Bill Simpson-Young

Chief Executive, Gradient Institute

Bill is co-founder and Chief Executive of Gradient Institute, a non-profit research institute based in Australia that works to build safety, ethics, accountability and transparency into artificial intelligence (AI) systems. 

Bill has a background as a software engineer and technologist and has led teams of researchers, software engineers and designers developing novel computer technologies for global technology companies (Canon and Unisys) and research institutions (CSIRO and NICTA). He and his teams have built new technology and products in areas such as machine learning, computer vision, spatial data systems and privacy enabling technologies and, in several cases, spun these out to form new tech companies.​

Bill has been on the executive teams of three leading Australian science and technology organisations (Canon's Research and Development lab CiSRA, National ICT Australia and CSIRO’s Data61) and is on the expert advisory group advising the Australian government on AI regulation, the New South Wales State Government's AI Review Committee and the Australian National University’s School of Computing Advisory Board. He also designed and taught a Masters course in digital innovation at University of Sydney covering topics such as disruptive innovation, open innovation and organisational culture for innovation.