Jean-Simon Venne, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at BrainBox AI, was recently recognized as a Senior Fellow by the AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD) for his contributions to sustainable AI innovation. We sat down with him to discuss what this honor means, the role of AI in developing countries, and the future of accessible technology.
Congratulations on your AIFOD recognition! Now tell us… what does it mean?
Jean-Simon: Thank you! AIFOD is a leading global initiative that aims to bridge the AI accessibility gap between developed and developing nations. This recognition is an acknowledgment that BrainBox AI’s work in creating affordable, scalable AI solutions for energy optimization in buildings has the potential to be deployed and benefitted from worldwide.
Many people might not be familiar with what it means to be an AIFOD senior fellow. How does that role contribute to global progress?
Jean-Simon: Well, the title itself isn’t necessarily rare. What’s important is the work being done. This fellowship connects innovators and policymakers to advance technology in a way that’s accessible and impactful for countries in development. The goal is to bridge the gap between high-tech economies and regions that haven’t had the same opportunities, helping them leapfrog traditional infrastructure challenges with AI-driven solutions.
The goal is to bridge the gap between high-tech economies and regions that haven’t had the same opportunities, helping them leapfrog traditional infrastructure challenges with AI-driven solutions.
You recently spoke on a panel at the UN 2025 AIFOD Geneva Winter Summit. Why is the UN particularly interested in AI for the Global South?
Jean-Simon: The UN isn’t in the business of making rich countries richer; it’s about leveling the playing field. Developing nations in the Global South have immense potential, but often lack the tools and infrastructure needed to compete globally. AI presents an opportunity to change that.
In your speech at the UN, you spoke about creativity as a key factor in AI adoption. How does that play into this?
Jean-Simon: Creativity is going to be the differentiator in AI for sure. AI tools are becoming more accessible every day, so soon it won’t be about who has access and who doesn’t; it’ll be about who can use them in the most innovative ways. Developing countries have historically had to be incredibly resourceful—they’ve had to solve big problems with very little. That necessity-driven creativity is going to be a huge advantage as AI democratizes. Part of my message to the UN was “watch this space—because the next big breakthroughs could come from anywhere, not just Silicon Valley”.
Developing countries have historically had to be incredibly resourceful—they’ve had to solve big problems with very little. That necessity-driven creativity is going to be a huge advantage as AI democratizes. Part of my message to the UN was “watch this space—because the next big breakthroughs could come from anywhere, not just Silicon Valley”.
- Jean-Simon Venne
What challenges still exist in making AI more accessible globally?
Jean-Simon: Infrastructure is still a challenge, but the biggest hurdle is perception. Many decision-makers still see AI as an elite technology—something only for companies with billion-dollar R&D budgets. Thankfully that’s changing, especially with open-source AI models and smaller, more efficient AI systems that can be deployed without massive computing power. The challenge now is raising awareness and ensuring that people understand that AI isn’t just for the privileged few—it’s for everyone.
For those hesitant to adopt AI, what would you say to them?
Jean-Simon: AI adoption is a bit like the early days of the internet or smartphones—those who resisted at first eventually found themselves struggling to keep up. The world is moving fast, and AI is the foundation of the next technological era. The sooner people start integrating AI into their workflows, the more competitive they’ll be. And for those worried about complexity—AI is becoming more user-friendly and intuitive every day
What excites you most about the future of AI?
Jean-Simon: The idea that AI is no longer confined to massive data centers and billion-dollar enterprises. We’re seeing the full democratization of AI, where millions of small, efficient models can be deployed anywhere, from high-rise buildings in New York City to remote villages in Africa. The real revolution isn’t just in the technology itself—it’s in the accessibility and creativity of its applications. That’s what’s changing the world.
The real revolution isn’t just in the technology itself—it’s in the accessibility and creativity of its applications. That’s what’s changing the world.
- Jean-Simon Venne
