Te Ipu o Te Mahara | Artificial Intelligence Institute

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Unleashing the potential of interdisciplinary AI to help create a better world

Launched in April 2021, the flagship Te Ipu o te Mahara, The Artificial Intelligence Institute at the University of Waikato takes an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to the development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research. Our goal is to build awareness and expertise across disciplines so we can better leverage AI for the benefit of our communities.

Our Vision

To advance open-source AI research fostering a culture of enjoyment in scientific exploration and empowering people through AI technologies. We aim to contribute to societal well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability in New Zealand.

AI Bridges

At the AI Institute, we work with academics from all schools, divisions, and faculties to drive multidisciplinary research and leverage AI to address real-world challenges. Click on each area below for more information:

: Our work in AI for the environment focuses on developing cutting-edge machine learning methods specifically designed to handle complex environmental data, recognising that high-quality data is crucial for research, decision-making, and sustainable management of natural resources. Through the Time-Evolving Data Science / Artificial Intelligence for Advanced Open Environmental Science (TAIAO) programme, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE), we are advancing data science to address the unique challenges of New Zealand's ecosystems. This $13 million, seven-year initiative aims to transform how environmental data is processed, enabling more accurate insights for preserving and managing our natural environment.
Since 2022, we have co-organised the AI for the Environment Hackathon Festival with the AI Forum NZ and hosted the hackathon in the Waikato region. Hackathons provide a safe and collaborative space for people with diverse skill sets to come together to solve problems using AI. As part of this year’s AI for the Environment Hackathon Festival, the AI Institute delivered two free online courses - Introduction to AI and Environmental AI using Python - for all hackathon participants.
AI for the Environment is led by Professor Albert Bifet.

: We recognise the growing need among healthcare professionals to understand and apply AI in their practice, from clinicians aiming to improve patient outcomes with AI-driven solutions to medical researchers integrating AI into their methodologies. In response, we launched our first introductory AI course tailored specifically for healthcare professionals earlier this year. Building on this success, we have since established the Waikato Healthcare AI Research and Interest Group, creating a dedicated platform for collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of AI in healthcare.
AI for Health is led by Professor Dr David McCormack.

: In an increasingly AI-driven world, the need for robust governance and ethical oversight is more important than ever. We are committed to leading the conversation on AI ethics, focusing on responsible development and use of AI technologies. To support this, we plan to launch a short online course on AI ethics in 2025, providing professionals with the tools and frameworks to navigate the ethical complexities of AI. Our goal is to ensure that AI systems are transparent, fair, and accountable, fostering trust and safeguarding societal interests as AI continues to evolve.
We think that fairness could be the big opportunity for Aotearoa in AI and we wrote about it on data.govt.nz. Read the article here.
AI for governance is led by Professor Nick Agar.

: We have maintained strong collaborations with Te Kotahi Research Institute and Tikanga in Technology research programme. The consistent dialogue and shared visions of these organisations provide a solid foundation for transforming how Māori communities interact with AI. We are interested in the relationship between Māori Data Sovereignty and AI.

We supported the Indigidata Aotearoa programme since 2022, a residential wānanga for Māori students designed to develop an understanding of Indigenous data science and sovereignty alongside some of the best researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand. This wānanga was a collaborative effort between the TAIAO and Tikanga in Technology projects, along with other partners such as NESI, REANNZ, and Genomics Aotearoa.
Sovereign AI is led by Associate Professor Te Taka Keegan.

: We are collaborating with Waikato Management School (WMS) and software experts Company-X on a new interdisciplinary partnership. We see the potential of AI to transform decision-making by providing precise insights, enabling people to allocate time and resources more effectively. This leads to more intelligent and streamlined processes across industries, driving improved outcomes and broader impact.
The first project under this partnership focuses on enhancing transport and infrastructure systems by leveraging data to improve decision-making speed and effectiveness for asset managers responsible for maintaining essential infrastructure like roads, water, and energy. This AI-driven platform represents a pioneering effort between the University and Company-X, aiming to deliver meaningful impact across New Zealand and globally. The partnership also involves the experts from the University’s School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and School of Engineering.

: To empower educators, we were involved in the recent Tauranga Innovative Education Summit, which aimed to deepen their understanding of the 'what,' 'why,' and 'how' of AI in schools, preparing them to integrate it effectively into the classroom.
In partnership with Callaghan Innovation, we offered free introductory AI courses at three locations across Aotearoa and online designed to educate the public on both the risks and benefits of AI. These courses also highlight the strategic advantages AI offers to drive innovation in businesses. We are committed to fostering AI skills and knowledge at all levels.