At this year’s TIME100 Summit, leaders from both start-ups and major tech corporations gathered to discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI)—and how to ensure its ethical development. The conversation, which took place just before a high-profile debate on AI’s future, emphasized that innovation and responsible regulation must advance together.

“Regulation and innovation are two sides of the same coin,” said Rosanne Kincaid-Smith, Group Chief Operating Officer of Northern Data Group, a signature partner of the TIME100 Summit. She stressed that industry leaders must proactively contribute to AI governance, warning that failing to engage in policymaking would be a missed opportunity.

Kincaid-Smith also pushed back against AI doomsday narratives, arguing that AI is ultimately a reflection of human intelligence and culture. “We forget to remind ourselves that artificial intelligence is artificial. It’s not natural. It’s an artifact of our own learning, our history,” she said. “It’s up to us to ensure it reflects the best of humanity.”

AI’s Role in Tackling Global Challenges

Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at IBM, highlighted the company’s commitment to using AI for climate science. IBM is partnering with NASA to develop an AI foundation model that will enhance the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of weather forecasting—a critical tool for combating climate change.

For Mathias Wikström, CEO of Doconomy, AI’s potential to drive climate action extends beyond weather models. His company provides financial tools that help banks promote sustainable practices, reinforcing the idea that climate literacy is crucial for climate justice.

A Star-Studded Summit for Change

The TIME100 Summit convenes influential voices from around the world to explore solutions for pressing issues in technology, business, politics, health, science, and culture.

This year’s diverse lineup of speakers includes:

• Actor Elliot Page
• Designer Tory Burch
• Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad
• WNBA champion A’ja Wilson
• Author Margaret Atwood
• NYSE president Lynn Martin
• Comedian Alex Edelman
• Professor Yoshua Bengio
• 68th Secretary of State John Kerry
• Actor and activist Jane Fonda

As discussions around AI governance and ethics continue to unfold, it’s clear that the industry’s future will be shaped by the delicate balance of regulation and innovation—two forces that, as the speakers emphasized, must work together rather than in opposition.