Ty Henkaline

CTO and AI Expert

Since his high school days as a standout student and nationally recognized athlete, Ty has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence. This dedication continued into his college years, where he not only maintained his impeccable academic record but also published his first paper in a peer-reviewed academic journal, was nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship, and graduated at the top of his class.

During his PhD studies, Ty ventured more deeply into the intersection of behavioral science, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI). Here, he earned multiple master’s degrees, introduced a groundbreaking PhD-level course on causal inference, and garnered accolades from the American Statistical Association for his role in fostering collaborations across academic, industrial, and governmental sectors.

Transitioning to the professional world, Ty's contributions to an AI product at a startup led to its quick acquisition by eBay. Recognizing the potential of AI-driven solutions, he spearheaded teams at various organizations, amassing significant revenue as he led the development of scores of such solutions. One notable achievement under his leadership was the development of an open-source data science package that gained recognition in major publications, including CIO magazine. As a testament to his expertise, Ty has been invited to share his insights on international platforms, ranging from leading organizations to esteemed conferences. Ty has also been invited to serve as an expert witness for landmark cases involving major technology companies.

Ty has been with Singularity now for over 5 years. Originally the Managing Director of Data, Analytics, and AI, he was recently promoted to CTO. At Singularity, Ty has played an instrumental role in launching the institution's first AI-driven product, prototyping a cutting-edge AI-driven neuroadaptive virtual reality learning platform that was quickly acquired, co-developing one of Singularity's feature workshops -- on the responsible development of AI, and championing the integration of behavioral science, data science, and AI across the company's initiatives.

Speaking Topics

Life, Liberty, and AI: How the Principles of the Free Software Movement Will Shape the Future of AI ... and Everything Else

The future is undeniably heading towards an era dominated by AI. As this happens, AI development will be significantly influenced by the free software movement (FSM). This means that the principles of the FSM – which champions open, transparent, and freely accessible software – will become crucial for everyone. The future's most effective leaders will recognize and understand these principles, and be able to apply them thoughtfully and strategically.

During this session, we will discuss the principles of the FSM and how their convergence with AI will have profound implications for our future. This will enable us to envision a future where technology not only pushes boundaries but does so with equity and openness at its core.

Following this session, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate the fundamental principles of the FSM
  • Understand the interplay of the principles of the FSM with AI development
  • Grasp how the merging of the FSM and AI development will lead to a more ethical AI future
  • Envision a future where technology will increasingly pair innovation with a commitment to fairness and openness
  • Contemplate their roles in fostering and maximizing the benefits of such a future

How to Build an Enterprise AI Capability

The digital transformation era is in full swing, and AI stands at its forefront. As organizations grapple with the vast potential of AI, understanding how to effectively harness its power becomes paramount. This session delves deep into a structured approach to integrate AI, ensuring impactful and aligned business outcomes.

By the end of this session, participants will be armed with insights and strategies to navigate the AI landscape, ensuring their initiatives drive innovation and business growth.

Following this session, participants will be able to:

  • Set clear AI objectives that align well with business goals
  • Identify specific business challenges that are synergistic with AI solutions
  • Create compelling AI use cases that map well on to these specific business challenges
  • Assess organizational AI readiness and determine how to resolve specific gaps – particularly gaps in data
  • Understand the necessity of including humans in the loop for effective AI deployment

How to Run an Enterprise AI Capability

With AI integrated into the organizational fabric, the next challenge is ensuring its sustainable and effective operation. This session explores the nuances of running an enterprise AI capability, emphasizing long-term success, continuous improvement, and adaptability in a dynamic business environment.

By the end of this session, participants will gain a holistic understanding of the intricacies involved in managing and optimizing AI-driven initiatives, ensuring they remain agile and responsive to evolving business needs.Following this session, participants will be able to:

  • Monitor and evaluate the performance of AI solutions in real-world scenarios
  • Implement feedback loops for continuous AI improvement and refinement
  • Manage the ethical considerations and challenges that arise during AI operation
  • Foster collaboration between AI teams and other business units for cohesive decision-making
  • Ensure data quality and relevance are maintained over time
  • Address challenges and obstacles that emerge during the operational phase of AI

How to Build AI Responsibly

The rise of automated decision-making systems is revolutionizing various industries, but with this comes the challenge of ensuring these systems are inclusive and free from biases. Algorithmic biases, stemming from cultural prejudices and assumptions, can inadvertently be integrated into these systems, leading to unintended consequences and perpetuating existing disparities.

During this hands-on workshop, we will delve deep into the nuances of algorithmic biases. Participants will get a chance to design and train their own algorithms, mirroring the processes used across industries. More than just a theoretical exercise, these self-designed algorithms will then be deployed back onto the participants, offering a unique opportunity to experience the effects of algorithmic inclusion and exclusion in real-time.

Following this session, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the origins and manifestations of algorithmic bias in AI
  • Design AI while being cognizant of potential biases and their implications
  • Evaluate AI for its propensity to perpetuate biases
  • Understand the intricacies of how AI is crafted, deployed, and utilized
  • Reflect on their own roles and responsibilities in ensuring the creation of inclusive and fair AI systems

How to Build an AI Product

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, AI-driven products are no longer just an innovation – they're a necessity. The potential of AI to transform industries, enhance user experiences, and drive business growth is unparalleled. However, building a successful AI product requires a unique blend of technical expertise, ethical considerations, and market insight.

During this session, we will journey through the end-to-end process of creating an AI product. From ideation and data collection to training models and deployment, each stage offers its own challenges and opportunities. We will also discuss the ethical considerations intrinsic to AI product development, ensuring that our creations not only perform exceptionally but also respect user rights and societal norms.

Following this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the lifecycle of an AI product from inception to deployment
  • Recognize the technical challenges and best practices in AI product development
  • Grasp the ethical dimensions and considerations when building AI-driven solutions
  • Identify potential pitfalls and strategies to navigate them effectively
  • Envision the future of AI products and their potential impact on industries and society
  • Reflect on their roles as innovators and ethical stewards in the AI realm