Nima Schei,MD is an entrepreneur, neuroscientist, AI builder and activist. Nima approaches AI through a fundamentally different lens – one that challenges conventional thinking and emphasizes liberation from “mental slavery” in an age where AI often follows predetermined paths. For him, AI stands for “Alternative Intelligence,” reflecting his commitment to learning from nature rather than merely mimicking human cognition.
This distinctive vision led to his groundbreaking creation of BELBIC (Brain Emotional Learning Based Intelligent Controller) in 2003, recognized as the 7th most influential work in emotional AI literature. BELBIC represented a radical departure from traditional AI approaches by creating the first machines that could make decisions based on emotional and intuitive principles observed in biological systems. The success of this bio-inspired approach is evident in its adoption across over 400 industrial and commercial applications.
However, a pivotal moment in his journey came when he discovered, 20 years after BELBIC’s open-source release for public benefit, that it was being used in defense systems. This revelation became a profound “aha moment” about the enduring impact of technology and its potential for unintended consequences. It crystallized his understanding that technological innovations don’t have an expiration date on their impact – they can continue to evolve and be applied in ways their creators never imagined, for better or worse.
This realization led him to found the Miami AI Club, an exclusive community of decision-makers, thought leaders, executives, and AI builders. The club’s diverse membership reflects his belief that responsible AI development requires collective wisdom and multiple perspectives. Through this platform, he’s fostering collaboration among those who understand both the transformative potential and the ethical responsibilities of AI technology.
His multi-disciplinary journey through medicine, neuroscience, and AI has been driven by a singular purpose: deeply understanding nature’s intelligence and translating these insights into technological innovations that can be trusted and responsibly deployed. At Rutgers, his research into dynamical neuronal networks revealed how even small neural circuits could inform new computational paradigms. This work exemplified his approach of looking beyond conventional neural network architectures to understand the fundamental principles of biological information processing.
At Hummingbirds AI, where he serves as “Chief Guacamole Maker,” he’s applying neurobiological principles in revolutionary ways. The company’s GuacamoleID system draws directly from the brain’s amygdala-based mechanisms for face and scene recognition, creating an edge-based authentication system that transcends traditional password-based security.
Throughout his career, Nima has maintained that true innovation in AI comes not from following established paradigms, but from breaking free from conventional thinking while maintaining a strong ethical compass. This philosophy extends beyond his technological work to his broader mission as a vegan and animal rights activist, fighting against elephant slavery in Asia and shark finning in Colombia.
His approach challenges us to see AI differently – not as a tool to replicate human intelligence, but as an opportunity to learn from and harmonize with nature’s profound intelligence, while remaining mindful of our responsibility as creators. Through the Miami AI Club and his various initiatives, he’s building a framework for responsible innovation that acknowledges both the transformative potential and the lasting impact of AI technologies. This vision suggests that by understanding and respecting natural intelligence in all its forms, while fostering collaborative responsibility among AI leaders, we can create technology that genuinely serves both humanity and the natural world.