— Madison-based software startup DataChat has launched a new artificial intelligence tool called Ask.
This platform relies on large language model-based technology, a type of algorithm that’s been trained on massive datasets to understand and respond to human language. Users of this tool can type in questions about their own data and receive insights, the company says.
The announcement compares Ask to ChatGPT, a popular generative AI tool that has sparked conversations about the impacts of artificial intelligence on society since launching late last year.
Jignesh Patel, co-founder and CEO of DataChat, says large language model — or LLM — programs can’t always replace human intelligence and intuition “despite their impressive abilities.”
“With this in mind, we’re taking a human-centric approach to AI in data analytics by providing users with the option to provide feedback, rely solely on the output, or iterate on the analytics recipe with other human experts,” Patel said.
Along with that focus on the role of human interaction and control in data analytics, the company says ensuring transparency, reliability and data privacy are key challenges when applying AI in this space. The query responses provided by Ask include a “recipe” detailing steps the program took to reach its findings, which can be edited, replayed and saved, the release shows.
DataChat co-founder and Ask lead Rogers Jeffrey Leo John says that allows users to “easily iterate on their results,” replicate the analysis on different datasets and validate the AI’s approach.
“In many organizations, this type of self-documentation is critical to validate and audit decisions,” he said.
See more on the new tool here: https://docs.datachat.ai/work-with-your-data/ask
Listen to an earlier podcast with Patel: https://www.wisbusiness.com/2018/wisbusiness-the-podcast-with-jignesh-patel-uw-madison-professor-of-computer-sciences/
— GOP lawmakers want to add $2 million to the budget to help Green Bay cover the costs of hosting the 2025 NFL Draft.
The proposal would direct the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. to provide a grant to Experience Greater Green Bay Corp.
According to the motion submitted to the Joint Finance Committee, hosting the draft is expected to cost the Green Bay Packers $7.5 million. The team has committed $1 million with a pledge to raise another $4.5 million from partner organizations.
Rep. David Steffen and Sen. Rob Cowles, both Green Bay Republicans, said the draft is expected to draw about 240,000 visitors to Green Bay with a $94 million economic boost to the state, including $20 million directly benefiting the city.
“A $2 million investment for a $94 million return is phenomenal,” Steffen said.
The committee plans to take up the WEDC budget during tomorrow’s hearing.
The co-chairs said they were aware of the request, but hadn’t discussed it yet. Marklein suggested it could be discussed when the committee considers the Department of Tourism budget.
Packers spokesperson Aaron Popkey said the $7.5 million budget for hosting the draft includes public safety, promotions, parking and shuttles, auxiliary venues, staging and staffing, among other things.
He said the Packers support the lawmakers’ request for $2 million in state funds, adding other states such as Texas and Michigan have provided support for teams hosting the draft. He called it “a once-in-a-generation event to promote the region and state at this level.”
“The Packers will lose money on this event, but feel it is a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community and state for supporting the organization for more than 100 years,” Popkey said. “The NFL Draft is an opportunity that is unique to the Packers to be able to pursue.”
This is only the second time the draft has come to Wisconsin after Milwaukee hosted it in 1940.
See the release:
See the language of the motion request: https://www.wispolitics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/230523Motion.pdf
— The Joint Finance Committee has voted along party lines to boost state funding for youth apprenticeship grants and career and technical education programs in school districts to help address the state’s workforce shortage.
The committee’s motion, approved 12-4, also cut $1 million annually from a program that largely gives private companies grants to do custom training programs. The move would still leave $5.25 million available each year for the Fast Forward program, which handed out less than $5 million in grants in fiscal year 2021-22.
The motion would provide an additional $3 million in general purpose revenue to local youth apprenticeship grants in the first year of the budget and $4 million in the second. That would push the program’s funding to $9 million and $10 million.
See more at WisPolitics.com: https://www.wispolitics.com/2023/tue-pm-update-shared-revenue-co-author-urges-senators-to-keep-open-mind-on-compromise
— Northwestern Mutual has announced $3 million in grant funding for community attractions in the Milwaukee area.
This funding from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is aimed at “ensuring equal access” for residents and visitors to Wisconsin’s largest city, according to Foundation President Steve Radke.
“Milwaukee is home to many iconic destinations and attractions that make our city a cultural hub for residents and visitors,” he said in a statement.
Funding recipients include the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Summerfest, the United Performing Arts Fund and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
See details in the release: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/northwestern-mutual-invests-nearly-3-million-to-help-increase-community-access-inclusivity-at-prominent-milwaukee-attractions-301831862.html
— A UW-Milwaukee student named Mitchelle Lyle has won a statewide entrepreneurship contest by pitching an idea for an international travel company.
The WiSys Big Idea Tournament, held recently at UW-Whitewater, is meant to expand the state’s startup ecosystem to include more UW System students and support their business ideas.
Lyle won a $2,500 prize for his presentation on International Travel Advisor, which would support remote workers, entrepreneurs and others living abroad with international travel logistics and more.
In a release from WiSys, Lyle said the customer discovery process he conducted as part of the competition “saved me a ton of time and effort” by pivoting the business’ focus to the right audience.
“I also zeroed in on my value proposition which helped me develop the mission and vision statement,” Lyle said in a statement. “Now that I clearly defined my ‘who’ and ‘why,’ developing processes around ‘how’ has been an exciting journey as I outline objectives and fill gaps.”
Meanwhile, UW-Whitewater student Chad Tjugum got second place and a $1,500 prize after presenting his idea for RaritiesMarket, a rare coin marketplace and database.
And UW-Platteville’s Marc Aruguete and George Case placed third, receiving $750 for Search Plastic, a platform that would connect plastics suppliers with potential customers.
See more on the competition here: https://www.wisys.org/events/bigidea
See the release:
<br><b><i>Top headlines from the Health Care Report…</b></i>
— Hospitals in the state are struggling to sustain their inpatient behavioral health units, according to the head of the Wisconsin Hospital Association.
<i>For more of the most relevant news on COVID-19, reports on groundbreaking health research in Wisconsin, links to top stories and more, sign up today for the free daily Health Care Report from WisPolitics.com and WisBusiness.com.</i>
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#TOP STORIES#
# ‘It’s more than six times the impact of one of our single games’: Green Bay will host the 2025 NFL Draft
# Distill America 2023 brings out Wisconsin distilleries
# Ethanol production poses harm to endangered species, Wisconsin scientist says
#TOPICS#
# AGRIBUSINESS
– Wisconsin extends fee waiver for agricultural chemical cleanup program, offering financial relief to licensees
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=518&yr=2023
– Sen. Baldwin proposes expanding mental health care for farmers
# CONSTRUCTION
– Miron Construction to open $7.5 million office in the Chippewa Valley region
– Milwaukee Public Museum shares plans for Bucyrus Rooftop Terrace and $2.5 million Bucyrus sponsorship
– East side apartment tower sees 2024 construction start with zoning OK
# ECONOMY
– Why consumer spending in downtown Milwaukee is outpacing U.S. growth
# EDUCATION
– How a U.S. Supreme Court decision could shake-up UW-Madison admissions
# ENVIRONMENT
– Agroforestry benefits future farming
http://wisconsinagconnection.com/story-state.php?Id=520&yr=2023
# FOOD AND BEVERAGE
– Supper club-inspired Reunion coming to Spring Green
# HEALTH CARE
– California-based urgent care startup prepares to open first Milwaukee-area clinic
# MANAGEMENT
– Steve Marcus steps down as chairman of The Marcus Corp.
# REAL ESTATE
– New Land’s 25-story east side tower advances as exec touts ‘condo-grade’ apartments
– Marketing firm Captivate Exhibits moves HQ to Sussex
# RETAIL
– Appleton offers $4.4 million to help revitalize City Center Plaza
# SPORTS
– Green Bay named host city for 2025 NFL draft
# TRANSPORTATION
– Milwaukee has some of the worst road conditions in the country, study says
– Sun Country Airlines expanding routes from Milwaukee
# COLUMNS
– Opinion: CUNA workers are striking to defend Madison’s values — and Madison’s future
# PRESS RELEASES
<i>See these and other press releases:
https://www.wisbusiness.com/press-releases/ </i>
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