AI is rapidly shaping the systems that govern our economies, institutions, and daily lives. But too often, its development is concentrated in siloes inside a handful of companies or labs, where it risks reinforcing bias, limiting access, and failing to deliver on its potential to serve people and society. Without collaboration, transparency, and shared standards, AI can deepen divides instead of strengthening humanity. 

SAIpien is a coalition of builders, researchers, and industry leaders shaping a new era of human–AI collaboration. At the MIT Media Lab, we bring together strategic cohorts of cross-industry collaborators to build AI fluency, share data transparently, and transform moonshot ideas into trustworthy products and platforms. By convening diverse organizations that would not normally work side by side, sAIpien turns ambitious research into real-world solutions.

What we do

Set new Standards for Human-Computer-Interactions

We’ve set a new benchmark for ethical AI, HCI2™, Humane, Calm and Intelligent Interfaces,  creating the principles that guide our members in developing solutions that are inclusive, responsible, and transparent. This is a set of principles that allows us to look beyond the classic HCI,  Human-Computer Interaction,  literature and focus on the type of AI that aims to facilitate Human-Human Interaction. 

Establish Cooperative Advantages

We unite non-competitive, cross-industry cohorts into an ecosystem for shared learning, auditable data, and symbiotic insights that lead to business and culture transformation.

Create and Empower AI-Literate Leaders

We empower and inspire people and organizations to use AI confidently and responsibly, cultivating literacy and agency at every level, while turning AI disruption into a competitive advantage.

Build Interoperable AI Experiences and Products Rooted in Science 

We research and build the foundations of the next generation of AI products, turning moonshot ideas into scalable solutions that deliver measurable societal, economic, and competitive impact.

We believe that technology
is an ecology, and that like
any flourishing system
requires cooperation across
different elements for
breakthroughs that matter.

We believe that data is the new asset class, trust is the new currency,
and AI is the new economy.

Current Focus Areas

This program is tailored for large and complex enterprises, cities, and government agencies that are seeking to become future industry leaders.

Key Member Benefits

We work with corporate leaders across critical industries seeking to navigate AI disruption with clarity and confidence and want responsible, commercially viable AI they can actually use.

What you get:

Unparalleled Access to Cross-Sector AI Experts

• Access to faculty and futurists: Closed-door collaboration with world-class researchers across the five imperatives
• Immersion in the MIT Media Lab: Exposure to cutting-edge labs (Human Dynamics, City Science, Space Enabled, and more) where new technological frontiers are explored.
• Cross-industry alliance network: A trusted, non-competitive cohort for shared learning, transparent ways of working, and market-making collaborations.

Tangible AI Products and Roadmaps

• Real prototypes, not slide decks: Rapid proofs-of-concept that de-risk priority use cases and inform strategic direction.
• Exclusive digital-twin access: A living, privacy-preserving model of your experts/organization to simulate scenarios, test decisions, and train human-AI agents before production.
• Actionable roadmap: Translation of moonshot ideas into executable pathways for products that make real commercial and societal impact.

Executive-Level AI Confidence

• Leadership literacy and readiness: Board-ready governance and strategy, with executive briefings and toolkits that raise AI fluency across the organization.
• Responsible AI assurance: Guidance for data safety, privacy, audit assurances, and interoperable data strategies.
• Culture playbooks: Practical guides to build a human-centered AI-driven culture of innovation.

Our Projects

sAIpien Team:

Founding Faculty

Hossein Rahnama, Founding Member
Sandy Pentland, Founding Member
Dava Newman, Founding Member
Kent Larson, Founding Member
Matti Gruener, Founding Graduate Student

Fellows and Affiliates

Marjan Alirezaie, Founding Affiliated Professor 
Daniel Platnick, Founding Affiliated Research Scientist 
Douglas Kim, Founding Fellow
Tracey Forrest, Fellow
David Fergusson, Fellow
Carlos Moreira, Fellow
Jeff Savianno, Fellow

Collaborators and Friends

Erin Leonard, Innovation Affiliate
Mae-Lynn Slater, Innovation Affiliate
Raven Lucas, Innovation Affiliate
Nadia Otake, Innovation Affiliate

How to Apply

sAIpien is designed for some of the largest companies in the world through engagement with C-Suites and Boards of Directors who want to shape the future of their organizations and the market through advanced research.

Contact us to learn more:

e. rahnama@mit.edu
w. media.mit.edu