This session will provide insights on what makes AI attractive to investors in today's fast-evolving landscape, exploring practical lessons on assessing AI solutions, identifying red flags, and distinguishing hype from substance. Designed for the AI for Good finalist startup founders, this discussion highlights how to build AI systems that drive meaningful impact and long-term value. Specifically, the session will look into how data, algorithms and domain expertise can give AIs a competitive advantage, how to build AIs with scalability in mind throughout the growth of the project, and how to push the boundaries of the problem the AI is aiming to address. By building AIs with an edge and that are scalable, this ultimately enables attracting capital and building impact at scale.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
● Analyze the critical factors that make AI solutions attractive to investors.
● Evaluate strategies for building AI solutions with long-term value, focusing on impact at scale.
● Create a framework for distinguishing substantive AI innovations from market hype by applying due diligence techniques discussed in the session.
In today’s competitive startup landscape, delivering a compelling pitch is critical to securing investment. This masterclass is designed to help entrepreneurs craft pitch decks that captivate investors and clearly communicate their value proposition. The session will provide actionable insights on structuring your presentation, highlighting key metrics, and telling a story that resonates with venture capitalists. Whether you are preparing for your first pitch or refining an existing deck, this masterclass will equip you with the tools to stand out and secure funding.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
● Understand the Investor Mindset: Identify which elements venture capitalists are looking for in a pitch and how to align your presentation with their priorities.
● Master Pitch Deck Essentials: Identify the key components of a world-class pitch deck, including problem definition, market opportunity, solution, traction, and financials.
● Craft a Compelling Narrative: Develop storytelling techniques to create an emotional connection with investors and articulate your vision effectively.
● Highlight Key Metrics and Data: Illustrate critical data points, market size, and financial projections in a clear and impactful manner.
● Design for Impact: Gain tips on creating visually engaging and professional slides that enhance your message rather than distract from it.
● Handle Q&A with Confidence: Demonstrate techniques to address concerns, defend your projections, and build credibility to prepare for investors questions.
● Refine Your Delivery: Practice strategies for presenting with clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm to leave a lasting impression.
This session empowers AI for Good finalist startup founders to master the art of time management and strategic planning. Drawing on Harvard-inspired frameworks and practical insights, this workshop guides entrepreneurs to balance revenue generation, people management, client relations, and operational problem-solving. Learn how to optimize your schedule with productivity best practices such as Sunday planning sessions, prioritizing morning tasks, and utilizing delegation strategies. Attendees will also discover effective methods to track progress using green/yellow/red status metrics to ensure initiatives advance or trigger necessary prioritization. Join us to gain actionable tools and techniques to maximize your impact and lead with clarity.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
● Analyze time allocation across key business functions—revenue generation, people management, client relations, and operational problem-solving—to identify improvement areas.
● Develop a weekly planning strategy that includes setting priorities, scheduling critical tasks during peak productivity hours, and preparing for unexpected challenges.
● Implement productivity frameworks, such as eliminating, automating, delegating, or scheduling work, to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
● Evaluate the progress of team initiatives using green/yellow/red tracking systems, enabling timely adjustments and informed prioritization.
● Create a sustainable routine that aligns personal energy levels with business demands to maintain focus and drive consistent results.
AI is transforming industries and driving innovation at an unprecedented scale. However, despite its vast potential, experts say bias is preventing it from reaching its full potential. This masterclass offers startups insights into developing AI solutions that prioritize equity, fostering inclusivity and fairness. By the end of the session, participants will better understand how to integrate equity considerations into their processes, ensuring their AI solutions create meaningful social impact. Participants will reflect on how power imbalances and unequal access shape AI outcomes and analyze real-world examples of equity challenges in AI. Through group discussions and activities, they will identify challenges in AI innovation and outline initial strategies for fostering fairness and inclusivity. The session concludes with a reflection and sharing of resources for continued learning on the topic.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
● Recognize the principles of Equity Centered Design framework and its potential application to promote equity and inclusion in AI projects.
● Analyze key equity challenges in AI innovation, including power imbalances, bias, and privilege and their impacts on marginalized communities.
● Outline initial strategies for incorporating equitable practices into AI solutions, with a focus on fairness for marginalized communities.
