The smartest money in AI is investing in universities

IN THE lightning-fast realm of artificial intelligence (AI), the most transformative ideas rarely originate in corporate boardrooms. Instead, they often ignite in university labs and late-night brainstorming sessions among bright students.

This is the reality for trailblazers such as Lenard Tan, founder of the Singapore-based AI-focused startup Ailytics. The company, which assists heavy-industry businesses enhance their operational safety and productivity by using AI with existing cameras to make better informed decisions, found its early momentum within a university setting. This environment provided Tan with invaluable guidance, access to critical industry best practices, and a robust support network essential.

Tan’s story exemplifies how universities are fertile breeding grounds for entrepreneurs to turn technical brilliance into real-world impact. So how can we help more great ideas move from theory to market? The answer lies in building stronger bridges between academia and industry.