In the interview, Vidal discusses her journey in the male-dominated tech industry, her proudest achievements, and the importance of women's involvement in shaping AI models of the future. She also highlights the pressing issues facing AI, such as the need for policies that make AI safe and trustworthy. Vidal emphasizes the importance of government intervention, industry leadership, and public feedback in responsibly building AI. She also encourages investors to support the development of responsible AI and prioritize IP protection, cybersecurity, and responsible investment sources.
Key takeaways:
- TechCrunch is launching a series of interviews focusing on women who’ve contributed to the AI revolution, with Kathi Vidal, an American intellectual property lawyer and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), being one of them.
- Vidal's work in AI includes developing the first AI fault diagnostic system for aircraft and working on U.S. government AI policies at the intersection of AI and innovation.
- She advises women seeking to enter the AI field to persist and find mentors and sponsors who support their success, emphasizing the importance of women's involvement in shaping AI models to mitigate bias or safety risks.
- Vidal highlights the need for responsible AI use and development, calling for government intervention, industry leadership, and public feedback to ensure AI safety, security, and trustworthiness.