By Wyndham Lewis

In one of America’s most vibrant tech hubs, Boston’s artificial intelligence innovation is thriving. Leading groundbreaking research labs to visionary startups, these 10 key figures stand at the forefront of Boston’s AI revolution, driving progress, and reshaping the way we live. Meet the people behind the machines.

HABIB HADDAD
Founding Managing Partner, E14 Fund

As the brains behind this MIT Media Lab–affiliated venture fund, Haddad provides some of the most founder-friendly money you can find in the tech startup world, with the fewest strings attached. E14’s portfolio companies are too many to mention here, but here’s a peek: Remember that vision of the future where drones deliver your essentials? Welcome to the world of Elroy Air, an automated air-transit company cheekily named for the youngest child in the Jetsons.

RANA EL KALIOUBY
Cofounder and CEO, Affectiva

Through her company, Affectiva, el Kaliouby effectively created the subset of artificial intelligence known as emotion AI—a machine-learning-based software that can detect and analyze complex human cognitive states. Affectiva is currently using the technology to measure people’s engagement with online advertising, and to gauge the emotional state of drivers and passengers in vehicles to make for a safer and more comfortable experience. In the future, though, the possibilities are limitless.