AI: The Tools We’re Building Here Could Change Rural America

UAlbany’s Julianna Ryan—she’s a Middleburgh native—takes notes at the SEEC

We talked, UAlbany listened. Now they'll get to work. And in 30 days, they'll report back.

If you could ask AI for anything, what would you ask for?

No. 

Really.

Because AI tools being built here with input from farmers, teachers, and entrepreneurs could change the world.

That’s thanks to a partnership between SEEC and UAlbany and a dozen or so of the AI-curious who turned out to help answer the question: 

What can AI do for you?

“Vision, innovation. What businesses need. This is just the beginning. This is a testing ground for all rural communities in America.”

That was SEEC’s Alfolabi Salami introducing Brett Orzechowski and his team of UAlbany researchers to the July 27 collaboration that began with by asking the questions we’re all asking.

When it comes to using AI:

• Where are rural businesses getting stuck?

• What tools would save time?

• What should AI solve next?

In August, Orzechowski and his UAlbany Center for Technology In Government researchers will deliver their answer(s). 

So stay tuned. 

Because they may end up with something for you.

Orzechowski’s team has been here before. But this time, the researchers flipped the script. 

Instead of bringing their tech out into the community, “We thought, ‘Why don’t we reverse engineer it?’” Orzechowski said, and bring those questions in search of answers to SEEC’s 287 Main. (It’s a strategy they’re already planning to repeat in other Upstate NY communities.)

“I love the fact that we reach out. But what if we went out and talked to everyone…what if we brought the world in? Let’s start building those tools. Think about scale. How do we make this grow? Think big. There are no bad ideas.”

And then he started the clock. 

Literally. 30 minutes for participants to ID AI problems. Then another 30 to brainstorm solutions.

Under problems…

Brooke Lander, an agriculture student at SUNY Cobleskill who plans to become a first-generation beef farmer, is already using AI to block out her day. But she’s unsure how to use it to start her business once she’s back home in Western NY.

There’s also the not-understanding and the fear of tech.

Vince Porfirio, who’s just joining the college’s Institute for Rural Vitality, said trust and authenticity are critical to small businesses–something AI doesn’t always deliver on. 

But he also sees an economic cost to those who don’t embrace it.

Joy Heckman, an entrepreneur in health consulting and sales, just wants to know how to use AI. And where to start.

Solutions…

Porfirio suggested just like businesses now hire accountants, maybe there’s a place for AI consultants. 

Lander sees a place for AI that would help sort and describe products or even help with sourcing.

Challenges…

 “AI brings you so much information,” said SEEC Advisor Paul Conroy. “How do we put these powerful tools in the hands of entrepreneurs? You can’t be everything. But with the right tools, a three-person business could act as a corporation. How do we get them there?”

That’s a question–and answer?–for Orzechowski’s team.

>>They heard the problems…

>>…and some spaghetti-on-the-wall solutions.

Now, using what they learned, they’ll spend the next 30 days creating tools that could help shape the next generation of businesses powered by AI.

They’ll be back virtually on August 27 to show off what they’ve come up with.

[That’s a soft date with time TBD. Everyone’s invited, even if you missed the first session, so check back in with SEEC if you’re interested.]

In the meantime, UAlbany’s Center for Technology In Government has resources available to every entrepreneur.

The collaborative innovation session? All part of SEEC’s work to help bridge the digital divide with its Digital Enlighten Series’ Digital Power Hour and conversations like the one for small businesses led by Dan Dinsmore, award-winning founder and CEO of Overit…WHEN

Looking for more? We’ve got it at SEEC.