Translating AI Innovations into Solutions in the Global South

P. Anandan

October 16, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Samuel T. Dana Building, Room 1040
440 Church St,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

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P. Anandan

Researcher in computer vision and artificial intelligence

A renowned researcher in computer vision and artificial intelligence, Anandan’s career spans over 30 years in academia and industry in the US and in India. Padmanabhan Anandan was the CEO of Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence and independent not-for-profit Research Institute focused on developing AI based applications for Social Good and prior to that he was Vice President for Research at Adobe Systems. Anandan started his career at Microsoft as a principal researcher and head of the Interactive Visual Media Research group in Redmond, WA, in 1997. He then moved on to launch Microsoft Research India in December 2004 and became the managing director through 2014. He decided to return to Redmond in 2014 to lead the academic outreach group until 2016. Prior to Microsoft he was professor of AI at Yale University. He is a distinguished alumnus of IIT Madras, and the University of Massachusetts, and a member of Board of Governors of IIT Madras.

Abstract

According to Kentaro Toyama, technology predominantly acts as an amplifier of human effort and the strength of institutions. In this presentation, I will share examples from India and other developing nations that demonstrate how AI-powered solutions are being designed, implemented, and scaled to improve people’s lives, in manner consistent with Kentaro’s observation.

Each project narrative will explore how specific problems were selected, the significant constraints and opportunities encountered during the design and development phases, and the approaches taken for implementation. The discussion will also address the challenges and possibilities associated with scaling these solutions.

A central lesson from these experiences is the necessity for what I call “radical collaboration.” This involves bringing together a diverse group of contributors—technology specialists, implementing organizations, subject matter experts, donors, and government agencies. Through these case studies, I will illustrate how such deep collaboration can turn AI-driven innovations into effective solutions for challenges in the developing world.

Parking/Accessibility

The closest public parking garage to the Samuel T. Dana building is the Forest Ave. Parking Garage located at 650 S Forest Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

Forest Ave. Parking Garage located at 650 S Forest Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

For guidance on directions, U-M faculty/staff parking, and accessibility, please visit: https://maps.studentlife.umich.edu/building/samuel-trask-dana-building

This series is co-sponsored by

Please reach out to Ben Surgalski ([email protected]) with any questions.