What we’re about
AppliedAI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to developing the next generation of AI leaders in Minnesota. We do this through a conference, podcast, weekly news, monthly newsletters, YouTube channel, and monthly meetups. Our events provide education, hands-on training, and real-world AI applications to help people of all ages learn how to use AI to solve real-life problems.
Additionally, we encourage you to subscribe to our Conversation On Applied AI Podcast. We publish new episodes every other week on topics related to Artificial Intelligence and its applications! We also publish a Monthly Newsletter with details on our current events and ways to engage with our community.
What is Artificial Intelligence
In computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), sometimes called machine intelligence, is intelligence demonstrated by machines, in contrast to the natural intelligence displayed by humans. Leading AI textbooks define the field as the study of "intelligent agents": any device that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of successfully achieving its goals. Colloquially, the term "artificial intelligence" is often used to describe machines (or computers) that mimic "cognitive" functions that humans associate with the human mind, such as "learning" and "problem solving".
What is AppliedAI?
Simple. :) It's the real-world applications that these far-fetched, big ideas lead to. Some things around us that are applications of AI include digital assistants (Google Home, Alexa), self-driving cars, robots, chatbots and many many more!
Who should go AppliedAI Meetups?
This group is a place for anyone who is interesting in learning, sharing and applying Artificial Intelligence to their products and services. It's also for people of all ages just interested in what's going on in the AI space by networking and talking with real-world practitioners of this exciting and new technology.
What happens at AppliedAI Meetups?
• We have speakers and panelists talking about AI in real-world scenarios
• We do demos of AI related projects and explain how they work
• We discuss, where AI has been, where it is today and where it's heading in the future
• We have fun!
Where else can I find you?
Follow us on social media!
Facebook, LinkedIN and Twitter
We also have a podcast and YouTube page.
What are the colors of your logo?
They are derived from the color palette of a few of the first-ever AI-generated photos from Google’s Deep Learning tool.
Upcoming events (4)
See all- TRASH TALKING - Applying AI and IoT to the Refuse and Recycling IndustryLab651, St Paul, MN
Overview
Join us for an insightful and forward-thinking event hosted by Applied AI, where we’ll explore how cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) can revolutionize refuse management and recycling in America. This session will focus on the development of smart, connected, and autonomous garbage trucks that not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Through engaging discussions, we’ll dive into real-world applications of AI and IoT that enhance route optimization, enable real-time monitoring, and support advanced sorting mechanisms to separate recyclables effectively. By leveraging these technologies, refuse management companies can reduce emissions, lower costs, and increase recycling rates, tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Participants will gain insights into:- AI in Refuse Management: How machine learning models can predict waste patterns and optimize operations.
- IoT-Driven Connectivity: Using sensors and smart devices to monitor bin levels, vehicle conditions, and recycling contamination in real time.
- Autonomous Trucks: The future of self-driving vehicles in waste collection and their potential to streamline workflows.
- Sustainability Impact: Practical steps to promote recycling and reduce landfill waste with technology.
Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or a professional in refuse management, this event promises to spark innovative ideas and foster collaboration on reshaping America’s recycling systems.
Agenda
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Networking - food & drinks
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Presentation & discussion
8:00pm: Networking at Lake Monster BrewingMeet Our Featured Speaker
Brian Thomas has worked as Director of Engineering, leading global cross-functional engineering teams in multiple industries including medical devices, autonomous electric vehicles, credit card machines, and military systems. He founded two start-up companies: "Clear Rock Technologies" a smart, connected pillbox, and "Internet Luxuries - Your Online Store for Fine Home Decor" - e-commerce for luxury home decor. Brian has degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and an MBA. He is certified in Project Management, Cyber Security, and Lean Six Sigma. He holds multiple US Patents.
- AI in Product: Custom GPTs: How to test, track, and trust what you’ve built!Lab651, St Paul, MN
Overview
Creating a Custom GPT is one thing—making sure it actually works is another. Whether you’re building for yourself, your team, or as part of a product, this session is all about bringing clarity, consistency, and real-world value to your GPTs.We’ll dig into how to design thoughtful test cases and benchmarks to evaluate your GPT’s performance—plus why this process matters if you want to move from “neat prototype” to “actually useful tool.” You'll get a peek at the CAPITAL framework for grounding your GPTs in purpose, and how to track results.
And because sometimes the best GPTs aren’t fancy—they’re fun—Lori will share a few of her favorites:
- A time-saving Facebook Marketplace post helper
- A grocery list builder that organizes your list by store layout
- The User Persona Generator GPT (a marketing must-have)
- Ethan Mollick’s Go-To-Market GPT (if you’re building something big)
- And the “Ready, Set, Pivot” GPT—aka the career hype squad you didn’t know you needed
If you're building Custom GPTs and wondering, "Is this worth it? How do I know it's working?"—this session will help you answer that with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- When should you build a GPT?
- What to consider before you start?
- How to test it?
- Advice for tracking your GPTs
- Lori’s favorite Custom GPTs (and how to steal the ideas!)
Whether you’re an active AI practitioner or product professional starting your AI journey, this event promises to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Remember to bring a product discovery situation/challenge/win from your work to make the most of our collaborative discussion session!
Agenda
- 2:00pm - 2:30pm: Arrival and networking
- 2:30pm - 3:00pm: Announcements and round-room introductions
- 3:00pm - 3:30pm: Featured presentation by Lori Ryan: "Custom GPTs: How to test, track, and trust what you’ve built!"
- 3:30pm - 4:00pm: Interactive group discussions and workshops focused on attendees' product discovery situations
- 4:00pm onwards: Continued networking at Monster Brewing
Meet Our Featured Speaker
Lori is the founder of Lorignite, where she helps people build a better relationship with AI—one “aha” moment at a time. With roots in TV news, corporate project management, and scrappy startup life, she’s got a knack for turning tech overwhelm into something that actually feels doable (and even fun).She leads engaging sessions on generative AI tools, known for being full of heart, humor, and zero jargon. Whether she’s helping teams roll out Custom GPTs or cheering on first-time users, Lori’s superpower is making people feel like they’ve totally got this.
Lori is trying out for the Timberwolves Senior Dance Team in the Fall. (Because why not?)
Sponsors
This event is sponsored by Lab651 & Recursive AwesomeOrganizers
This event is part of the community interest groups series at Applied AI, where community members power sessions for niche interest areas through the Applied AI platform.This event is organized and hosted by Cameron Gross, John DeBauche, and Beth-Alison Berggren.
Want to host your own community group? Reach out to team@appliedai.mn to learn more!
- Trust vs Transparency in AILab651, St Paul, MN
Overview
As AI systems become more integrated into our daily lives, the need to build public trust in these technologies is greater than ever. But how do we foster that trust, especially when many AI systems operate as “black boxes”—complex and often opaque in their decision-making processes?
We’ll explore the role of transparency in AI, discussing how making AI systems more understandable and explainable can help address concerns around accountability and fairness. We’ll also examine the potential downsides of too much transparency—such as the risks of oversimplifying or exposing sensitive information, and how this could erode trust instead of building it.
Through real-world examples and case studies, we’ll highlight the challenges organizations face in balancing these two key elements, as well as the ethical considerations involved. By the end of the talk, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how trust and transparency must work together to create AI systems that are not only effective, but also equitable, responsible, and trustworthy.
Agenda
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Networking - food & drinks
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Presentation & discussion
8:00pm: Networking at Lake Monster BrewingMeet Our Featured Speaker
Arthur Kjelshus is a forward-thinking tech leader with a proven track record in building high-performing teams and driving innovation in technology-driven organizations. He has held key technical roles across a variety of sectors, including state agencies, defense contractors, federal government agencies, and e-commerce platforms—driving technology initiatives that deliver lasting impact. Arthur has a strong background in software architecture and development, coupled with a desire to help organizations leverage technology through AI driven solutions.
Sponsors
This event is sponsored by Lab651 & Recursive Awesome - Rethinking Creativity With AILab651, St Paul, MN
Overview
Break free from conventional thinking. Whether you consider yourself creative or not, AI can serve as your innovative thought partner to spark fresh ideas, novel solutions, and engineer engaging experiences.Discover practical skillsets and mindsets that will transform how you create. Leave empowered to leverage AI as a tool to amplify your impact!
After this session, you'll be able to:
✅ Discover how to partner with AI to generate fresh ideas
✅ Apply practical techniques to engineer engaging experiences
✅ Cultivate key mindsets for maximizing AI collaborationAgenda:
6:00pm - 6:30pm: Networking - food & drinks
6:30pm - 8:00pm: Presentation & discussion
8:00pm: Networking at Lake Monster BrewingMeet Our Featured Speaker
Tyler Moberg, Training Consultant and Learning Innovation Specialist
Tyler brings nearly two decades of diverse educational and leadership experience to his roles as a Training Consultant for The Bob Pike Group and founder of Amplified Impact, LLC.
Tyler is passionate about helping professionals leverage everyday AI to generate better ideas and improve their work - amplifying their ability to make an impact.
He specializes in translating educational best practices and neuroscience principles into practical strategies for adult learning. Traveling nationwide, he empowers organizations to create more engaging and effective training programs.
Sponsors
This event is sponsored by Lab651 & Recursive Awesome
