The MI4people team
We are experts with passion and a sense of responsibility.
We are convinced that artificial intelligence is much more than just a technical tool. Used correctly, it can help organizations overcome humanitarian and environmental challenges and achieve a tangible impact for the common good. To this end, we combine knowledge from research, technology, and practice.
Our team combines a variety of expertise, all with a deep understanding of responsible AI. This diversity enables us to examine complex issues from different perspectives and develop tailor-made solutions. We work collaboratively, rely on open approaches, and consistently adhere to clear ethical principles.
Co-Founder and Managing Director
Dr. Paul Springer
“Together with our partners from civil society and academia, we identify the areas where AI can make the biggest difference—so that resources are conserved, processes are strengthened, and an impact is made for the common good.”
Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Denis Dalić
“We develop AI in dialogue—together with the people in the organizations who know the challenges best. We advise, develop, and design each project in partnership.”
Co-Founder and Advisor
Dr. Manas Deb
With degrees in engineering, a PhD in computer science and applied mathematics, and an MBA, I have worked for many years in global leadership roles at Oracle and Capgemini. I led digital transformation projects on cloud, big data, IoT, and AI/ML, and advise companies on the introduction of new technologies. Insights from this work have been incorporated into five co-authored books, podcasts, and lectures. The question of the social benefits of technology led to the co-founding of MI4People. I am convinced that AI should be accessible to everyone worldwide and can support sustainable development when used responsibly."
Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Tine Scheffelmeier
“We develop AI that empowers, supports, and protects people. Data protection and digital sovereignty are non-negotiable. My focus: technology for people.”
Technical Project Manager
Dr. Adjmal Sarwary
“Whenever possible, we release our solutions as open source. What matters to me is that technology runs smoothly and provides real relief for people in organizations.”
Technical Advisory Board
In order to establish a solid foundation for our social impact right from the start, we appointed an advisory board back in fall 2023. The independent outside perspective and constructive criticism strengthen us and help us to continuously improve.
Technical Advisory Board
Brintha Koether
With over twenty years of international leadership experience in global technology and industrial companies—including Intel, NXP Semiconductors, Amazon Web Services, and Vodafone—I have built up extensive expertise in developing and scaling digital business models.
Most recently, I was Global Head of Digital Solutions at Vodafone Business (Vodafone Group), where I was responsible for global product and platform strategy with a focus on cloud technologies, artificial intelligence, IoT, and digital business models.
My strengths lie in the strategic scaling of product portfolios, building digital ecosystems, and negotiating complex international contracts at board level.
Today, I support companies as a member of advisory and supervisory boards in the further development of their digital strategies, governance structures, and growth models.
I have lived and worked in Asia, North America, and Europe, and now live in Hamburg.
In addition, I am involved in educational initiatives and mentor women in technology professions.
Technical Advisory Board
Marc Haarmeier
The use of technology to promote social change has been a recurring theme throughout my career. Ever since studying electrical engineering and business administration, I have been fascinated by the power of technology.
For the past 25 years, I have worked as a consulting and sales manager for fast-growing international companies that help customers make the most of technologies such as IoT, AI, cloud, e-commerce, and platform ecosystems.
Today, as CEO of Prime Force Group, I help our customers use these technologies to increase their competitiveness and social value.
I am a passionate intrapreneur and enjoy getting to the bottom of things to find the best solution together with my tech team. As chairman of the advisory board, I drive the growth of MI4people, a non-profit organization that develops AI-based solutions to improve the common good.
If I had to describe myself with a hashtag, it would probably be: #neverstoplearning. I am also the author of “Artificial Intelligence for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses” and a keynote speaker.
Ethics Council
Our ethics council complements the advisory board with an independent role: It reviews our AI projects for potential risks, societal impacts, and the protection of sensitive data. Independent and critical, it supports us in consistently working responsibly.
Ethics Council
Dr. Christian Herles
"I am a lawyer and in-house counsel. For many years, I have advised numerous startups and scale-ups in the digital sector at various stages of development, both as in-house counsel and external legal counsel.
My areas of expertise, which I also address in publications and presentations, lie in providing legal advice to founders and technology-oriented companies on data protection, IT, and commercial law issues. Munich and Berlin have been among the most formative locations in my career."
Ethics Council
Prof. Mrinalini Kochupillai Ph.D.
“I am a Professor of Sustainability & Business Law at the Hanken School of Economics in Helsinki. For over fifteen years, I have worked internationally on the law, ethics, and governance of new technologies such as blockchain, AI, and Earth observation, including their impact on mental health and ethical decision-making. Previously, I was, among other things, an Associate Professor at the International Future Lab AI4EO at the Technical University of Munich, a Senior Research Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition, and a lecturer at the Munich Intellectual Property Law Center.”