Intelligence for GOOD

Causeartist

Intelligence for GOOD is a podcast exploring how artificial intelligence can help solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges and unlock new possibilities for society. The show features conversations with founders, researchers, nonprofit leaders, investors, technologists, and builders using AI to create positive impact across climate, healthcare, education, accessibility, finance, agriculture, humanitarian work, and beyond. While much of the conversation around AI focuses on fear, disruption, and uncertainty, Intelligence for GOOD looks at the other side of the story: the people building tools that could improve lives, expand opportunity, accelerate scientific discovery, and help communities around the world thrive. Each episode breaks down real world applications of AI, the ethical questions that matter, and the bold ideas shaping the future of humanity.

Episodes

  1. Andrew Sweet, VP of Innovation at The Rockefeller Foundation

    4h ago

    Andrew Sweet, VP of Innovation at The Rockefeller Foundation

    In the inaugural episode of Intelligence for GOOD, I sit down with Andrew Sweet, Vice President of Innovation at The Rockefeller Foundation, to explore how AI is already being used to solve real-world challenges in agriculture, education, healthcare, workforce development, and public services. Andrew brings a unique perspective to the conversation. From serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo and a presidential appointee at USAID, to leading global COVID-19 initiatives at The Rockefeller Foundation, his career has focused on tackling complex challenges at scale. The discussion also explores Rockefeller's remarkable connection to the origins of artificial intelligence. In 1955, the Foundation funded the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence, the gathering where the term "artificial intelligence" was first coined and the modern AI field was born. Today, nearly seventy years later, Rockefeller is helping shape how AI can be deployed for public benefit around the world. In This Episode The untold history of The Rockefeller Foundation's role in the birth of artificial intelligenceHow AI is helping millions of smallholder farmers improve crop yields and livelihoodsWhy developing countries often have a more optimistic view of AI than the United StatesThe growing importance of AI sovereignty and locally owned AI infrastructureHow AI can expand access to public benefits and government servicesWhy AI literacy should become a core part of educationThe rise of solo entrepreneurs building businesses with AI toolsHow states like Maryland and West Virginia are preparing citizens for an AI-driven economyThe role philanthropy can play in ensuring AI benefits everyone, not just a small group of technology companiesWhy Andrew believes AI can help reduce inequality rather than increase itKey Takeaways AI is already creating measurable social impact. From Digital Green's Farmer.Chat platform reaching millions of farmers across multiple countries to new AI-powered health and education tools, practical applications are delivering results today. The biggest opportunity may be where talent is scarce. Rather than replacing workers, AI can fill critical gaps in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education where there simply are not enough professionals available to meet demand. AI literacy is becoming essential. Just as previous generations needed proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet tools, future workers will need a working understanding of AI systems and how to collaborate with them effectively. Public services are ripe for transformation. AI has the potential to make government services more accessible, responsive, and human-centered by reducing complexity and improving citizen experiences. Optimism matters. While risks deserve serious attention, Andrew argues that society needs more conversations about the opportunities AI creates, especially for entrepreneurship, workforce development, and global problem solving. About Andrew Sweet Andrew Sweet is Vice President of Innovation at The Rockefeller Foundation, where he leads AI partnerships and strategy initiatives. Before joining Rockefeller, Andrew served as a presidential appointee at USAID, worked with Dalberg Advisors in Africa and the United States, and began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, West Africa. His work today focuses on helping governments, nonprofits, and communities leverage emerging technologies to improve lives and create economic opportunity.

    39 min

About

Intelligence for GOOD is a podcast exploring how artificial intelligence can help solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges and unlock new possibilities for society. The show features conversations with founders, researchers, nonprofit leaders, investors, technologists, and builders using AI to create positive impact across climate, healthcare, education, accessibility, finance, agriculture, humanitarian work, and beyond. While much of the conversation around AI focuses on fear, disruption, and uncertainty, Intelligence for GOOD looks at the other side of the story: the people building tools that could improve lives, expand opportunity, accelerate scientific discovery, and help communities around the world thrive. Each episode breaks down real world applications of AI, the ethical questions that matter, and the bold ideas shaping the future of humanity.