AOT-AI strengthens leadership with technical director

Leicester artificial intelligence start-up AOT-AI has appointed technology entrepreneur Ed Brown as co-founder and technical director as it prepares for investment and further product development.

Ed joins with an equity stake and a seat on the board, bringing more than six years’ experience designing AI applications, machine learning systems and technology platforms.

Originally trained as a structural engineer, he moved into data science before co-founding workplace support platform Appally, which reached the Tech Nation Rising Stars final and participated in the Bethnal Green Ventures accelerator programme.

He later founded EB Data & AI Solutions, developing bespoke AI applications and automation systems for businesses.

Ed said: “What convinced me to join was the ambition and originality behind Art of Thinking and FISTBUMP. 

“This isn't simply another AI application. 

“It’s a vision for how AI and humans could interact in a fundamentally different way, particularly within conflict resolution.

“Greg and Lizzie's conviction in the broader potential of the technology, combined with the complementary skills the three of us bring, gives this project a genuine opportunity to create something distinctive.”

His appointment completes AOT-AI's founding team alongside Lizzie Soden and Dr Greg Scorzo.

The business is developing AOT FISTBUMP, an AI-powered dialogue platform designed to help people understand the beliefs, misunderstandings and behaviours underpinning conflict.

AOT-AI is currently part of the Leicester Startups incubator and is seeking strategic investment and research funding to support the next stage of its development.

Lizzie Soden, co-founder and creative director, said: “We’ve found someone who understands not only how to build sophisticated AI systems, but why this technology matters. 

“Ed thinks deeply about how artificial intelligence can strengthen human understanding rather than replace it.

“That combination of technical excellence and shared values made him the ideal person to join us as a co-founder.”

Dr Greg Scorzo AOT-AI, co-founder, added: “Working with Ed on the prototype has been seamless. 

“He’s contributing far beyond software engineering. 

“He’s thinking about architecture, deployment and how the technology can work effectively in real-world settings.

“Our backgrounds are very different, but together they create a unique combination of philosophical thinking, human-centred design and technical expertise.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.