Future Focus: Dev Aditya
Meet Dev, an AI expert recognized as a Global Young Innovator by Innovate UK, with research experience at The Alan Turing Institute and Brunel University London. As the AI architect of OIAI, he co-built the world’s first fully AI-driven human teachers in 5+ global universities. Dev also co-developed the ground-breaking OIMISA-7B model, a 7 billion parameter language model. Beyond his technical achievements, he received an award from the UK Prime Minister in 2021 for his impactful work in digital education.
Join us on this blog journey to explore the remarkable contributions of Dev, a trailblazer in AI and education.
Dev Aditya, please can you introduce your brand?
At Otermans Institute, we’re on a mission to revolutionize education using the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our innovative approach empowers learners with access to world-class education anytime, anywhere.
Meet OIAI, our cutting-edge language model that crafted the world’s first digital human teacher. This AI-driven teacher delivers personalized instruction, tailored feedback, and engaging lessons, meeting the unique needs of each learner.
But we’re more than just tech enthusiasts — we’re catalysts for change. Offering a range of soft skills and professional development courses, we equip learners for success in today’s competitive job market. From communication to problem-solving, our courses cover it all.
At Otermans Institute, we’re not just about technology; we’re passionate about empowering individuals to seize control of their learning and achieve their aspirations. Get ready to embark on a learning adventure with us!
What motivated you to start a sustainability business?
The decision to establish Otermans Institute stemmed from a deep-seated belief that education and AI hold the key to unlocking a sustainable future.
In the face of the growing climate crisis and the pressing need to move towards a more sustainable and equitable society, I acknowledge the crucial role that education plays in shaping the mindsets and actions required for transformative change.
AI holds immense potential to revolutionise education, making it more accessible, personalised, and effective. Our AI teachers and AI-powered platform provide learners with tailored learning experiences, adaptive feedback, and immersive simulations, enabling them to grasp complex sustainability concepts in a meaningful and engaging way.
Does your business address any of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development goals?
Otermans Institute is unwaveringly dedicated to upholding the principles embedded in the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular emphasis on Goals 4 and 10.
Goal 4: Quality Education, lies at the core of our mission to furnish individuals with the knowledge and skills essential for navigating an ever-evolving world and contributing to a sustainable future. Through our AI-powered learning platform, we offer a complimentary lesson on “Sustainability in the local community” for all students, with plans to introduce more in the coming month.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, holds equal significance for us, recognizing that sustainable development hinges on addressing the root causes of inequality. Our education programs are designed to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate social, economic, and environmental challenges, enabling them to be catalysts for change in creating a more equitable society. We have previously provided our services free of charge to displaced and refugee learners at UNHCR BCF camps in Iraq, supported marginalized schools in Malawi through the charity Think Malawi, and more.
At Otermans Institute, we firmly believe that education serves as the transformative force propelling progress towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Our commitment is resolute in playing our part to educate and empower individuals, fostering them to become architects of a better world.
How do you define sustainability for your business?
At Otermans Institute, we uphold the principles of sustainability, weaving it into the very fabric of our business. It’s not just an add-on; it’s an integral part of our identity. For instance, we believe that CSR goes beyond philanthropy; it’s about making a tangible difference in society and the environment.
Our initiatives stem from a deep commitment to democratising education, reaching individuals from underserved communities and empowering them to reach their full potential. We envision a world where education is not a privilege but a right, accessible to all.
To bridge the digital divide and reach learners in remote areas, we have developed AI-powered learning solutions that are accessible and affordable.
Recognising the power of collaboration, we actively partner with NGOs and UN bodies like UNICEF. These strategic partnerships extend our reach and amplify our impact, enabling us to support underserved learners worldwide where we have so far served learners in 14 countries.
We prioritise ethical AI development, adhering to strict guidelines ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability. We believe that AI has the potential to create a more equitable and sustainable future, but it must be developed and used responsibly.
How receptive are customers when you are pitching your sustainable idea? Is sustainability alone enough to stand out?
Sustainability is integral to our offerings, and every institution partnering with us is aware that our AI teachers include lessons on sustainability alongside other programs for students. This commitment is not only valued and applauded but also reflected in the fact that, as of December 2023, 70% of students completing our AI-led courses choose to pursue additional courses, including those focused on sustainability.
Additionally, we have been invited to be the service delivery partner for the Young Innovator Programme in Sweden, where our AI teacher Kaya will be delivering a specialized course on sustainability.
Do you think there is enough support from the government (grants & other benefits) for sustainable startups?
In the UK there is certainly sizable funding support for sustainability innovation and startups which, for instance, can be seen in the regular grant funding calls the level of Innovate UK to local councils. We are privileged to have these options. However, given the size of our economy and the immediate need for sustainability, more can be done.
Since we serve in 14+ countries, we also know that opportunities especially towards sustainable startups and innovations are extremely low in the majority of the 14 countries we serve globally and this needs to rapidly change to create a more equitable base for sustainable startups. It will encourage more startup-led innovations from across the world, and especially from places like East Africa which are at the forefront of the impact of anti-sustainable practices.
How do you keep yourself up to date with the rapid changes happening in the sustainability space?
I actively engage with sustainability thought leaders, experts, and influencers through conferences, webinars, and online communities. This is not just through attendance but also as someone who delivers at conferences and speaks alongside members of bodies like UNESCO and the Asian Development Bank. These allow me to gain insights from our combined experiences, perspectives, and expertise, and to stay on top of the latest in the sector. I use this directly to shape Otermans Institute’s strategies and initiatives.
What are your key sustainability metrics?
Currently, our highest priority is to move away from Large Language Models which use extremely heavy computing and electricity in data centres. We are working on developing Small Language Models which can work on CPUs and eventually on local devices to power our AI teachers.
What are the areas you think you need to work on to become a more eco-friendly company and is there any potential partner you are eyeing?
Again, it is our use of computing and power which is the main source of our service delivery. Lowering this quarter on quarter until 2025 will significantly boost our eco-friendliness and lower our carbon footprint. We are also eyeing services from companies like Climate Neutral, which provides greener solutions in cloud computing and are also a startup we can support. We are also working more with Google cloud which have more carbon neutral options.
Are your products/services “certified” sustainable by an internationally recognized organisation?
While our products do not currently hold certifications, our procurement procedures prioritize sustainability assessments for every vendor and potential partner. We strongly emphasize the significance of raising awareness around AI ethics and responsible AI practices. To support this, we provide various resources to assist our developers and practitioners in gaining knowledge about these crucial topics.
What would be the few gives/asks that you would like to share with the community?
At every step of your core work and service delivery, you can choose more sustainable options — be it how you deliver your core operations or who you choose to work with in your supply chain. Actively keeping sustainability as a focus in your decision-making is key. Also communicating this with your customers, today more than ever, can help you build a loyal customer base.
