AI: A Force for Good – Shifting the Narrative
Photo: Maxime Bourlard, Idiap
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a hot topic, often discussed with a mix of awe and fear. While AI undoubtedly raises important ethical and societal questions, the predominant narrative tends to focus on the negative—how AI could lead to a dystopian future where our data is misused, our opinions manipulated, and our lives controlled by algorithms. At Conexkt, we believe it’s time to shift this narrative and recognize the immense potential of AI as a force for good.
For over 30 years, our partner, the Idiap Research Institute, has been at the forefront of AI research, developing technologies that address real-world challenges. A key part of this mission is the Idiap Create Challenge (ICC), an international hackathon now in its 13th year. The ICC brings together some of the brightest minds from around the globe to turn innovative ideas into tangible AI-driven solutions. For the past six years, we at Conexkt have had the privilege of supporting Idiap and accompanying this transformative event.
This year’s edition of the ICC showcased how AI can tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time. Teams from around the world gathered in Martigny for nine days, creating prototypes that demonstrate AI’s positive impact on society:
AtomicDeFake is combating the growing problem of misinformation by verifying the accuracy of content on social media, aiming to restore trust in online information.
LEX is making legal knowledge more accessible, offering tailored legal answers within the Swiss context, and democratizing access to justice.
SEEARS is enhancing inclusivity by translating visual information into sound, helping the visually impaired "see" through AI.
HARVEST is addressing food waste by using AI and robotics to salvage usable parts of imperfect produce, contributing to a more sustainable food system.
Steply is optimizing call center operations, improving customer service through AI-driven insights.
Interpreted is capturing and reusing expert knowledge to support smarter, data-driven business decisions.
AB is developing tools to detect and reduce hate speech online, making digital spaces safer for all.
These projects are more than just technical demonstrations; they are proof that AI, when used ethically and responsibly, can be a powerful tool for solving complex societal challenges. However, we must also recognize that AI comes with its own set of challenges—issues like privacy, bias, and the potential for misuse are real and must be addressed. The way AI is designed and implemented inherently carries the values and biases of its creators, which is why it’s crucial that we guide its development with care and purpose.
At Conexkt, we are committed to fostering the ethical use of AI to create positive change. As we continue to support events like the ICC, we are reminded of AI’s vast potential to be a force for good—transforming industries, improving lives, and ultimately, helping to build a better world. The future of AI is not predetermined; it’s shaped by the choices we make today. Let’s choose to harness AI for the greater good.
Dr. Johann Roduit
Founding Partner, Conexkt