It is a common myth that artificial intelligence (AI) is costly to integrate and can therefore only be used by large corporations. In reality, affordable and easy to use products are quite possible, as evidenced by the startup AID from Lviv Polytechnic National University.
AID is a web service that simplifies the implementation of machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision technologies without limiting their customization. The invention helps small and medium-sized businesses to implement AI solutions, reducing development costs and promoting faster product launch on the market.
The original idea was very different from the current one - AID was aimed at students and novice developers in the field of Data Science and wanted to develop a graphical constructor for them to get acquainted with the development of neural networks in graphical form. With this idea, the AID team won the international stage of the Creative Spark Big Idea Challenge 2021.
The current idea came from a conversation with an American businesswoman who complained about a problem in her project: they had to hire an additional specialist to solve quite simple tasks and spend extra money on it. However, such tasks could be easily solved by the AID web service.
Since then, AID has shifted its focus from students to small and medium-sized IT product businesses and software developers.
«We offer a simple, intuitive tool (web designer) that can be used by a developer without previous experience and knowledge of artificial intelligence. In this way, he will be able to develop neural networks that can be integrated into technology products, without the need for the company to hire an additional specialist in Data Science», says team leader Mykhailo Mamchur.
The key to the result, according to Mykhailo, is constant communication with potential consumers. This is how it becomes clear which functions to provide to users, which is a critical advantage over other analogues, which should be left in the free version, and which is better to make paid.
AID is extremely helpful in startup communication development, as most of the insights were obtained through productive collaboration with business mentors of foreign acceleration programs.
What's in the plans? Focus on direct web service development, testing and analysis of reverse feedback.
AID is pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the development of Ukrainian product startups and companies.
The recipe for success from AID:
«It is important to understand: it is impossible to think through everything at once, make a cool plan and create a product that will immediately become popular and profitable. The main thing is to be in constant motion, improve, continue to develop and constantly test the invention. You should not be upset if the original idea is not as strong as it seemed, but instead use this valuable experience for a new look at the product and its prospects».
