Mohammad (Hamudi) Naanaa Of Sillicon Valley On the Future of Artificial Intelligence

An Interview With David Leichner

Scholarships and Programs. Offer scholarships and special programs aimed at women pursuing AI and related studies. Financial incentives can make education more accessible and encourage more women to pursue advanced degrees in AI.

As a part of our series about the future of Artificial Intelligence, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mohammad (Hamudi) Naanaa.

Over the last half-decade, Mohammad (Hamudi) Naanaa dived deep into the kaleidoscopic world of generative AI, spanning everything from text and audio to images and 3D. He had a standout moment when he swiftly mastered the complexities of Large Language Models in under a year. He held senior and C-suite roles at tech giants like Google, Apple, Amazon, Quartett Mobile, and Siemens.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you share with us the ‘backstory” of how you decided to pursue this career path in AI?

Growing up, computers were more than just machines to me; they were a gateway to a world of endless possibilities. I spent hours glued to my computer every day, doing everything from gaming to browsing the internet. This fascination naturally drew me towards a degree in computer science, where the art of building software felt just like constructing intricate Lego structures — both creative and methodical.

During my undergrad, I stumbled upon the groundbreaking AlexNet paper on image classification and CNNs for images in general. To me, it represented a shift in what we believed computers could achieve. This was no ordinary piece of software; it felt like magic — I couldn’t build an algorithm that would solve this problem otherwise. Eager to understand more, I dove into the paper and, admittedly, understood little. But that lack of understanding was a challenge, pushing me to delve deeper into machine learning and mathematics.

Having understood the main ideas, I started playing around with Machine Learning and built projects that would make my life easier. At first, it was something simple like tracking my mood during the day and the time I went to bed and training a model to predict the “golden hour” to go to bed. Turns out I’m a night owl; either before 10pm or after 1am are my best times! Later, projects became more complex. At some point, I wanted to learn how to play piano and a friend of mine had an Oculus headset. We sat together and decided to build an AI piano teacher — a mixed reality app that visualizes the next keys to play on the piano to play a song. After two months, we had this app and I played “River flows in you” for the first time!

The idea of the transformative power of AI was not just fascinating but deeply motivating as it made me feel like I could make a tangible impact, to contribute to a world where technology empowers people to learn and create. This inquisitiveness has since navigated my career choices. I found amazing opportunities to try different branches of AI — from working with computer vision models to build autonomous driving cars to building voice-driven AI agents-assistants.

While building these systems, I was exposed to the latest advancements and felt inspired to also drive progress and create something new. That sparked my curiosity for AI research. I really liked diffusion models and generative AI in general and dived into research for building AI for generating 3D scenes. In parallel, I went all in to understand emerging properties of Large Language Models including Chain of Thought and general reasoning. It felt like vision wouldn’t be enough to build a universal AI system; we humans use language and store knowledge in it. Combining my two domain expertises together, multimodality research and its application in building AI agents was the next natural step. And here I am, excited as never before to imagine and build the next steps.

What lessons can others learn from your story?

From my journey, several lessons emerge that I believe are universal and can inspire others:

1. It all starts with your interest. Following your passion sounds a bit cliché, but having something that makes you want to wake up in the morning is the driving force for advancement. And it doesn’t have to be well defined! In fact it will most certainly evolve over time — I wasn’t aiming for AI when I first discovered software engineering, nor was I aiming for software engineering when I first discovered computers. But over time, your interest gets more refined as you try and learn things. The interest drives you to try in the first place.
2. Small steps in the right direction is what counts. When I first encountered the groundbreaking AlexNet paper, it was a puzzle. But rather than being daunted, I viewed it as a challenge waiting to be conquered. Could I ever imagine that only a few years later I would be building autonomous vehicle prototypes that would drive on roads while I was still learning what a kernel in a convolutional layer of a neural network is? We should never shy away from what we don’t yet understand. Exploring the unfamiliar can lead to significant discoveries.
3. Stay curious. The field of AI evolves quickly. In fact, insanely quickly. Never cease to be a student, always eager to learn and contribute more. In any rapidly evolving field, this perpetual curiosity is invaluable. Here, it’s vital. New trends appear every month and there’s no sign of stopping soon. State-of-the-art solutions today might (and most probably will) become irrelevant pretty soon; embracing new possibilities and working to disconfirm your old beliefs to constantly validate them is what allows you to learn and improve yourself.
4. Embrace the challenge. Building AI is hard. Building good AI is even harder. We’re all building something completely new with the hope to challenge the status quo. There’s no universal recipe for success and a lot of projects and ideas won’t survive. Despite setbacks, rising to the occasion is what distinguishes true leaders and innovators and paves the way for innovative products and groundbreaking discoveries. Comfort zones, while reassuring, can also be limiting. Sometimes, the best way to advance is to embrace change, even if it feels intimidating. It’s in these moments of challenge that we often find our most significant growth.
5. Believe in the bigger impact. For me, AI was never just about algorithms. It was about its potential to revolutionize our world. Always strive to see the broader implications and societal benefits of your work.

Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?

One of the projects I am deeply involved in is the development of autonomous AI agents. These agents are designed to operate independently, making informed decisions based on their surroundings while continuously learning from their experiences. The aim is to achieve a higher degree of adaptability and autonomy in AI applications, which holds great promise for various industries.

Additionally, I’m heavily immersed in generative AI research, particularly in the synthesis of 3D scenes. The potential here is enormous. Picture this: hyper-realistic environments and scenarios that could revolutionize our entertainment industry, spanning from video games to blockbuster movies. When we integrate current advancements like Gaussian Splatting to digitize the real world, we’re looking at a groundbreaking evolution in digital media.

Silicon Valley, as always, is a hotbed of innovation in the AI realm. The energy is palpable, with creative hackathons and pioneering discoveries happening frequently. I had the exciting opportunity to participate in the AGI House hackathon recently. Our team leveraged the capabilities of the new multi-modal models like LLaVA to create a fascinating project for the Meta Ray-ban sunglasses, which come equipped with a camera. Imagine posing a question about something you’re looking at, and receiving the answer directly to your ears. This convergence of Mixed Reality and AI has massive implications, and it’s exhilarating to be part of these pioneering projects.

It’s such an exciting time to be in the AI field. The pace of innovation is unprecedented, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities. For researchers, engineers, creators, and enthusiasts alike, there’s no better time to experiment, innovate, and redefine the boundaries of what’s possible.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Absolutely, throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with a myriad of individuals, each of whom has left an indelible mark on my life and career. I am deeply grateful for having had the chance to meet and learn from so many amazing people, each contributing a unique piece to the mosaic of who I am today.

Directly, there are a few pivotal figures who have played a seminal role in my growth:

• Prof. Bernd Bruegge: He was instrumental in laying down the foundation of my understanding of software engineering and product delivery. I initially met him as a developer during an applied university course. Prof. Bruegge not only honed my skills but also recognized and encouraged my potential, urging me to lead my very first team on a project. This eventually paved the way for my collaboration with Siemens. He was one of the first individuals who identified and nurtured my talent for architecting complex systems and spearheading impactful projects.
• Prof. Matthias Niessner: He perceived the researcher potential in me and extended an invitation to delve into the world of generative AI for 3D scenes. Our collaborative efforts culminated in a groundbreaking paper on guided 3D scene synthesis using diffusion models. Those invaluable moments of working alongside him provided me with a firsthand experience of the meticulous and passionate research processes of a top-tier scientist.
• My Parents: Their unwavering love and support have been the bedrock of my success. I owe a special debt of gratitude for the herculean effort they invested to facilitate my studies in Germany. Venturing from Ukraine to pursue education abroad was fraught with financial and logistical challenges. Yet, they moved mountains to ensure I had access to world-class education, laying the groundwork for all my subsequent achievements.

Indirectly, there have been several thought leaders and content creators who have continuously fueled my curiosity and broadened my horizons, like Lex Friedman and his podcasts giving an insight into how great minds think and what they believe in. I believe that success is a collective endeavor, a tapestry woven from countless interactions, lessons, and experiences. I’m profoundly grateful to each individual who have been playing a part in my story. I hope that as I continue my journey, I too can inspire and support others in the way these individuals have for me.

What are the 5 things that most excite you about the AI industry? Why?

The AI industry’s dynamism and its potential to reshape nearly every facet of our lives is awe-inspiring. What’s most thrilling is that we’re just scratching the surface, and the coming decades promise innovations beyond our current imagination. Here are five things that come to mind:

1. Democratization of Knowledge and Capabilities. AI is increasingly becoming accessible to people worldwide, irrespective of their economic or social status. Many AI tools and solutions allow anyone with an internet connection to harness the power of AI. This levels the playing field, enabling innovations from now empowered corners of the world previously unheard in the tech community.
2. True Personalization. AI has the potential to revolutionize our digital experiences by offering personalized solutions. The convergence of various AI disciplines, such as image, audio, and text, allows for richer, more holistic AI experiences. We’re entering an era where you can communicate with AI not just through text but through voice, gestures, and even emotional cues. This multi-faceted interaction promises more intuitive and versatile applications in everyday life. Imagine an education system where lessons are tailored to an individual’s learning style and pace, or a healthcare system where treatments are precisely matched to a person’s genetic makeup and lifestyle. The implications for better outcomes and increased efficiency are profound.
3. The Renaissance of Creativity. AI is not just about data and algorithms; it’s becoming a tool for artists, musicians, and creators of all kinds. From AI-assisted music composition to art pieces that challenge the boundary between man and machine, the fusion of AI with creativity is opening up avenues previously unimagined.
4. Environmental and Sustainability Solutions. AI’s capability to analyze vast datasets makes it invaluable in addressing global challenges like climate change. From optimizing energy consumption in cities to smart farms using AI-driven drones for monitoring, AI can be a significant ally in our fight to create a sustainable future.
5. Expansion of Human-Machine Collaboration. Rather than replacing humans, AI is increasingly being designed to augment our abilities. Whether it’s assisting doctors in diagnosing diseases or helping researchers sift through vast amounts of data, the symbiosis can amplify our collective capabilities. Add embodied AI soon, and you multiply my excitement by a hundred.

What can be done to prevent such concerns from materializing? And what can be done to assure the public that there is nothing to be concerned about?

The debate between luminaries like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg about the existential risks of advanced AI encapsulates one of the most profound discussions of our era. Both viewpoints have merit and arise from a deep understanding of the technology’s potential and its implications.

In fact, I agree with Yann LeCun’s opinion and believe that people expressing hesitations about technological risks also believe in AI’s ability to improve our lives — they simply “doubt that current economic and political institutions, and humanity as a whole, will be capable of using it for good.”

I see a lot of misguidance in doom-by-AI prophecies. In my perspective, AI, like any transformative technology, carries inherent risks and benefits. Its existential danger to humanity largely hinges on how we develop, regulate, and implement it. AI systems, especially when they reach superintelligent levels, can indeed amplify existing risks or create new ones. For instance, the potential for uncontrollable recursive self-improvement in an AI system not aligned with humans. These concerns are slightly premature as we still lack the understanding to build a sentient and goal-driven or even goal-defining AI system. But these are still very valid concerns that need rigorous examination and preemptive measures.

In conclusion, while I recognize the potential dangers associated with unchecked AI development, I remain optimistic. The progress is inevitable and we should rather focus on understanding the implications of our new creations. With collaborative effort, rigorous research, and thoughtful governance, we can steer AI in a direction that augments human capability and addresses our most daunting challenges, rather than posing an existential threat. It’s a shared responsibility, and the ongoing discourse, including debates like the one between Musk and Zuckerberg, is vital in shaping our collective AI future.

As you know, there are not that many women in your industry. Can you advise what is needed to engage more women into the AI industry?

I believe the lack of women in the AI industry is a reflection of broader gender disparities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Addressing this gap is crucial not only for the sake of diversity but to ensure a broad spectrum of ideas and approaches in AI development, leading to more robust and inclusive solutions. Here’s what I believe we should focus on:

1. Early Education. Encourage girls from a young age to explore STEM subjects. Reinforce the idea that STEM is not gender-specific. By providing resources, mentorships, and positive role models, we can foster a genuine interest in these fields.
2. Scholarships and Programs. Offer scholarships and special programs aimed at women pursuing AI and related studies. Financial incentives can make education more accessible and encourage more women to pursue advanced degrees in AI.
3. Mentorship and Networking. Establish mentorship programs where women already in the industry can guide and advise those looking to break in. A strong network can provide support, opportunities, and a sense of community.
4. Workplace Policies. Companies should implement policies that foster inclusivity. This includes promoting work-life balance, providing parental leave, and creating a harassment-free environment. A welcoming workplace culture can not only attract but also retain female talent.
5. Awareness and Representation. Highlight the achievements of women in AI. Celebrate their successes and make them visible. The more young women see others like them succeeding in AI, the more they’ll be inspired to join the field.

I’m also curious to see how the very technology we discuss, AI, can also be part of the solution!

What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that had relevance to your own life?

Steve Jobs has been an inspiration to many, including myself. There are two particular quotes from him that have resonated with me deeply throughout my life and career.

“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”When I left Apple, it felt like a setback, as was closing my chapter with Google, and so it was with AI research at Amazon. But, with every leap into the unknown, I found not just new challenges but also new opportunities. Each transition, though nerve-wracking, accelerated my career, pushing me to explore areas I might not have ventured into otherwise. It was this hunger that drove me to explore the depths of AI, and the “foolishness” to embark on ambitious projects that many deemed as pipe dreams.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” is a quote that has always resonated with me. AI promises to usher in big changes, and to make those changes, we need dreamers who aren’t afraid to think differently. Vision, in this sense, is catalyzed by the audacity to defy the norm, a trait often misconstrued as “craziness”. But it’s often the unconventional thinkers who bring about real change. However, while dreaming big is important, it’s also essential to stay grounded. I like to regularly check and challenge my own ideas to make sure they’re not just dreams, but achievable goals that fit the world we live in. This balance between dreaming and staying grounded has always guided my approach in the ever-evolving field of AI.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

In a world brimming with technological advancements, it’s disheartening to see vast disparities in access to quality education. If I had the means to start a movement, it would revolve around harnessing the power of technology, particularly AI, to democratize education on a global scale.

Imagine a world where every child, regardless of their geographical location or economic background, has access to a personalized AI tutor tailored to their learning style and pace. A place where virtual classrooms can be attended by students from different continents, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering global understanding. A scenario where advanced technologies, like augmented and virtual reality, transport students to ancient civilizations or let them experience scientific concepts firsthand.

By leveraging the immense power of AI and all emerging technologies, we can revolutionize the educational landscape. We can bridge knowledge gaps, foster continuous learning, and cultivate a global community of lifelong learners.

Education is the bedrock of societal progress. Ensuring that every individual has unfettered access to knowledge is not just an idealistic dream; with today’s technology, it’s an achievable reality. Let’s rally together to create an egalitarian educational ecosystem where everyone, everywhere, has an equal shot at enlightenment. The ripple effects of such a movement would shape generations to come, nurturing informed, empathetic, and empowered global citizens. And in doing so, we’d be laying the groundwork for a brighter, more inclusive future.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

I’m in the process of ramping up my online presence. You can currently connect with me on a few platforms:

1. LinkedIn: Here, I share professional insights, updates on my projects, and engage with the broader AI and tech community. It’s an excellent platform for in-depth discussions and networking with me: https://linkedin.com/in/hamnaanaa/
2. Twitter: I’m planning to use Twitter for more real-time updates, sharing interesting articles, and engaging with the latest trends in AI and technology. It’s a great place for bite-sized thoughts and quick interactions: https://twitter.com/hamudinaanaa
3. Instagram: While it’s a more visual platform, I’m exploring ways to use Instagram to offer a behind-the-scenes look into my work and the world of AI, merging the technical with the visual in an accessible manner: https://www.instagram.com/hamnaanaa/

I’m working to bring more content, insights, and discussions to these platforms. So, stay tuned for more in-depth engagement in the near future. Thank you!

This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!

Thank you!

About The Interviewer: David Leichner is a veteran of the Israeli high-tech industry with significant experience in the areas of cyber and security, enterprise software and communications. At Cybellum, a leading provider of Product Security Lifecycle Management, David is responsible for creating and executing the marketing strategy and managing the global marketing team that forms the foundation for Cybellum’s product and market penetration. Prior to Cybellum, David was CMO at SQream and VP Sales and Marketing at endpoint protection vendor, Cynet. David is the Chairman of the Friends of Israel and Member of the Board of Trustees of the Jerusalem Technology College. He holds a BA in Information Systems Management and an MBA in International Business from the City University of New York.