Promoting Culturally Sensitive AI Development for Indigenous Peoples in LatAm and the Caribbean
AI predictions for 2024. The AI bubble in the VC industry. LatAm's upcoming datacenters. NowVertical arribes in Peru and Mexico. Huawei to support digital talents in LatAm. The EU AI Act.
The latest news and trends in the Latin American AI startup scene.
Share your stories to ai@contxto.com.
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New report and guidelines for indigenous data sovereignty in artificial intelligence developments
A report titled "Indigenous People-Centered Artificial Intelligence: Perspectives from Latin America and the Caribbean" discusses the importance of including local and indigenous communities in AI development.
The report emphasizes the need for respectful data practices, public policies that integrate indigenous perspectives, and the preservation of indigenous heritage. It highlights five case studies from Mexico, including AI systems for cataloging indigenous garments, assessing pronunciation in indigenous languages, interactive language learning apps, automatic translation systems, and a project to improve translation techniques.
The report also criticizes a conversational agent that did not align with the realities of indigenous language interpreters. (UNESCO).
EU AI Act Provisional Agreement
The European Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on the Artificial Intelligence Act. The legislation aims to promote trustworthy AI, ensure safety and respect for fundamental rights, harmonize rules, and categorize AI systems as high-risk or non-high-risk. High-risk systems face stricter requirements and regulations.
However, there are concerns that the Act could impose burdensome requirements on open-source AI developers, potentially hindering innovation. The Act also includes provisions for banning certain applications of AI and exemptions for law enforcement use of biometric identification systems.
The impact of the Act on businesses developing AI technology is still being debated. (The Artificially Intelligent Enterprise)
Quick News
MedByte launches AI tool focused on mental health risk detection
Colombian startup MedByte has developed an AI chatbot named Mia to diagnose and support mental health risks.
Mia is trained with real conversations between psychologists and patients, allowing it to connect users with specialists quickly. It assesses the likelihood of experiencing stress, depression, burnout, and anxiety and offers personalized care and preventive plans.
Since its launch, Mia has interacted with over 26,000 people, achieving a satisfaction rate of 87.6% and reducing mental health costs by 22%. (Contxto)
Capgemini reveals the 5 key technological trends for 2024
Capgemini's report "TechnoVision: 5 Main Technological Trends to Follow in 2024" highlights the technologies that will reach a turning point next year.
The report predicts that generative AI will continue to grow, with a focus on smaller and more cost-effective models.
Quantum technologies pose a new threat to digital security, and the publication of the post-quantum cryptography standard is expected to impact global conversations.
The semiconductor industry is on the cusp of transformation, with advancements in 3D chip stacking and materials science. (Contxto)
Nuvini and Semantix form alliance to boost Artificial Intelligence
Nuvini Group Limited, a leader in acquiring private B2B SaaS companies in Latin America, has formed a strategic alliance with Semantix, Inc., a provider of enterprise AI platforms.
Both companies aim to optimize operations for businesses within Nuvini's portfolio by implementing AI solutions.
Semantix's AI experts will work closely with Nuvini's leaders to identify specific AI applications for each company's needs. The collaboration, which began in November 2023, aims to achieve greater operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. (Contxto)
OXXO and Botmaker launch AI-Based chatbot
Mexican convenience store chain OXXO has integrated an advanced WhatsApp chatbot in Brazil to improve customer experience.
Developed in collaboration with Botmaker, the chatbot has increased conversations with users by six times since its launch, allowing customers to check promotions, find the nearest store, and stay updated on market news.
The chatbot utilizes Botmaker's generative AI technology and Knowledge Base feature to provide accurate responses and cover a wide range of topics. (Contxto)
Huawei and UNESCO sign alliance to develop digital talents in Latin America
Huawei and UNESCO have signed an agreement to promote the development of digital talent in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The agreement was celebrated at the LAC ICT Talent Summit in Bogotá, which focused on the importance of digital skills in the era of artificial intelligence.
The summit highlighted the challenges of bridging digital gaps in marginalized communities and rural areas. (Contxto)
NowVertical unveils LATAM expansion and McDonald’s deal
NowVertical Group Inc. is planning for strategic expansion in Peru and Mexico. They have also agreed with McDonald's LATAM.
NowVertical is collaborating with Google in Peru for predictive analytics projects with RIMAC Seguros y Reaseguros.
In Mexico, they are working with DMX, a financial conglomerate, to expand their platform through strategic data governance consulting.
NowVertical has also secured contracts with Liverpool and Coppel, prominent Mexican retail conglomerates, to optimize retail operations using data and AI technologies.
They have also entered into a partnership with Arcos Dorados (McDonald's LATAM) for various projects related to cloud data engineering and data science implementation. (Contxto)
Rail Vision Delivers MainLine System to a Leading Latin America Mining Company
Rail Vision Ltd., a technology company focused on railway safety and data, has successfully delivered its MainLine system to a leading Latin American mining company.
The MainLine system uses AI and deep learning technologies to detect obstacles on train tracks, improving safety and reducing downtime.
Rail Vision will also provide supervision, guidance, and training services to ensure seamless integration of the system. (Yahoo! Finance)
From AI to supply chain: Infor's priorities for LatAm in 2024
US enterprise software company Infor is focusing on selling AI-based solutions and supply chain/logistics projects in Latin America.
The company has been experiencing triple-digit revenue growth in the region over the past three years.
Infor aims to grow its market presence in Latin America, which is currently dominated by companies like SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM. The company's strategy includes integrating AI into industry-specific solutions, particularly in the logistics sector. (bnamericas)
Spotlight: Latin America’s upcoming datacenters
Investments in data centers are increasing in Latin America due to the expansion of cloud services and the demand for storage and processing related to artificial intelligence.
Brazil is leading the way, followed by Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. The current capacity availability in the region is estimated to be over 630MW, with Brazil accounting for 70% of it.
Several new data center projects are planned in Brazil, including São Paulo 5 and São Paulo 6, as well as expansions in Cotia and Equinix's SP5x. In Mexico, Aligned Data Centers and Equinix have projects in Querétaro and Layer 9 is building a data center campus in the Bajío area. (bnamericas)
GenAI Lab born to support Artificial Intelligence projects
Brazilian technology company Distrito has launched GenAI Lab, an initiative aimed at bringing together startups, large corporations, technology providers, and investors to develop solutions based on generative AI.
The lab, based in São Paulo, will host at least 20 startups and over 20 partners. It will provide training, create new products, validate existing solutions, exchange knowledge, and generate business opportunities.
The program will also receive support from venture capital funds and major technology companies. The selected startups will participate in activities starting in January 2024. (Contxto)
AI Education
Computer Science 101
CS101 is a self-paced course offered by Stanford School of Engineering that teaches the fundamentals of computer science to beginners. The course aims to demystify the complexity of computers by explaining their essential patterns. Participants will learn about computer hardware and software, as well as the internet and digital media.
Machine Learning Specialization
The Machine Learning Specialization is a foundational online program created in collaboration between Stanford Online and DeepLearning.AI. This beginner-friendly program will teach you the fundamentals of machine learning and how to use these techniques to build real-world AI applications.
Algorithms: Design and Analysis, Part 1
The course covers topics such as sorting, searching, and multiplication algorithms, as well as graph algorithms for computing connectivity and shortest paths. It also explores the workings of data structures like heaps, hash tables, and balanced search trees, and discusses the use of randomized algorithms.
Food for Thought
The AI Bubble Will Burst: Here’s How To Limit Your Exposure
The article discusses the presence of a potential bubble in the venture capital market, particularly about AI startups. The author argues that the reliance on crude comparisons and multiples of revenue to determine valuations is contributing to the formation of this bubble.
They emphasize the importance of considering specific business models and industries when determining valuations, rather than solely focusing on investor hype and momentum.
The author warns that the growth of this bubble could lead to negative outcomes for the majority and urges caution in the market. (Crunchbase News)
Greenhouse CEO Daniel Chait on how AI is changing human resources and weaning his company off venture funding via private equity
Daniel Chait, the founder and CEO of Greenhouse, a hiring operating system for companies, shares insights about his journey as a startup founder and the evolution of his company.
He discusses his childhood experiences that foreshadowed his entrepreneurial path and the importance of leadership in scaling a business. Chait also talks about the role of AI in the hiring process, emphasizing its potential as an assistant rather than a decision-maker. He then discusses his partnership with TPG, a growth firm, and the shift in ownership structure, highlighting the benefits and challenges of working with private equity.
Chait provides advice for founders considering private equity exits, emphasizing the need for alignment with the PE firm's goals and understanding the implications of giving up control. He also mentions the differences in debt management and fees between PE and VC firms. Chait concludes by emphasizing the importance of researching and building a strong relationship with the PE partner. (Hunter Walk)
AI, and everything else
Independent analyst Benedict Evans just published his yearly presentation exploring macro and strategic trends in the tech industry. For 2024, his presentation is called "AI and everything else".
This presentation covers the current state and future trends in AI as of 2024. (Benedict Evans)
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Jobs
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