In one of our previous blogs, we highlighted the journey and impact of Rana el Kaliouby, a scientist and entrepreneur that founded Affectiva and Blue Tulip Ventures. She strongly advocates for the use of ethics in AI and utilizing technology to improve the lives of people while looking after the health of our environment.
With the rise of AI, several sustainability concerns have come into question. It takes large amounts of resources to power AI technologies, making awareness of sustainable practices critical during usage. Companies like Blue Tulip Ventures are focusing on building human-centric AI which prioritizes the well-being of both people and the planet we inhabit.
AI’s environmental impact
AI is a powerful form of technology that, like all technologies, takes a lot of energy to use. If we want to look specifically at Generative AI, or AI that generates images, text, and more, we can make a comparison between ChatGPT and Google searches. A single Google search takes 0.3 watt-hours of electricity, while ChatGPT takes 2.9 watt-hours of electricity. This shows that utilizing this AI tool requires nearly ten times more energy than a regular Google search.
There is also the issue of electronic waste from data centers that house AI deployments. This waste can contain materials that are hazardous to the environment, including mercury and lead. These centers also use gallons upon gallons of water to keep the electrical components cool, which is a concern as more and more companies are implementing AI into their operations. Having sustainability practices in place and utilizing AI responsibly and ethically are important parts of combatting the environmental impact of AI.
Starting Blue Tulip Ventures to invest in AI startups
After Rana el Kaliouby stepped down from Affectiva and gained experience investing in AI startups, she wanted to create a venture firm of her own. Along with former Affectiva and Smart Eye chief marketing officer Gabi Zijderveld, she co-founded Blue Tulip Ventures. The goal of the company is to invest in startups that will deploy human-centric AI —“AI that’s good for people, good for the planet, is ethical, and is built with diverse teams,” as stated by Rana el Kaliouby.
Focusing on human-centric AI
Blue Tulip Ventures revolves around the need for startups that are using the great potential of artificial intelligence to better human life, which might include addressing challenges in health and wellness, productivity, and sustainable living. This is done by using AI to enhance the hard work and capabilities of human minds, rather than replacing them with technology. It also highlights the importance of a diverse set of minds contributing to developing AI, as people from different backgrounds will have fresh sets of ideas and perspectives.
Blue Tulip Ventures focuses on a range of different AI technologies, which include AI agents, companions, and copilots, virtual humans and AI clones, human-machine interfaces, sensing AI, and AI governance and safety. The company concentrates on these technologies used in the key themes of health and wellness, productivity and learning, and sustainable living. They invest in startups that, like a blue tulip, are unique and inspire those around them.
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