Leveraging AI for Biodiversity Conservation with Jada Andersen of Xylo Systems

In The Blink of A.I.

Episode Summary

In this episode of "In the Blink of AI," host Georgie Healy speaks with Jada Andersen, CTO and co-founder of Xylo Systems, a cloud-based data and AI platform that empowers businesses to measure and manage their biodiversity footprint. Jada discusses the growing global recognition of economic dependency on nature and the existential threat posed by biodiversity decline. She explains how Xylo Systems leverages AI to process complex biodiversity data from disparate sources, including remote sensing technologies like camera traps and bioacoustics, to provide actionable insights for businesses. The conversation delves into the challenges of educating businesses on biodiversity reporting, balancing AI integration costs with customer value, and Jada's personal journey overcoming imposter syndrome to become a tech leader. They also explore global efforts like rewilding in the UK, specific biodiversity challenges in Australia, and the importance of collaboration across industries to promote conservation.

Timecodes

00:00 — Introduction to AI and Technology Costs

00:25 — Welcome to 'In the Blink of AI'

00:37 — Meet Jada Anderson and Xylo Systems

01:33 — Understanding Biodiversity and Global Frameworks

03:05 — Understanding global disclosure frameworks like TNFD

04:31 — The meaning of biodiversity and endangered species in Australia

07:09 — How Xylo Systems leverages AI in biodiversity management

10:03 — Remote sensing technologies and computer vision in ecology

12:43 — Impact of AI integration on client relationships

14:00 — Types of customers and pivot to corporates

15:24 — Educating developers on biodiversity and sustainability

17:06 — Balancing AI integration costs with customer value

18:03 — Jada's journey to becoming CTO and co-founder

21:32 — Overcoming imposter syndrome and passion for nature

24:06 — Startups in the conservation tech space

25:55 — Rewilding and biodiversity efforts in the UK

27:40 — Biodiversity challenges and legislation in Australia

29:48 — Involvement with mining companies and partners

32:11 — Rapid-fire questions

39:22 — Closing remarks and call for team expansion

Resources

Task Force for Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD): A global framework encouraging businesses to disclose their nature-related risks and impacts.

iNaturalist App: An app that helps users identify plants and animals, contributing to research through community-shared observations.

PropTech Awards: Xylo Systems won Best Commercial Business in PropTech and the Energy and Environment Award.

Wilderlands: A Melbourne-based startup developing biodiversity credits for companies to invest in biodiversity preservation.

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