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AI-Driven Growth Forecasting for Startups
Inaccurate weather forecasts have long been a source of frustration for many people. However, two former NASA scientists are now using AI and machine learning to improve short-term forecasting with their startup called Zeus AI.
The Power of Data
Zeus AI utilizes the vast amount of data provided by the latest generation of government satellites, such as the GOES-R series satellites by NASA and NOAA. These satellites provide valuable information on atmospheric winds, water vapors, temperature changes, and cloud cover, which directly influence weather patterns worldwide.
According to Thomas Vandal, the CEO of Zeus AI, the latest generation of satellites is “substantially better than the previous generation.” This improved data quality allows Zeus AI to employ machine learning and AI algorithms to analyze the information and detect patterns for more accurate predictions.
The Foundation of Zeus AI
The roots of Zeus AI can be traced back to Northeastern’s Lab. The company’s founders, Thomas Vandal and Kate Duffy, demonstrated exceptional interdisciplinary research skills combining AI and climate science. Their talent caught the attention of NASA, which provided Small Business Innovation Research Phase II funding to help launch their startup.
According to Auroop Ganguly, the Lab’s director, Vandal possesses deep expertise in machine learning and AI for weather and climate analytics, while Duffy excels in recognizing crucial gaps in AI that can benefit earth and environmental sciences. Their combined knowledge paves the way for more advanced forecasting models.
Advanced Forecasts and Targeted Clients
Vandal and Duffy believe that Zeus AI’s forecasting model can outperform existing government models, such as NOAA’s High-Resolution Rapid Refresh. However, don’t expect to see Zeus AI on your favorite news weather stations anytime soon. The startup has a specific target audience: energy markets and energy traders.
Zeus AI aims to assist renewable energy companies in optimizing their operations. By providing more accurate weather models, the startup helps predict how weather conditions affect solar and wind production. This knowledge leads to better utilization of renewable energy sources and reduces the need for thermal energy storage as a backup.
Unlocking the Potential of Satellite Data
Duffy, Zeus AI’s Chief Product Officer, emphasizes the vast amount of underutilized data from geostationary satellites. She explains that traditional weather prediction models fail to incorporate this data due to the sheer volume and complexity. However, Zeus AI aims to retrieve dense and comprehensive atmospheric information from geostationary data, enabling more accurate weather models.
Vandal added that traditional weather forecasting systems are prohibitively expensive to run, requiring powerful supercomputers. In contrast, Zeus AI leverages machine learning algorithms to process the data on a single machine, making it a more cost-effective solution. By quickly learning from existing data, Zeus AI can generate accurate predictions efficiently.
Recognizing Pioneering Work
The work of Vandal and Duffy has earned recognition in prestigious climate and interdisciplinary journals such as Nature Climate Change and Nature Communications. Their research has been hailed as groundbreaking in the field.
According to Ganguly, Vandal, Duffy, and their colleague Evan Kodra represent the younger generation’s best minds leveraging data analytics and AI to tackle the grand challenges of climate change and resilience. Ganguly commends their entrepreneurial spirit and the solutions they bring to these pressing issues.
Utilizing Publicly Available Data
Vandal highlights that NASA and NOAA provide the data required by Zeus AI free of charge to the public. This abundance of readily available information presents a unique opportunity for startups like Zeus AI to harness it and make accurate predictions. The startup takes its name from the Greek god of weather, symbolizing its mission to utilize this data to its fullest potential.
Ganguly mentions that Kodra, another Ph.D. alumnus, achieved success with a climate analytics startup focusing on cities and urban bond markets. The impact of Kodra’s work was reported by reputable sources such as Gotham Gazette and The New York Times, showcasing the growing influence of AI and analytics in addressing climate-related challenges.
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