Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to science fiction or academic research labs—it has infiltrated nearly every facet of human life, from healthcare and education to logistics and entertainment. But while many have rushed to capitalize on the hype, only a few visionaries have consistently shaped AI’s trajectory over the past decade. Among them stands Mark Forster, founder and CEO of Lab51 Inc. (formerly Adello Inc. and HStreaming Inc.), who also leads the topics of Metaverse and AI at iab Switzerland, whose steadfast commitment to innovation and human-centric AI has not only earned his company international acclaim but also cemented it as one of the most influential companies to watch in the evolving AI ecosystem.
From Yield Optimization to Crowd Analysis
Under Forster’s leadership, Lab51 has become a pioneer in developing transformative AI applications across several domains. From Yield Optimization and Location Intelligence to Lidar-based Crowd Movement Analysis, the company’s innovations are rooted in real-world utility. Lab51 reflects the ethos of a founder who doesn’t merely follow trends—he redefines them. Under his leadership, his companies garnered nearly two dozen international awards, among them by CRN Emerging Vendor for Big Data, or iab Digital Marketer of the Year, and got two patents granted.
The Vision Behind the Innovation
Forster’s perspective on the current state of AI is both bold and refreshing. He sees the industry not as a mature, settled field but as one still in its infancy, brimming with untapped potential. His mantra—“discovering the invisible island”—serves as a guiding philosophy in uncovering novel applications of AI that transcend traditional limitations and amplify human capabilities.
The Rise of the Superhuman
In his view, the true future of AI lies not in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—the hypothetical machine with human-like cognition—but in the development of tools that enhance, rather than replace, human intelligence. Forster refers to this as “the rise of the Superhuman.” According to him, sectors such as learning, training, and medicine are poised to benefit the most. With smart applications, these industries could see a dramatic reduction in cost—by as much as 10 to 20 times—while simultaneously improving outcomes in motivation, proficiency, quality, and speed.
Lab51: Deep Tech with a Purpose
When asked to elaborate on Lab51’s mission, Forster described it as a “deep tech company, an Apache contributor, and a holder of two granted patents.” Over the years, Lab51 has executed high-impact projects across continents, serving sectors like advertising, education, and healthcare. But what truly sets the company apart is Forster’s contrarian approach—one that often challenges mainstream assumptions about AI.
Debunking the Autonomous Driving Myth
A poignant example of this is his early skepticism of the autonomous driving hype. In 2015, during a dinner debate with a prominent Chief Scientist of a major tech company, Forster challenged the prevailing view that autonomous vehicles would become mainstream by 2018. His argument centered on two human traits that machines struggle to replicate: judgment and fear. His prediction was proven correct, still today, cars have not yet reached full autonomy.
“Humans might stop the car because they believe they’ve heard a faint sound. Or they might swerve into a tree rather than hit a pedestrian—actions driven by fear, not logic,” Forster explained. “Those things are hard to encode.” It’s this nuanced understanding of human behavior that informs Lab51’s philosophy: AI should empower and augment humans, not imitate them.
Moving Beyond the AGI Hype
On the topic of current AI trends, Forster draws parallels to the CPU wars of the 1990s, where the focus was on increasing clock speeds—MHz and GHz—without addressing the broader implications of computing. In the same way, today’s AI discourse is often obsessed with model sizes and achieving AGI. However, Forster believes that the real challenge lies not primarily in model development but in application.
“The more important question is how we can embed AI in meaningful ways to serve us better,” he said.
Bridging Disciplines and Breaking Silos
He argues that successful AI implementation demands cross-disciplinary thinking, integration, and communication—elements that transcend code. In his assessment, the true competitive edge in the global AI race will not belong to the nation that writes the best algorithms, but to those who can break down silos between disciplines and foster deep human-machine collaboration. In his role as startup judge at Venturelab he nudges startups to think about how they move beyond just picking an AI model.
Training Reimagined: AI Meets Education
This vision is already taking shape in Lab51’s current projects, particularly in education and training. Drawing inspiration from gamified learning platforms like Duolingo, Lab51 is developing AI and VR-powered educational tools that integrate directly into users’ professional lives. These systems are not just about imparting knowledge—they are about identifying value drivers, connecting disparate data sources, and crafting holistic solutions that serve individuals and organizations alike.
The impact is profound. “You want to train your staff? We can do it at a fraction of the cost, with objective, quantitative data,” Forster shared. “Need to train defense contractors? We can simulate any scenario and tell you who is most likely to respond effectively and recommend individualized training paths using AI.”
Rethinking the Game, Not Just the Ball
However, Forster is quick to note that AI is only part of the puzzle. “There are so many more challenges—especially integrating hardware—before you can flex the AI muscle,” he emphasized. For him, the race to AI is ultimately a race to retool society. And in that race, governments and institutions must look beyond short-term gains to address systemic transformation. That’s the race the US needs to win against China. AI is the amplifier of who we are today. Amplifying later would have far-reaching economic consequences.
A Future of Empowerment
Looking ahead, Forster sees immense promise in AI-driven solutions that target the most pressing global challenges. “Access to affordable lifelong education, mental and physical health—these are the real issues of our time,” he said. “AI can revolutionize these fields, lower the costs dramatically, and improve outcomes.” Lab51 is currently working on projects aimed at achieving just that—offering a glimpse into a future where technology enhances human life on a fundamental level.
Final Word: Human-Centric AI
In a world increasingly dominated by technological noise, Mark Forster stands out, not for the volume of his predictions but for the clarity of his vision. His work at Lab51 reminds us that true innovation lies not in the technology itself but in how it is used to uplift and empower people. By bridging the gaps between industries, disciplines, and even between machines and humans, Forster isn’t just chasing the future—he’s helping to build it.
