In this captivating episode of UnMasking Humanity, Joshua T Berglan sits down with Dev Aditya, an exceptional AI innovator from London, UK. Dev leads the team that created the world's first Digital Human AI teacher, driven by a bold mission to upskill 750 million underserved students worldwide by 2030. With a background in law, Dev's transition into AI was fueled by necessity, and his journey has since garnered recognition from notable organizations. From awards by the UK Prime Minister to being named a Young Global Innovator, Dev's work is making a profound impact. In this interview, Dev shares his story, insights, and vision for the future of AI in education.

Unlocking the Power of AI in Education

Dev's interest in AI stems from his experience teaching marginalized school children in South Asia. He noticed a gap in the availability of teachers and turned to AI as a potential solution. This led to the creation of Ornaments Institute, which initially focused on upskilling underserved learners. However, the challenge of finding enough teachers prompted Dev and his team to explore AI as a viable option. Dev emphasizes the importance of not only providing content but also the need for interactive and accessible teaching tools.

The Mission: Upskilling 750 Million Underserved Students

The target of 750 million is a carefully calculated number based on the current need and the rate of growth of the young population in developing countries. It's more than just a slogan; it's a mission-driven goal. Dev explains that reaching this number will be the tipping point for their organization to become the go-to solution for upskilling underserved students globally. With their AI teacher, they aim to bridge the education and skills gap, providing personalized learning experiences to students who need it most.

Accolades and Recognition

Dev has received numerous accolades for his work, including an award from the UK Prime Minister and recognition as a Young Global Innovator and Under 30 Social Entrepreneur. He highlights how these honors have opened doors and inspired others, especially young people from developing countries. Dev is grateful for the opportunities these awards have presented and the impact they've had on his journey.

Funding and Research: Paving the Way for AI Development

Securing $250,000 in funding from Innovate UK in 2022 provided a significant boost for Dev's AI development. This funding allowed him and his team to focus on creating large datasets and refining their AI models. Dev also shares his research experience at The Alan Turing Institute and Brunel University London, where he worked on a real-time translator for British Sign Language users, further emphasizing his commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

Global Influence and Understanding Demographics

Dev's work in 13 countries has given him a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students worldwide. He emphasizes the importance of interactivity and accessibility, ensuring that their AI technologies can run on basic smartphones with limited internet access. By considering the unique challenges and demographics of each country, Dev and his team can create personalized learning experiences that break down barriers and empower students.

Challenges and Breakthroughs: The Journey of an AI Innovator

Dev candidly shares some of the key challenges they faced during the development of the Digital Human AI Teacher, including the need for large datasets and the ups and downs of startup life. He emphasizes the research-driven nature of their organization, with a focus on human-computer interaction and cognitive science. Dev also recalls a memorable moment when they first tested their AI teacher with a group of students in a refugee camp, witnessing the impact of their work firsthand.

Future Goals and AI Initiatives: Reverse Pathway and Edge AI

Looking ahead, Dev provides insights into the future goals for the OI AI project. They are currently working on a reverse pathway for their AI model, aiming to reduce its size while maintaining efficacy. This will allow for greater accessibility, especially in areas with limited internet access. Additionally, they are developing an edge version of their Core Teacher, which will be able to run on users' phones without requiring constant internet connectivity.

Advice for Young Innovators: Embrace AI as a New System of Operation

Dev offers valuable advice to young innovators, encouraging them to embrace AI as a powerful tool that can create solutions with global impact. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI and its potential, urging them to learn as much as possible about this rapidly advancing field. Dev's own journey into AI was driven by necessity, and he believes that AI is a new system of operation that will revolutionize various industries.

Ethical Considerations and Accessibility: Prioritizing Privacy and Human-Centered Design

When it comes to ethical considerations, Dev and his team prioritize privacy and human-centered design. They ensure that their AI technologies are accessible to underserved communities, with a focus on running their products on basic smartphones with limited internet access. Dev also emphasizes the inherent bias present in any human-generated data and the importance of controlling their own data to protect user privacy.

The Role of Government and Policy in AI and Education

Dev expresses his belief that governments need to catch up and recognize the potential of AI in education. He highlights the rapid pace of AI advancement and encourages governments to act quickly to leverage this technology to address the education and skills gap. Dev provides a compelling example, mentioning that in India alone, one million people turn 18 every single month, underscoring the urgency of leveraging AI to upskill and educate young people.

Community Support and Collaborations: The Power of Open-Source

Dev emphasizes the importance of community support and collaborations in driving their mission forward. He encourages the community to share their work, connect them with schools, NGOs, and potential collaborators. He highlights the impact of partnerships with organizations like UNHCR and UNICEF and expresses his belief in the value of open-source collaboration in the AI community. Dev also shares his thoughts on the recent trend of large companies stopping the publication of their research, citing potential friction between superpowers and countries as a possible reason.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

In his closing remarks, Dev invites viewers to learn more about their work at oi-edu.co.uk and to reach out to them at founders@oi-edu.co.uk for potential collaborations or support. He emphasizes the impact that each conversation and connection can have in helping them achieve their mission of upskilling underserved students through AI. Dev encourages viewers to spread the word, connect them with schools and organizations, and support their mission to bring AI-powered education to those who need it most.

To learn more about Dev Aditya and the OI AI project, please visit:

• https://coda.io/@oiedu/tedx-dev-aditya-recent-digital-archive
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/dev-adityaofficial/

To watch the full episode of UnMasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan featuring Dev Aditya, please visit: [link to episode].

UnMasking Humanity: 21 Questions with Joshua T Berglan is an inspiring and insightful interview series, shedding light on the incredible work of innovators like Dev Aditya. By sharing their stories and expertise, Dev is helping to shape the future of education and AI, empowering underserved students worldwide.