Smart Tech, Shared Vision: Slice & Social AI for Good
How do you introduce a group of social enterprises to the exciting world of AI? Pizza of course! Find out below how our final Social Enterprise Boost Networking brought cutting edge technology to the world of business for Good!
In a tech landscape that moves at a rapid pace, staying ahead isn't just a luxury for changemakers, it’s a necessity. For our final Social Enterprise Boost event, we set out to demystify the world of Artificial Intelligence, empowering social entrepreneurs to navigate big ethical questions and harness emerging tech as a genuine force for good.
Our final boost "Slice & Social" took place at Diego’s Joint, a Sunderland-based social enterprise and community hub. We were joined by the brilliant Yulia Dzenovska, who brought a wealth of knowledge by combining her academic background as a Newcastle University lecturer with her first-hand experience as the founder of Mint Stitches CIC. Yulia kicked things off by introducing the core concepts of AI, proving to the group that there is a whole world of possibility beyond just ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
After the introductions, our room of "AI explorers" was left somewhere between amazed and baffled! Yulia put our eyes to the test with a game of "Guess the AI," showcasing the latest leaps in image and video generation. The Social Enterprise Boost team is still convinced the cat in image three was a real-life feline, and no amount of data will tell us otherwise! Beyond the fun and games, Yulia walked us through how different sectors are already adopting these tools, sharing a practical toolkit of programs that businesses of any size can start using today.
Of course, as amazing as these advancements are, AI isn't without its challenges. Yulia sparked an important conversation about the "human cost" of generative AI, particularly its impact on creative industries like design and music. To drive the point home, she showed us just how easy it is to produce an entire album created exclusively by AI. It was a powerful reminder for all of us: while these tools are efficient, social businesses should always weigh the impact on real-world creators before deciding how to source their music, images, and video content.
The ethical conversation didn't stop at creativity. Yulia also discussed the environmental impact of AI, an often-overlooked side of the tech world. With data centres requiring massive amounts of power and water just to keep their servers cool, it’s a big consideration for any eco-conscious organisation. Yulia shared how social businesses can help balance the scales. By implementing environmentally friendly policies across other areas of their work, founders can offset the "digital footprint" of their AI tools and ensure their tech use remains as green as possible.
It’s safe to say the whole group had a brilliant time! A huge thank you to both Yulia and the team at Diego’s Joint for making our final 'Slice & Social' an event to remember. It was the perfect way to wrap up our Social Enterprise Boost networking series, with great food, even better company, and plenty of food for thought!