As the founder of Teens in AI, I’ve spent years championing diversity – not because it’s trendy, but because it’s transformative. Research consistently shows that diverse teams innovate better, solve complex problems faster, and deliver better outcomes. For example, McKinsey found that companies in the top quartile for gender and ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to outperform their peers in profitability.

And let’s talk talent—because the ROI on diversity is undeniable. A 2023 LinkedIn Report highlighted that diverse workplaces attract 3 times more qualified talent and have significantly higher retention rates. If businesses want to stay competitive, how can they ignore this?

So when I read this article about DEI rollbacks (see link to BBC News article below) – and saw that Trump’s administration had kick-started this trend by targeting DEI programs as part of a political agenda – I had to ask:

What are we really risking here?

Imagine this:

❌ The next generation of innovators – kids we work with every day – look at tech and see no one like them. Their dreams? Crushed before they even take flight.

[𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘛𝘦𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 “𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵, 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘢, 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭 𝘪𝘯 𝘟𝘟𝘟 𝘈𝘐 𝘭𝘢𝘣”]

Will she stay there for long? I doubt it.

❌ Workplaces claiming to reward “merit” but ignoring systemic barriers. Are we left with the best talent—or just the most privileged?

[𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘥𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘌𝘵𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳.]

❌ AI systems designed by a narrow group of voices. Whose needs are served? And whose are ignored?

[𝘋𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘉𝘪𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘮𝘪𝘤 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴?]

Diversity isn’t a “nice-to-have”. It’s the cornerstone of innovation, talent acquisition, and business success.

At Teens in AI, we’ve seen what happens when you empower young, diverse minds – they create extraordinary things. We’re proud to partner with companies who walk the talk on diversity.

But seriously… 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘮 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦? The case for DEI isn’t just moral – it’s strategic.

So here’s the challenge: What’s the real cost of turning back the clock on DEI? And are we prepared to pay it – in lost innovation, top talent, and future growth?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒇 𝒀𝑶𝑼𝑹 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌, just message me (elena.sinel@teensinai.com). The world needs you!

In October 2024, Teens in AI’s Head of Commercial Partnerships, Toby Otton, embarked on a remarkable 8-day journey in India, representing the organisation as part of a delegation supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, and the Indian High Commission in London. The visit was filled with key events and collaborative discussions, highlighting India’s advancements in technology and digital transformation.

Cultural Highlights: An Immersive Experience

The trip kicked off in Delhi, with delegates joining a diverse group of professionals from the US, UK, Spain, France, and Germany. From the iconic Taj Mahal to Qutub Minar, the delegation explored cultural landmarks and even dined at the President’s Palace. These experiences provided a profound insight into India’s rich heritage, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s unique blend of tradition and progress.

Global Technology Summit in Bengaluru

The journey continued in Bengaluru, where Teens in AI, represented by Toby, attended the Global Technology Summit, hosted by Carnegie India and the EkStep Foundation. The summit focused on India’s impressive Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), a key part of the nation’s digital transformation. Serving a population of 1.44 billion, this infrastructure exemplifies scalable technology, inclusivity, and forward-thinking innovation. Through various discussions and presentations, the summit underscored India’s role as a leader in digital development.

Building Connections and Sharing Knowledge

Alongside tech professionals from around the world, the delegation engaged in discussions on India’s digital future, attended hosted evening events, and shared knowledge and experiences. This journey of collaboration emphasised Teens in AI’s commitment to global partnership and its vision of a digitally empowered future for young people.

The trip concluded with heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of External Affairs, India, and the High Commission of India in London, whose support made this experience possible. Teens in AI looks forward to fostering these connections as they continue to inspire and empower youth in AI and technology worldwide.

By Elena Sinel FRSA, Founder & CEO of Teens in AI

As the UK aspires to lead in digital innovation, investing in AI and tech skills from an early age is crucial. While the Autumn Budget introduces positive steps for workforce development, without dedicated funding for AI and digital literacy in schools, we risk falling behind countries where AI education is already prioritised. In California, for example, AI is now compulsory in primary and secondary education, equipping students with technical skills and an understanding of the ethical implications and responsible use of AI. Finland and Singapore have also incorporated early AI education, preparing their young people for the complexities of an AI-driven future.

To ensure the UK remains globally competitive, AI education must become an integral part of the curriculum from a young age. Teaching AI should include not only core technical skills but also ethics, responsibility, and relevance to industry needs. By aligning skills with industry demands, we can equip young people with practical and ethical knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of AI in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and environmental sustainability.

AI is inherently interdisciplinary, intersecting with fields as diverse as biology, physics, chemistry, social sciences, and the arts. We should not confine AI education solely within the ICT or computer science domains; rather, we need to integrate AI principles across subjects, encouraging students to see its applications and implications in multiple fields. This approach will foster an AI-literate generation—individuals who not only understand how AI functions but also appreciate its broader societal impact and potential in areas like environmental science, urban planning, and creative industries.

An AI-literate generation is one that can confidently navigate and innovate within an AI-powered world, bringing diverse perspectives and ethical considerations to the forefront of AI’s applications. By embedding AI into multiple disciplines, we prepare young people to be proactive, informed participants in an evolving job market, equipped to drive meaningful advancements across industries and to shape a future where AI serves society responsibly.

While Skills England is a promising initiative for broad workforce skills, achieving true AI leadership demands focused investment in AI literacy and ethical education. Teens in AI is ready to partner with the government to ensure that young people in the UK are empowered with industry-relevant, responsible AI skills, enabling the nation to compete with others who are making AI literacy a priority and preparing youth for the jobs of tomorrow.

To this end, Teens in AI has launched several programmes designed to cultivate AI literacy, creativity, and ethical awareness in young people. Through initiatives such as hackathons, AI Adventures, self-paced online courses, and our flagship AI4Good programmes, we offer students hands-on experience with AI tools, challenging them to solve real-world problems and understand AI’s potential and limitations. Our approach prioritises responsible AI practices, emphasising ethics, inclusivity, and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With the invaluable support of our partners—Sage, Capgemini, Beiersdorf, and many others—we have been able to make meaningful strides in delivering AI education to young people across the UK and beyond, close to 70 countries around the world. Their contributions have been pivotal in empowering the next generation of AI innovators and helping to close the skills gap.

As the war on talent intensifies among UK tech firms, it’s essential to strengthen efforts that attract top talent into the sectors shaping our future. By equipping students with AI and digital skills early on, we can cultivate a generation ready to drive innovation and maintain the UK’s leadership in the global digital economy.

For more on how Teens in AI is transforming AI education globally, please visit www.teensinai.com.

In the second of this two-part blog, we continue on with our discussion that goes beyond diagnosing eye diseases, machine learning and AI are revolutionising healthcare. Every facet, from diagnosis to treatment, is being reshaped by these technologies. UK-based companies like ZOE and BenevolentAI are perfect examples of AI’s transformative influence on health and wellness.

ZOE uses machine learning to predict individual responses to different foods. By analysing millions of data points, their AI system enables personalised nutrition, contributing to the fight against chronic diet-related diseases. This proactive approach to health was almost unimaginable before the advent of AI and machine learning.

Meanwhile, BenevolentAI leverages AI to accelerate drug discovery. Their machine learning algorithms sift through vast amounts of biomedical information, identify potential drug candidates, and speed up the typically time-consuming drug discovery process.

Now, let’s talk about you and your potential role in this thrilling field. Your journey into the world of maths, machine learning, and healthcare AI starts today. With the right learning opportunities, like those provided by Teens in AI, and the drive to make a difference, you can shape the future of healthcare.

Embrace the power of mathematics and machine learning and use it to forge your career path. You are not just preparing for a job; you’re arming yourself with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact. Your work in machine learning and AI could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment, advancements in mental health services, or innovation in personalised healthcare.

The integration of mathematics, machine learning, and AI is undoubtedly crafting a healthier future. And you, as future female leaders, have the potential to drive this innovation forward. By learning the maths, understanding the science, and applying these skills in healthcare, you can truly make a difference. So, take the leap, dive in, and let’s build a healthier future together.

For more information about our AI Adventures Courses, visit:

www.teensinai.com/courses/

Blog – Part One: The Magic of Mathematics in Machine Learning and its Pioneering Innovations

In the first of this two-part blog, we welcome you to the space where mathematics powers innovative technology and transformative healthcare – the world of machine learning. This fascinating subset of computer science is where computers learn from data. More than a series of ones and zeros, machine learning is a rich tapestry woven with mathematical concepts, from the fundamentals of algebra to the intricacies of calculus and statistics. These principles breathe life into machine learning algorithms, empowering them to decode patterns, make predictions, and solve problems.

DeepMind, a British AI trailblazer, offers an inspiring illustration of this power. Through machine learning, DeepMind’s AI system can diagnose eye diseases as accurately as, and occasionally better than, human doctors. By analysing thousands of 3D eye scans, their AI system was trained to identify the onset of diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, potentially saving someone’s sight.

At the heart of machine learning lies the intersection of algebra and statistics. Linear regression, a simple ML algorithm, has its roots in algebra. It connects data points with a straight line that best represents their overall trend. Statistics, on the other hand, offer a roadmap to understand and interpret the outcomes of machine learning models. Concepts like ‘mean,’ ‘median,’ ‘standard deviation,’ ‘probability,’ and ‘Bayesian inference’ allow us to comprehend the story data tells us and make predictions about future data.

This brings us to the remarkable women who have made their mark in this space. In the 19th century, Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer, became known as the world’s first computer programmer. Despite societal beliefs at the time, Lovelace worked on an algorithm intended for implementation on the Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer design. Her foresight saw the machine’s potential beyond pure calculation – an insight that underpins modern computing.

In the modern era, we see Dame Wendy Hall, a British computer scientist who co-chaired the UK government’s AI review. Co-founder of the Web Science Research Initiative with Sir Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, among others, Hall has significantly influenced digital technology. She was instrumental in creating a comprehensive report that guides the UK’s AI development strategy, fostering a healthy tech ecosystem and advocating ethical AI use.

Watch this space for …

PART TWO: Unleashing AI Innovations in Healthcare and Your Role in Shaping the Future

In a recent blog post on NVIDIA’s corporate website, the spotlight shines on the groundbreaking collaboration between Teens in AI and NVIDIA in organising the annual Ada Lovelace Hackathon. The article emphasizes the pivotal role of AI and data science in today’s workforce, especially for the younger generation.

Named after the 19th-century mathematician considered the first computer programmer, the event gathered speakers and mentors to encourage young women to pursue AI careers. With an expected participation of over 1,000 girls from 20+ countries, the hackathon offered prizes and access to NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute credits for advanced training.

NVIDIA employees, including Kate Kallot, head of emerging areas, actively participated as mentors and judges, reinforcing the company’s commitment to diversifying the tech industry. The blog underlined NVIDIA’s broader efforts to promote diversity in tech, expand AI education, and create opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as the partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania.

Collaborations like this one with NVIDIA are essential to our mission as Teens in AI to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing early exposure to AI for young, underrepresented youth, levelling the playing field, and empowering them to solve social, humanitarian, and environmental challenges as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

By emphasizing the growing significance of AI in the global economy and the need to encourage young minds to embark on their AI journeys. It highlights NVIDIA’s commitment to driving the future of AI and the collaboration with Teens in AI as a pivotal step toward achieving a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Heartfelt thanks go out to the mentors, judges, thought leaders, and the fantastic support from the entire NVIDIA team. Most importantly, gratitude is extended to the teenagers who enthusiastically joined from over 20 countries worldwide.

We have the ability to shape a better future through collaboration.

We are incredibly touched and grateful for the kind words shared by one of our Partner Mentors Tilly Barker about our recent AI4Good Summer Incubator.

Mentorship and having role models are crucial elements in the development of young minds, and we are thankful for the dedicated individuals who took the time to guide and inspire the next generation.

This event was a testament to the potential of technology and AI to address global challenges, the remarkable creativity and skills of young minds, and the power of partnerships in breaking down barriers to technology access. 

Collaborations like the one with Sage are essential for levelling the playing field and empowering all youngsters, regardless of their circumstances, to contribute meaningfully to addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Our vision at Teens in AI is to empower the next generation of tech talent to drive a more sustainable and inclusive future. We know that all participants left feeling inspired and empowered to pursue careers in the tech industry and continue to work towards a more sustainable world.

A big thank you to all Mentors, Judges, thought leaders and the incredible support from the entire team at Sage and the Sage Foundation, and most importantly, the teenagers who joined to participate from 18 countries around the world.

Together, through collaboration and partnership, we can shape a better future. 

Part 2: Real-World Case Studies: The Power of Maths, Machine Learning, and AI

Our journey into the intersection of mathematics, machine learning, and AI in climate action wouldn’t be complete without highlighting some real-world applications.

Firstly, Google and DeepMind have collaborated to maximise the power output of Google’s wind farms. By using a machine learning algorithm to predict wind power output 36 hours in advance, they managed to increase the value of the wind energy produced by 20%.

IBM’s Green Horizon Project, another ground-breaking initiative, uses AI and machine learning to fight climate change. The project uses machine learning to forecast air pollution, generate real-time pollutant tracking maps, and provide decision-makers with strategies to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

In the fight against illegal fishing, OceanMind uses AI and machine learning to analyse vast amounts of data from satellites and ship transponders, enabling their AI to identify suspicious fishing activity and protect our oceans for future generations.

Your Role: The Future of Climate Action

So, how can you play a part in this grand narrative? By harnessing the power of mathematics, machine learning, and AI, you can make a significant impact on climate change and sustainability.

As a woman in these fields, you bring fresh, diverse perspectives that are incredibly valuable. You can ask questions that haven’t been asked, see patterns that haven’t been seen, and offer solutions that haven’t been considered.

As you embark on this exciting path, remember this: climate action isn’t just for activists or politicians – it’s for mathematicians, scientists, and engineers. It’s for problem-solvers, thinkers, and innovators. It’s for you.

~~~ Teens in AI, a UK-based initiative, is a fantastic resource for teen girls and young women interested in mathematics and technology. They offer a range of exciting programmes to teens aged 12 to 18 to equip them as future leaders of AI:

AI4Good Incubator
Click here for more information
This programme focuses on climate action. It provides a platform for teenagers to collaborate, innovate, and develop AI-driven projects aimed at solving climate change issues.

AI Adventure online courses
Click here for more information
If you wish to deepen your understanding of AI, these online courses are perfect. They cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of AI and machine learning to more advanced subjects.

 

All teens on Free School Meals can join any programme or course for FREE, with those who don’t qualify, taking advantage of 15% off by using the code MATHS4GIRLS at checkout.

Remember, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. The complex problems of climate change and sustainability demand innovative solutions, and the tools of mathematics, machine learning, and AI are at your disposal. Your unique perspective and problem-solving capabilities are needed now more than ever.

In the words of the renowned computer scientist Grace Hopper, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” Never be afraid to challenge the status quo, to ask the hard questions, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible. With the power of mathematics, machine learning, and AI, you have the potential to change the world.

So, let’s take on this challenge together. Let’s ask the hard questions, solve the complex problems, and shape a sustainable future. After all, this isn’t just about climate action – it’s about the future of humanity. Your journey begins now, and we can’t wait to see where it leads.

Teens in AI is partnering with Maths4Girls: Inspiring girls into AI through Maths

Part 1: The Language of Climate Action – Mathematics, Machine Learning and AI

The Universal Language: Mathematics

In the profound words of Albert Einstein, “Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” Indeed, mathematics is a universal language that transcends boundaries, cultures, and time. This language underpins many scientific fields, including climatology and environmental sciences.

Through mathematics, we’re able to model Earth’s climate, predict future weather patterns, and understand how our actions impact the environment. Statistical analysis allows us to observe trends in global warming, while calculus helps us understand rates of change in the Earth’s atmosphere. The more we grasp these mathematical concepts, the better equipped we are to predict and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The New Frontier: Machine Learning and AI

Once we have these mathematical models, we can supercharge our analyses with the power of machine learning and AI. Machine learning, a subset of AI, empowers computers to learn from data, recognise patterns, and make decisions.

Imagine a climate scientist examining decades worth of temperature data, attempting to predict future trends. Now, picture an AI programme analysing the same data in a fraction of the time, continually refining its predictions as more data is collected. That’s the transformative power of machine learning! 

Maths, Machine Learning, and AI: Catalysts for Climate Action

Mathematics, machine learning, and AI together form a potent trifecta driving our fight against climate change. AI and machine learning can aid in creating more accurate climate models, allowing us to better understand the potential effects of global warming. Machine learning can analyse patterns in weather data to predict natural disasters, providing us with more time to prepare and potentially save lives.

In the realm of sustainability, AI is being used innovatively to conserve resources and minimise environmental impact. By way of example, machine learning algorithms can optimise energy use in buildings, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They can also analyse satellite images and detect deforestation in real-time, enabling rapid response.

~~~ Teens in AI, a UK-based initiative, is a fantastic resource for teen girls and young women interested in mathematics and technology. They offer a range of exciting programmes to teens aged 12 to 18 to equip them as future leaders of AI:

AI4Good Incubator
Click here for more information
This programme focuses on climate action. It provides a platform for teenagers to collaborate, innovate, and develop AI-driven projects aimed at solving climate change issues.

AI Adventure online courses
Click here for more information
If you wish to deepen your understanding of AI, these online courses are perfect. They cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of AI and machine learning to more advanced subjects.

 

All teens on Free School Meals can join any programme or course for FREE, with those who don’t qualify, taking advantage of 15% off by using the code MATHS4GIRLS at checkout.

Remember, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. The complex problems of climate change and sustainability demand innovative solutions, and the tools of mathematics, machine learning, and AI are at your disposal. Your unique perspective and problem-solving capabilities are needed now more than ever.

In the words of the renowned computer scientist Grace Hopper, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” Never be afraid to challenge the status quo, to ask the hard questions, and to push the boundaries of what’s possible. With the power of mathematics, machine learning, and AI, you have the potential to change the world.

So, let’s take on this challenge together. Let’s ask the hard questions, solve the complex problems, and shape a sustainable future. After all, this isn’t just about climate action – it’s about the future of humanity. Your journey begins now, and we can’t wait to see where it leads.

Teens in AI is partnering with Maths4Girls: Inspiring girls into AI through Maths