The Ethical Tech Project is a “think-and-do tank” that helps technology and AI builders integrate ethics into the entire product lifecycle by providing strategic, technical frameworks for data privacy and responsible AI development. The nonprofit equips builders with skills to ensure technology supports human flourishing over mere profit. Pulse 2.0 interviewed The Ethical Tech Project Board Co-Chair Robert Levitan to learn more.
Robert Levitan’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Levitan said:
“I am a serial entrepreneur who has founded five companies and experienced a full range of outcomes, from a high-profile, successful IPO to a high-profile bankruptcy, to a private sale to Microsoft.”
“I studied history and public policy in college. I have recently reconnected with those interests, driven mostly by pattern recognition that this moment of AI adoption feels similar to the early days of the Internet in some ways, and very different in other ways.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Levitan shared:
“The Ethical Tech Project was started more than five years ago by two entrepreneurs, Tom Chavez and Vivek Vaidya. They started and sold two data companies, one to Microsoft and another to Salesforce, and they were acutely aware of data privacy issues and ethics.”
“I got involved just a few months ago after Jennie Baird from ETP reached out to me. Jennie had seen my postings on LinkedIn with thoughts about applying lessons learned from the early days of the Internet to how we deploy AI now at this critical moment in human history.”
“Jennie asked me to co-lead ETP with her. Today, my responsibilities are to develop corporate partnerships that can help extend our impact and sustain our organization financially. Jennie wears many hats, including overseeing our day-to-day operations and the delivery of our educational programs.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Levitan reflected:
“I’ve only been at ETP three months, but my favorite memories happen every day — simply being in discussions with companies and individuals who are deeply passionate about ensuring that we deploy technology, and AI in particular, in ways that bend the arc toward more benefit than risk. I have those conversations every day, and even in my small part, I feel like I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing at this moment in my life and at this pivotal moment in the history of our world.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Levitan cited:
“I think the most significant milestone is this: five years ago, two successful tech entrepreneurs with deep roots in big data companies recognized that ethics had to be at the center of how technology was built and deployed. And importantly, they also recognized the foundational role of data as the bedrock upon which AI is built. That foresight, and the organization they created as a result, is the milestone that makes our current work possible. And stay posted as we will be announcing several important milestones soon.”
Customer Success Stories
Can you share any specific success stories? Levitan highlighted:
“I am only three months into my role with the Ethical Tech Project, but I have already witnessed success stories that I believe will only grow in scale and impact. One example involves George Nunez, who participated in the ETP fellowship program and who is also the founder of the Bronx Tech Hub. Here is the ripple effect in action. When you teach one person how to deploy ethical technology responsibly, that person turns around and teaches many more.”
Funding
Are you able to discuss funding? Levitan revealed:
“Absolutely. I can confirm that we are an underfunded nonprofit operating at a moment that demands significantly more resources. The urgency of what we do has never been greater, and our ability to meet it is directly tied to the support we receive.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from other nonprofits? Levitan affirmed:
“In the responsible AI and ethical tech space, there are many nonprofits doing important work. Many are think tanks that advocate for certain principles. Others are policy organizations focused on promoting regulations to govern AI. What makes the Ethical Tech Project different is that we are not just a think tank — we are a “think-and-do” tank. We don’t only research and convene around these issues; we actually do the work. We go into organizations and teach how to deploy AI responsibly. We help companies build ethical frameworks, implement safeguards, and develop governance structures. And then we give them the practical tools to put it all into practice.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges while working at the non-profit? Levitan acknowledged:
“I’ve only been with ETP for three months, but like all nonprofits, the central challenge is the sustainability of the business model. Is it purely charitable giving, depending on the generosity of individuals and corporations? Or can we develop a model where the organization does its mission while also delivering enough tangible value that partners and clients are willing to invest in it financially? That is the ongoing question, and it’s one we are actively working to answer.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Levitan concluded:
“We are acutely aware of how consequential this moment is, and we want to dramatically expand our impact. Our goal is to identify companies across every major industry that can serve as shining examples of responsible AI leadership, and are willing to step up and show their peers that it can be done. We want to partner with those companies so that others throughout their industries can see, in concrete terms, that deploying AI responsibly is not just the right thing to do, it is also good for business.”
