One Gen Z founder is proving that the next generation isn’t waiting around for policymakers to decide their future with AI — they’re grabbing the mic and setting the rules (we very much need) now.

The Teen Behind the Movement

Known as the “Greta Thunberg of AI” by Politico, Sneha Revanur is on a mission to make the use of artificial intelligence safe and ethical in order to fulfill its transformative potential. Born and raised in the heart of rising technology - Silicon Valley - Revanur has created a spot for herself in the decision making tables shaping AI policies.  

One of the youngest minds to jump on the AI wave, Revanur is choosing a different lane than the tech giants racing to build the most powerful bots. Instead of pushing product, she’s pushing policy — starting with the most influential forces in the world: lawmakers.

Encode AI

Encode began when Sneha Revanur, then just 15, realized that the same people designing the future of AI were often completely disconnected from those most affected by it — young people. 

Encode was founded in July 2020 with the mission to empower young leaders to help shape the future of AI with a commitment to transparency, ethical development, and responsible use. Encode is helping policymakers and the general public to safely operate artificial intelligence. 

Influencing AI Policies

Encode started as a student-led campaign and quickly evolved into a full-scale movement with a clear demand; AI policy must reflect the voices of the people who will live with its consequences.

Encode has made significant advancements since their founding from organized bipartisan events to passing AI policies to sponsoring AI safety legislation and more. They have received support from U.S. Senators, published articles endorsed by global leaders, and the ‘godfather of AI’ Yoshua Bengio. Their strength lies in numbers, narrative, and timing: showing up before policymakers make decisions, not after.

In over 30 countries and with a team of over 1,300 high school and college students, Encode is supporting young leaders to advance the safety usage of AI while influencing policies. Encode members are pressing political leadership to ensure AI continues to be limited and safeguard for the public’s interest.   

As stated in their website, “[Encode] are pro-AI, pro-progress, and pro-innovation — exactly why we don’t want to see AI’s potential eclipsed by its risks. Through advocacy and education, we’re steering the future of history’s most transformative technology” (encodeai.org). 

Your Voice Matters

If we don’t shape AI, it will shape us. Encode is helping make sure we build and use AI for a greater tomorrow. Whether you care about ethics, equity, the environment, AI will impact your world and your voice matters more than ever.

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