Real ROI: The Truth About FIU's Small Business AI. (- Thoughts?)

FIU's AI Push: Hype or Helpful Hand?

Florida International University (FIU) is making a big bet on AI, and that's clear from recent announcements. They're running workshops to get small businesses using ChatGPT, and students are building AI-powered platforms to fix local food supply chains. The question is: are these initiatives just good PR, or are they actually moving the needle for Miami's economy?

OpenAI Workshop: A Deep Dive

The workshop with OpenAI, aimed at helping small business owners use AI tools, is a perfect example. Two hundred small business leaders attended to learn how to use ChatGPT for marketing, scheduling, and customer service. Brian Van Hook from Florida SBDC at FIU stated that "AI is a game changer," and that's a bold claim (one that requires some serious unpacking). A recent survey conducted for OpenAI showed that half of small business owners believe AI skills are increasingly essential for employees, and 60% expect meaningful efficiency gains. But surveys don't always reflect reality. How many of those business owners will actually implement these AI tools effectively? How many will see a tangible return on their investment of time and resources? It's easy to get caught up in the hype, but the devil is in the implementation details.

The Mango Project: AI for Local Farms

Then there's the "Mango" project, an AI-based platform designed to connect local farmers with restaurants and wholesalers. The student team behind Mango won $25,000 in a Ford philanthropy competition for their idea. According to Olbin Gil, a mechanical engineering junior, the platform streamlines business processes and makes it easier for local farmers to connect with customers. Student-led, AI-based innovation wins $25K in Ford Philanthropy competition The problem they're tackling is real: only 1.5% of food is sourced locally in the United States, despite the potential for 90% of Americans to consume food grown within 100 miles of their homes (data from the USDA). That's a massive discrepancy. (I've seen similar data in other sectors; the "last mile" problem is a killer.)

Adoption Challenges and Skepticism

But here’s where my skepticism kicks in. Building a platform is one thing; getting farmers and restaurants to use it is another. Farmers are notoriously resistant to new technology (I've seen the adoption rates for precision agriculture; it's glacial). Restaurants are busy and operate on thin margins. Will they really be willing to change their existing supply chains for a new platform, even if it promises efficiency gains? The Mango team is planning to participate in the Hult Prize competition, which is great for visibility, but it doesn't guarantee adoption. This is the part of the report that I find genuinely puzzling. What is Mango's actual strategy for user acquisition? What incentives are they offering to overcome the inherent inertia in the food industry?

FIU's Broader AI Ecosystem

FIU is clearly trying to position itself as an "AI-first" university. They're expanding their AI coursework, research initiatives, and partnerships. They want to make sure Miami's entrepreneurs benefit from emerging technologies. And that's a laudable goal. The question is, are they focusing on the right things? Are they prioritizing theoretical research over practical application? Are they creating a talent pipeline that meets the needs of local businesses?

Testimonials vs. Concrete Evidence

Alden Chance, owner of Tropirollz, a Miami-based Caribbean Fusion Sushi restaurant, claims that AI has been "transformational" for his business. He uses ChatGPT to draft marketing materials, respond to customer emails, and analyze customer behavior. "It's like having an extra team member," he says. That's a great testimonial, but it's just one data point. We need to see more concrete evidence of how AI is impacting small businesses across Miami. We need to see the numbers: increased revenue, reduced costs, improved efficiency. Anecdotes are useful, but they don't tell the whole story.

The ROI on AI Hype?

FIU's AI initiatives are generating buzz and attracting attention. But we need to look beyond the headlines and ask the tough questions. Are these initiatives delivering real value to Miami's economy? Are they helping small businesses thrive? Are they creating a more sustainable and innovative ecosystem? Or are they just another example of AI hype? The answer, I suspect, is somewhere in between. There's potential here, but it needs to be carefully nurtured and rigorously evaluated.