ProbSol

Inequity and global challenges are complex and hard to define at the micro or macro level.

Our solution is a cloud-based database system to help capture and identify complex problems around the world. Problems submitted via an online form can then be analyzed for the root cause. Utilizing machine learning AI processes, similar problems can be clustered to help identify correlations using Natural Language Processing (NLP) and form comprehensive solutions when applicable.

Connecting people across the world through this system can help set in motion synergistic solutions. Mentors, subject matter experts, and enthusiastic philanthropists can all work together to develop solutions to local problems.

Synthesizing micro problems may lead to identifying macro challenges using machine learning that can be addressed comprehensively on a global scale. 

Inequity and global challenges are complex and often hidden to the the rest of the world. For example, in one corner of the world, a small farmer’s debt of a few dollars may turn into generational debt because of high interest rates. In another corner, a bridge across the river may help connect a small village to bring prosperity to an isolated community. Yet another example, the fear of a parent forced to flee an unsafe region risking family well-being may provide hopes for a better future.

Micro challenges are hidden and often hard to conceive for an outside observer. Shedding light on local problems can bring passionate individuals and organizations to help conceive a comprehensive solution.

Seemingly insignificant problems to an outside observer are monumental local challenges that can be solved synergistically world-wide.

Initially, this product can be deployed locally, then regionally, and easily scale globally where there is internet access available.

The ProbSol system is aimed to support and help underserved communities across the world, both in urban and rural areas wherever internet access is available.

Our solution, ProbSol, is a database system to help capture and identify complex problems around the world. Problems submitted via an online form can then be analyzed for the root cause using Machine Learning Natural Language Processing (NLP). Utilizing AWS SageMaker machine learning AI processes, similar problems can be clustered to help identify correlations and form comprehensive solutions when applicable.

The database system will connect solution providers and creative thinkers world-wide to help synergistically solve local problems.

Most existing processes try to address one specific need. Our approach is to leverage a synergistist approach by asking the global community to weigh in on finding solutions to the stated problems one step at a time. Stakeholdersmentors, philanthropists, and passionate volunteers can work collectively to address specfic needs across this platform.

Using AI natural language processing helps identify patterns, relationships, and new insights that may otherwise be hidden. Wisdom of the crowd can then bring the best solution forward. 

The front end of this system is an online form to submit a problem into a cloud-based database system. The volunteers will have a similar form to help identify resources and subject matter experts to help solve stated problems. 

Key words in stated problems along with predetermined categories will help identify patterns and cluster similar solutions using AWS machine learning processes. Subject matter experts will be paired up through this process to create a best match for solving the problem. 

Patterns recognized over time may lead to synthesizing solutions systemically at the macro level around the globe. 

In the book, Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki, the author classifies three types of decisions: Cognition, Coordination and Cooperation. 

Cognition is thinking and information processing, such as market judgment, and is faster, more reliable, and less subject to political forces than just relying on experts.

Coordination of behavior includes optimizing the utilization of a popular idea. He examines how common understanding within a culture allows remarkably accurate judgments about specific reactions of other members of the culture.

Cooperation forms networks of trust without a central system controlling their behavior or directly enforcing their compliance.

In addition, Surowwiecki believes not all crowds are wise. He values diversity of opinion, independence, decentralization, aggregation and trust.

Convergence of ideas across the world in collaboration with indigenous knowledge creates a strong bond that is informative and lasting. 

As this prototype develops we intend to scale up over the next several years.

Current year - 0

One year - 1000

Five years - 1,000,000

Goals:

Deploy the system on a small scale to refine the solution. 

Market and inform the at-large community to develop a base of volunteers and subject matter experts. 

Refine the AI system to help identify patterns and relationships among problems and solutions.

Leverage connections across the world to promote the solution and participation in a wider community. 

Barriers:

ProbSol as a non-profit tool, will be free for all users. Funding and sustaining AWS services for the system will be a challenge as it scales up.

Collaborating with data and machine learning experts to help identify relationships as the system evolves

Language barriers may be a cultural challenge. In future phases, we can explore language translation capabilities inherent in the system.

Addressing the barriers:

We will share this product in larger communities, such as collaborate with colleges, universities, K-12 institutions to bring awareness, gather volunteers and help with funding. 

We will be the first test case as we gather data for solving the problem of our own system needs. We will solicit expertise in AI from universities to refine the data relationships and categories.

As the product evolves across the world, volunteers speaking multiple languages will be great assets. Many of the existing tools are multi lingual and can be leveraged for maximum potential.

Visionary Technologies, LLC focuses on consulting and developing educational technology solutions and prototypes in US. 

ProbSol is a not-for-profit solution of our organization.

The senior partners Dr. Sam Farsaii and Dr. Alice Owen have both served in leadership positions in this realm with decades of experience, product development, consulting, and leadership in local, state, and national level.

 We are passionate world travelers and are eager to help make this world a better place for all. We are dedicated, hard working with a zest for helping others.

Through our prior work relationships and contacts we have partnered with many organizations in the past that we would like to leverage for this project.

The key customers and beneficiaries are both volunteers providing assistance, as well as individuals and groups seeking help. Our model is similar to Kiva except we are not just focused on financial assistance but rather knowledge, manpower, and know-how. 

Our value proposition is that our platform connects volunteers and beneficiaries across the world so that challenges can be solved through group thinking. 

The Impact will be measured based on the number of challenges resolved.  

All generated funds will be redirected into the upcoming projects, minus a small administrative cost (10%) to maintain an ongoing, viable platform.

We will fund this project through a combination or grants, donations and volunteer workers.  

We are applying to Solve to get seed funds and potential technical assistance to develop the ProbSolve platform.

We would like to model ourselves after Kiva, except we are not just looking for donations but rather volunteers and know-how experts locally and globally to help solve problems. 

Often the NGOs and other assistance programs work in isolation, focusing on their target area. While identifying problems and matching volunteers at the micro level, machine learning can simultaneously identify key words (tokens) to be synthesized and help solve problems at the macro level. AI can help consolidate the tokens regionally, categorically, and socially.