes to the creation of new tech jobs specifically related to AI, something Qualls would like to see change.
- "It's still a lot earlier than I think people realize, but I'd like to see us lean in a little more," he said. "There's been a little lull and we're ready for the next wave. And I think this is the wave we can take advantage of."
Zoom out: The past month has seen a number of notable AI updates related to attitudes, oversight and examples of applicable use.
- The Department of Homeland Security made its first 10 hires for its newly formed AI Corps, a group that will determine the best ways to safely leverage AI within the federal government.
- A new study from Northwestern Mutual suggests that the public is slowly warming to the idea of AI money management.
- And the city of Columbus is now funding AI projects to help social workers avoid burnout.
Yes, but: At the same time, experts have discussed the negative impact of generative AI on the creative economy and how AI advancements have eroded trust.
The bottom line: As that train moves, Cully believes those who are concerned can help guide it to the correct destination.
- "Not everything that's possible is prudent. And it takes some intentionality and thoughtfulness to make wise choices," he said.