InstaDeep Co-Founder and CEO Karim Beguir returned to his alma mater to share the stage at New York University with Meta’s Chief Scientist Yann LeCun.
In a session titled “The Future of AI,” part of NYU’s ‘Speakers on the Square’ series, Karim and Yann explored the latest advancements and challenges in AI.
Both are recent recipients of the TIME100 AI Impact Award, and their shared NYU roots helped shape a discussion that spanned innovation, ethics, and global impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Karim said, “I spent my formative years at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences at New York University, so it’s a very special moment for me to be back for a fireside chat with Yann — someone whose AI journey I have long followed and been inspired by.”
The event wasn’t just a professional exchange but a meeting of minds that underscored a shared vision of AI as a powerful force for good.
Exploring AI’s Path Forward
One of the core themes of the conversation was the rapid progress AI has made over the past decade and the challenges that lie ahead. While today’s AI models can achieve near-human or even superhuman performance in certain fields, gaps remain — particularly in areas like robotics. Karim and Yann discussed what it will take to address these limitations and where the next major advancements might come from, focusing on how AI’s current strengths can be further refined.
The Transformative Potential of AI in Healthcare
AI’s impact on healthcare was another focal point. Karim shared his experience working with BioNTech on AI-driven COVID variant detection, an example of how AI can support human health at critical moments. Both speakers speculated on the future of AI in healthcare, exploring how advancements could drive early detection, precision treatments, and breakthroughs that improve patient outcomes globally.
Universities: The Backbone of Fundamental AI Research
The role of universities in advancing AI research is evolving, especially as the resources needed for foundational AI models continue to grow. For decades, universities have driven innovation by conducting fundamental research and developing the next generation of talent. Karim and Yann discussed how academic institutions could maintain their pivotal role in AI development, particularly through partnerships with industry that make these resources accessible and impactful.
Navigating AI Risks and the Regulatory Landscape
The conversation also tackled one of the most pressing issues in AI today: the balance between innovation and regulation. With both speakers deeply engaged in world-leading AI applications, they discussed the ethical concerns and risks associated with the technology.
Karim highlighted the importance of safeguarding innovation in areas like healthcare, while Yann shared his perspective on addressing misconceptions about AI risks. They agreed on the need for collaborative regulation that fosters innovation while protecting society.
AI as a Global Equaliser
As the session drew to a close, Karim and Yann looked at AI through a global lens, examining its potential to reduce disparities between developed and developing nations. While AI could widen inequalities, it also has the potential to act as a powerful equaliser by driving development and improving quality of life worldwide. Universities, once again, play a key role here, not only in training the next generation of AI talent but in spreading the benefits of AI innovation across borders.
This event captured the promise of AI across healthcare, ethics, and global development, highlighting the importance of balancing ambition with responsibility.
For Karim, the fireside chat was more than a professional milestone; it was a homecoming to NYU, where his passion for AI was first ignited.
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