Data & AI: How Diverse Teams Drive Innovation

Previously Recorded | January 21, 2025

While AI holds immense promise for improving productivity, resilience and incomes worldwide, success depends on overcoming the unique challenges of data collection, contextualization, and usability within smallholder farming communities.

In this webinar, speakers explore practical approaches to designing inclusive AI systems by building diverse, multidisciplinary teams and fostering innovation in collaboration with the farming communities they hope to serve.

Moderated by Adam Smith, technology correspondent for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the discussion dives into strategies for advancing tech-enabled solutions aimed at delivering sustained value for smallholders.

Speakers include:

  • Antoinette Marie, Director of Heifer Labs
  • Buster Franken, CEO and Founder of FruitPunch AI
  • Dr. Maaz Gardezi, Associate Professor at Virginia Tech