Newlab and Boston Globe explore data-driven solutions for the info industry

Newlab and The Boston Globe are entering into a partnership to explore and develop new data-driven solutions for the information industry, reports Yahoo Finance. The collaboration will allow for the cultivation of artificial intelligence-based tools to eliminate information deserts.

Newlab has appointed computational journalist Francesco Marconi, former R&D Chief at the Wall Street Journal, to spearhead the new AI-focused Venture Studio program.

The new venture will bring together technologists, academic institutions, corporate partners and public-sector leaders, to collaborate on “building new companies and developing next-generation technology solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

The first Newlab Venture Studio company, Applied XLabs, will leverage the combined resources of Newlab and The Boston Globe.

“AI-based technologies are changing the way information is sourced and, more fundamentally, the way we communicate,” said Marconi, SVP of AI & Data at Newlab and founder of Applied XLabs. “We have a responsibility to advance machine learning and natural language processing tools for the benefit of society. I am excited to bring together Newlab’s expertise in scaling new technologies with Boston Globe’s editorial pedigree to develop tools that will empower the entire media ecosystem and the broader public.”

“Artificial Intelligence has evolved to provide many specific benefits in every industry. The Boston Globe is partnering with the Applied XLabs venture that Francesco Marconi has built out of Newlab to use AI to augment their existing products and capabilities. This partnership offers The Boston Globe an opportunity to leverage AI throughout our business to automate operations, drive decision-making and personalize the consumer experience,” said Vinay Mehra, President of The Globe. “The power of AI has the potential to change the landscape for the media industry, and we believe the tools that Newlab and Applied XLabs are building offer huge promise and will influence all parts of the media value chain.”