Industrial Intelligence's Start-Ups Require Evidence Over Empty Promises
Applied Computing Leads the Charge in AI-Driven Sustainability
In the world of industrial AI, Applied Computing is making waves with its innovative approach to digital transformation. At the helm of this venture is Westen Macintosh, the Director of AI & Digital Transformation, who has a diverse background in entrepreneurship, social impact, and technological advancement.
Macintosh's journey began with humanitarian efforts, focusing on projects like planting trees and feeding children in Gaza. However, his path soon led him to the energy industry, where he leveraged his expertise to bring mission-critical AI technology to legacy sectors such as oil rigs, manufacturing plants, and carbon-intensive operations.
Before joining Applied Computing, Macintosh held leadership roles at AWS and co-founded Butternut AI, an AI platform that enabled non-coders to generate websites quickly. Now, at Applied Computing, he oversees the use of AI to deliver tangible, mission-critical improvements in traditional industries.
Applied Computing is focused on creating hard technological solutions that improve operational efficiency and reduce emissions in sectors like energy and manufacturing. Even small improvements, such as a 1% boost in efficiency, can have a significant impact in these large-scale industries. The company recently secured a significant £9 million seed funding round, signaling strong market confidence in their approach that emphasizes proof of AI’s real-world value, not just promise.
The team at Applied Computing is working to prove that their AI can be trusted, addressing concerns about black-box AI systems that produce answers without explaining their methods. Their flagship product, Orbital, is designed to explain its reasoning as it works, making it easier for industries to understand and trust the technology.
Macintosh and his team at Applied Computing are committed to radical transparency in building trust for AI in critical operations. They believe that this transparency is crucial in industries where a small error could cost millions or lives. Their focus is on making an impact, not just on titles or personal ego.
In addition, Macintosh values grit and resilience in the face of setbacks and failure. His entrepreneurial journey has been shaped by rejection, long nights, and steep learning curves. He believes that being one's own boss requires quick adaptation when things don't go as planned.
Macintosh finds startup energy in traditionally conservative organizations. He and his co-founders, Callum Adamson (CEO) and Sam Tukra (CAIO and co-founder), were part of Macintosh's college's mentorship program. Their shared vision and passion for innovation have driven Applied Computing's success.
In summary, Westen Macintosh's background spans entrepreneurial social impact work to advanced AI and cloud infrastructure development at AWS and AI-driven platform creation at Butternut AI. His current role is as Director of AI & Digital Transformation at Applied Computing, where he leads AI initiatives targeting efficiency and emissions reduction in energy and manufacturing. Applied Computing uses AI to solve mission-critical problems by embedding hard tech into legacy industrial systems, helping these industries undergo digital and sustainable transformation, supported by substantial investment and market validation. This positions Macintosh and Applied Computing as key players in the accelerating adoption of AI within traditional heavy industries where the potential for operational and environmental improvement is enormous.
[1] Source: Applied Computing press release, dated 2022 [2] Source: Butternut AI website, accessed 2022
- Westen Macintosh, Director of AI & Digital Transformation at Applied Computing, has a background in business, mentorship, and technology, having previously held leadership roles at AWS and co-founded Butternut AI, an AI platform focusing on sales and accessibility for non-coders.
- In his current role at Applied Computing, Macintosh employs a strategy that emphasizes the tangible value of AI, aiming to drive efficiency and reduce emissions through the implementation of AI in legacy industries such as energy and manufacturing.
- Applied Computing, with its focus on artificial-intelligence, aims to secure its position as a key player in the adoption of AI within traditional heavy industries, leveraging technology to deliver mission-critical improvements and sustainability.
- Macintosh and his team at Applied Computing are committed to building a vision that prioritizes transparency, trust, and environmental impact, rather than personal accolades or ego, as they navigate the challenges of digital transformation in the energy and manufacturing sectors.
