Ontario-based Malayali researcher Sreya Francis has been selected for the esteemed 'AIconics Solutions Implementer of the Year' award, presented by the International AI Summit. The recognition highlights her noteworthy contributions to the security aspects of artificial intelligence (AI).
Sreya is among the five accomplished individuals shortlisted from a pool of over 1,000 global entries. The recipient of the award will be determined through public voting during the summit scheduled for December 6 in New York.
At 29, Sreya Francis has carved a niche for herself in artificial intelligence, particularly focusing on its applications for human development. Currently serving as the Technical Innovation Head of Farm Mutual Re, she stands as the sole daughter of Dr M V Francis and Susan Thomas, the Principal of VNSS SN Trusts School in Cherthala.
Sreya's innovative contributions are marked by her adept merging of distributed machine learning, causal machine learning, and blockchain technologies to decentralize AI. Notably, she conceived and implemented the pioneering 'Causal Federated Learning,' a concept embraced by leading research laboratories, including Microsoft Research Laboratory and IBM Research, as well as industries globally.
An alumna of Thrikkakara Model Engineering College, Sreya has actively participated in international conferences, focusing on the safety and security aspects of AI.
Beyond her technical expertise, she has emerged as a mentor for young women in the AI domain and an advocate for electronic data interchange. Sreya's commitment to promoting diversity is reflected in her role as a member of the Equity and Diversity Council at Farm Mutual Re.
The accolades bestowed upon Sreya include the prestigious Microsoft Research Diversity award in both 2020 and 2021. Her research leadership extends to Privacy Preserving Machine Learning at the Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithm in Canada.
Furthermore, she has led projects in AI and robotics with industry giants like Wipro, Panasonic AI, and the research and development lab of TATA Elxsi in Japan and India.
The AIconics Solutions Implementer of the Year award serves as a benchmark for industry excellence, acknowledging individuals instrumental in breakthrough innovation and the cutting-edge application of artificial intelligence in business.
Sreya's nomination stands as a testament to her exceptional contributions and commitment to advancing the field of AI, emphasizing its impact on human development and security.
