Innovative student start-up on a mission to tackle AI bias

New start-up, The Good Robot Company, showcased its next-generation bias detection software for artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems at an exclusive launch event in Launchpad last week (11 August).

Founders Fin McCormick, a recent University of Exeter business graduate and Exeter student Lizbeth Chandler, introduced industry experts, entrepreneurs, Cornwall Council staff, University of Exeter and Falmouth University academics as well as potential investors to their cutting-edge solution.

Fin identified the problem of bias in AI systems whilst working on his dissertation: “When I was working on algorithmic strategic decision making in the consulting industry, I noticed a great deal of bias influenced by human inferences in the AI systems which no one was talking about.

“So, I had a conversation with Lizbeth. She’s a genius with passion for system thinking, maths and data science and overnight she came up with initial equations addressing this problem. Since then, we have further developed the logic and capabilities behind our software, through participating in conferences like AIES 2022, at the University of Oxford.” 

The duo attended our Techstars Startup Weekend in May where their idea on finding and mitigating the biases in AI systems was validated by industry experts, resulting in the birth of a fast-growing tech start-up.

Speaking on the importance of this new system, Lizbeth said: “This technology is encompassing and absolutely crucial as the tech industry continues to grow. It is envisaged that by 2030, AI will add $13 trillion to the global economy. There will be an unprecedented negative impact on society, if we’re not rolling out systems that can detect and monitor bias at the same rate technology is growing.”

Aside from the bias detection product, the team also rolled out a brand-new website and a promotional video at the launch.

The Good Robot Company has so far enjoyed the support of Launchpad via our inaugural Start-up Academy and the University of Exeter’s SETsquared partnership in developing their product and are now looking forward to what the future holds for the business.

Lizbeth added: “We’re grateful to Exeter and Falmouth for their support. The next step is to accelerate user testing, we can’t wait to continue building a product and ethical AI network that will have a profound impact on such a disruptive technology. 

“We have plans to acquire more enterprise clients, build strategic research partnerships, and raise a pre-seed investment round, while proving that start-up can accelerate in an inclusive and innovate way.”

Join Techstars Startup Weekend Penryn this September