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EmailAspen Digital is working on Community-Aligned AI Benchmarks to align the goals of AI developers with the priorities of communities on the frontlines of global challenges. We are starting with food systems and nutritional security, a critical sector where AI applications hold promise but their development remains under-explored.
To ensure future AI research responds to real needs, we are launching a global call for input from food security professionals and practitioners. This short survey is designed to elevate the key challenges that people in the field are facing. The insights we gather will help guide the development of new benchmarks to inspire AI research that supports community-driven solutions and foster development.
On Tuesday, July 29, we hosted a dynamic virtual conversation bringing together food security professionals and technologists to discuss the current state of technology in the field, how we got here, and where we’re headed.
The webinar was our next step toward strengthening the alignment between the AI and food security communities. We explored how to bridge the gap between the pressing needs of the food systems sector and cutting-edge research into new AI capabilities.
Together, we can shape the direction of AI development to help us feed the future.
SPEAKERS
Irene Arias Hofman
CEO, IDB Lab
Read about Irene
Irene Arias Hofman is the CEO of IDB Lab, the innovation and venture capital arm of the InterAmerican Development Bank Group. Under her leadership, IDB Lab supports visionary entrepreneurs and disruptive technologies to address pressing development challenges and spark new industries for future growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Lab propels high-impact startups and the innovation ecosystems they need to thrive through flexible financing, practical knowledge, and global connections. Previously, Irene spent 20 years at IFC, the World Bank Group’s private sector arm, where she managed the Financial Institutions Group and oversaw a US$16 billion portfolio in Latin America and the Caribbean. Her expertise encompasses innovation, technology, venture capital, and organizational development.
Kyle Newell
Head of Impact Ventures, Impact Pathways
Read about Kyle
Kyle Newell is a global sustainability strategist and agriculture innovation leader with over two decades of experience advancing inclusive, tech-enabled solutions across food systems in more than 40 countries. His work sits at the intersection of regenerative agriculture and digital transformation—helping enterprises and investors design scalable business models that deliver both productivity and climate resilience. Kyle has founded and exited agtech ventures in South Africa, directed a Pan-African agriculture investment portfolio, and led sustainability strategy and tool development at EY, including digital value chain assessments and environmental diagnostics. Through his current role at Impact Pathways, he advises early-stage and growth businesses on embedding ESG, improving resource efficiency, and navigating emerging regulatory frameworks. Kyle holds an MBA from Purdue and a Master’s in Public Policy from The Fletcher School at Tufts. He is committed to shaping the future of agriculture through innovation, inclusion, and systems-level thinking.
Robert Egger
Social Entrepreneur and Food Justice Pioneer
Read about Robert
Robert Egger is a social entrepreneur and food justice pioneer who founded DC Central Kitchen, LA Kitchen and the Campus Kitchen Project. Robert has spent decades building community-centered food systems, advising organizations like World Central Kitchen (which he helped found) and the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, and advocating for sustainable, equitable solutions at the intersection of nutrition, dignity, and innovation.
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This work is made possible thanks to support from Siegel Family Endowment.
