Ethiopia - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

AhaduAI develops advanced AI technologies to enhance human capabilities. Our mission is to TRULY benefit all of humanity by bridging the digital divide and empower underrepresented languages and communities through advanced, inclusive AI solutions.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our project focuses on AI accessibility for underrepresented languages, starting with Amharic and then expanding to other low-resource languages. Recognizing the limitations of existing models like ChatGPT and Gemini in understanding and generating these languages, AhaduAI focuses on creating robust, accurate and culturally aware AI solutions. We draw on local expertise and community engagement to gather high-quality linguistic data, develop advanced natural language processing models, and implement these technologies in practical applications: translation services, educational tools, and digital assistants. This approach emphasizes inclusivity and makes sure that AI benefits diverse populations and preserves linguistic heritage. By empowering local communities with cutting-edge AI capabilities, we seeks to foster economic growth, enhance quality education, and promote social inclusion across Ethiopia, Africa and beyond.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Millions of people in Ethiopia and similar regions are excluded from the benefits of AI advancements because existing Large Language Models don't function well with their language (like Amharic). This creates a language barrier that hinders technological inclusion, economic opportunities, and educational progress.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Our Amharic LLMs and Chatbots has the following main advantage: 1. Linguistic Inclusion: Breaks the language barrier, and let's you chat with AI in Amharic. 2. Cultural Preservation: Our AI models are designed with cultural awareness, this helps preserve and promote linguistic heritage by accurately understanding and generating content in native languages. 3. Enhanced Opportunities: Our AI-driven tools for translation, education, and digital assistants, empower local communities with improved access to information, better educational resources, and new economic opportunities, thereby driving growth and development.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

My project targets Ethiopians (or Amharic speakers). Specifically 1. Educational Institutions and Students and 2. Content Creators and Media 3. Local businesses and entrepreneurs

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-05-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Mr. J. Expertise in team-building and planning. 2. Ms. H. (AI Specialist): A computer science student with deep AI knowledge. 3. Ms. M. (Developer & Designer): Proficient in Python, Java, and graphics design. 4. Ms. B. (Marketing & Product): Leads product strategy and go-to-market efforts. Additionally, we're also guided by a distinguished PhD mentor with extensive research experience.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://ahaduai.vercel.app

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

AhaduAI contributes to the "No Poverty" goal by providing AI-driven tools that enhance access to information, education, and economic opportunities for speakers of low-resource languages like Amharic. By developing accurate and culturally aware AI models we enable better communication, facilitate education through localized content, and support local businesses with translation and digital assistance tools. This fosters economic growth, improves job prospects, and empowers underrepresented communities to participate more fully in the digital economy, thereby helping to reduce poverty levels.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

My project contributes to the "Good Health and Well-being" goal by enhancing access to crucial health information and services in underrepresented languages. By developing AI models that accurately translate and generate content in languages like Amharic, we ensure that vital health resources, educational materials and emergency information are accessible to more people, leading to better-informed communities, improved health literacy.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

My project contribute to the "Quality Education" goal by developing AI-driven educational tools and resources in low-resource languages like Amharic. These tools facilitate inclusive and equitable access to education, supporting lifelong learning opportunities and improving educational outcomes for all learners, especially those in undeserved communities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

We ensure that AI technologies empower women and girls through improved access to education, economic opportunities, and digital literacy, thereby promoting their inclusion and empowerment in the digital age.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

We contribute to the "Decent Work and Economic Growth" goal by empowering underrepresented communities through enhanced access to education, digital skills, and economic opportunities facilitated by AI technologies in their native languages. By promoting inclusive economic growth and supporting entrepreneurship among local businesses and entrepreneurs, AhaduAI aims to foster sustainable development and create meaningful employment opportunities in regions with limited access to technological resources.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

We address local infrastructure gaps like limited access to digital education, healthcare services, and communication tools. By enhancing access to sustainable and resilient digital infrastructure, we promote inclusive industrialization and economic development, aligning with target to upgrade industries for sustainability and increase access to information and communications technology in developing countries. These efforts support broader goals of fostering innovation, improving resource efficiency, and enhancing technological capabilities in undeserved regions.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

AhaduAI contributes to the "Reduced Inequalities" goal by focusing on underrepresented languages and communities, ensuring equitable access to advanced AI technologies. By developing AI models for low resource languages, AhaduAI empowers marginalized communities with tools for education, economic opportunities, and digital inclusion. This reduces linguistic and technological inequalities, fostering greater participation in the digital economy and societal development.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Enhanced access to information and services through AI technologies promotes inclusivity and resilience by ensuring all community members, regardless of language, can participate in social opportunities, thereby fostering more equitable and sustainable urban environments.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

3

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

3

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

3

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

We contribute to the "Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions" goal by promoting inclusive access to information and education through AI technologies. This fosters greater civic engagement, transparency, and accountability by ensuring all community members, regardless of languages, can understand and participate in institutional processes. By enhancing communication and understanding, AhaduAI supports the development of more inclusive and effective institutions, contributing to social stability and equitable access to justice.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

6

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

We contribute to "Partnerships for the Goals" by fostering collaborations with local communities, educational institutions, and non-profits to develop AI technologies for underrepresented languages. These partnerships enhance knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and the implementation of sustainable development initiatives. By working together with various stakeholders, our project strengthens the means of achieving global goals and promotes inclusive and sustainable development, though its primary focus remains on linguistic and educational advancements rather than broader economic and systemic changes.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

5

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

6

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

2

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

2

05.08 Justification

While AI and LLMs like those developed by OpenAI and Google are not entirely new technologies, AhaduAI's focus on low-resource languages and specific regional needs presents a significant innovation within an existing framework. It improves existing language technologies by primarily addressing undeserved markets and responding to unique linguistic and cultural needs that are unmet by current offerings. It extends the range of AI applications but is not just a new version of existing services.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

1. iCog Labs: A key competitor in Ethiopia, working on AI and robotics for over a decade. Despite plans to develop Amharic language models announced years ago, they have yet to release a consumer product. 2. OpenAI (ChatGPT): Advanced language models but not tailored for underrepresented languages like Amharic. 3. Google (Gemini): Powerful language models but with a broad focus, not specifically targeting low-resource lanugages. What makes US stand out? - Focused target market: The localized focus allows for more relevant and culturally aware AI solutions. - Speed to market: we are on track to develop our first product in few months, potential beating iCog Labs to market. This rapid development cycle can capture early adopters and establish a foothold in the market. - Cultural and Linguistic Expertise - Community Engagement

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes. We actively encourage and support women to ensure a diverse and inclusive team. Female members of our team provide mentorship to aspiring female entrepreneurs, and share expriences.