Through the pioneering use of AI, advanced technology, and analytics, we combat illegal fishing and help rejuvenate our oceans, fulfilling the vision of our founder Paul G. Allen, the late philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder.
Skylight is based at the Allen Institute for AI (AI2), a non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking AI research and engineering in service of the common good. Skylight and the fight against illegal fishing benefit from the institute’s world-class expertise in AI.
For most countries, vast ocean sizes overwhelm resources for monitoring illegal fishing and maritime crimes. Recognizing the critical role of enforcement, Skylight addresses this gap by leveraging AI and big data, providing free, operationally relevant, and high-quality insights for under-resourced states and marine protected areas.
Ted Schmitt is a Senior Director, Conservation at the Allen Institute for AI (AI2) and leads the Skylight Program. For over 15 years, he has led efforts to bring fit-for-purpose technology solutions to various terrestrial and marine conservation issues.
Having worked extensively in Africa with field organizations applying technology to secure and manage protected areas, Ted started and led the EarthRanger Program, now used at over 500 parks and wildlife reserves around the globe.
Before joining AI2, Ted was a Senior Program Officer for the Computer Science and Telecommunications Board at the United States National Academies of Science. He served as Business Development Director at several technology start-ups in Germany, Sweden, and the United States, leading the application of technology for impact.
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