Part call-to-arms and part practical guide, this engaging and thought-provoking session explores why the AI industry urgently needs diverse voices to overcome biases and blind spots. Using real-world examples like racially-biased sentencing AI and healthcare algorithms inaccurately analysing menstrual data, Laura will demonstrate the critical importance of diversity. She'll highlight concerns about AI power consolidating within a few large, private companies as academic contributions diminish (drawing from recent Stanford AI Index and Epoch AI research).  

The session will also address practical challenges facing smaller organisations, such as limited access to computing resources, showcasing innovative companies like Gensyn that are democratising AI infrastructure. Additionally, attendees will be prompted to think deeply about the importance of participating in crucial regulatory consultations - such as the recent UK government discussions on AI copyright protections and proposed use of NHS health data for AI development.  

Finally, Laura will underline why AI adoption and customisation aren't exclusive to big businesses. Through inspiring local examples of small businesses successfully developing their own AI pilots on modest budgets, she'll emphasise why it's vital for the North East region (and others like it) to engage now, ensuring our region stays competitive and forward-thinking.