AI Firm Custom D Revolutionizes Research Accessibility for Industries

A new wave of artificial intelligence tools is transforming how research data is accessed across various industries. Custom D, an AI firm, is developing platforms to make extensive research findings available in a streamlined format, allowing organizations to tap into previously underutilized information. Notable projects include the on-farm AI assistant Bella for Beef + Lamb New Zealand, CultureQ for indigenous technical company Kiwa Digital, and the Ask Farai assistant for the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR).

Custom D’s generative AI platform focuses on enhancing accessibility to research data, which often spans tens of thousands of pages and includes complex scientific terminology. The company is expanding its efforts with pilot projects in Australasia and plans to extend its reach to the United States.

Transforming Research Utilization

Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from Digital Fusion, co-founders Julie Ryan, Craig Saunders, Sam Sehnert, and Matthew Rhodes have worked diligently to establish Custom D. The firm is currently seeking further investment to enhance its operations. Ryan emphasized the growing demand among research organizations for tools that help disseminate findings to end-users effectively.

“We visited the US in December, where research funding amounts to $1 trillion each year, yet only 14% of that research is actively utilized,” Ryan noted. “This research can save lives, reduce human impact on the planet, and improve food production.”

As AI technology continues to advance rapidly, Ryan pointed out the increasing prevalence of tools like ChatGPT. However, she highlighted the complexity of building systems that maintain integrity while managing vast amounts of data.

Innovative Solutions for Agriculture

Custom D began collaborating with FAR in 2024 to deliver three decades’ worth of research data to growers, enabling them to enhance crop yields and optimize farming practices. Ryan explained that while the research is valuable, it is often presented in lengthy, technical documents that can be challenging to navigate.

The Ask Farai assistant aims to simplify this process by utilizing generative language models combined with retrieval-augmented generation to summarize and clarify complex data. The assistant, originally known as “AI Chatbox thingy,” has been designed with security features to protect sensitive information from potential cyber threats. Queries directed to the assistant yield answers alongside links to original sources, ensuring data integrity.

“The important part for Ask Farai is that you control the knowledge source,” Ryan explained. Unlike other AI models that operate through external platforms, Custom D’s system is deployed within clients’ private cloud environments. This allows customers to manage their data without relying on public web resources.

The momentum generated by the FAR assistant has been bolstered by the launch of BLNZ’s tool in September. Ryan stated, “This sparked renewed interest in the agricultural research space. We now collaborate with numerous research clients in New Zealand and are engaging with one of the largest contract research organizations (CROs) in Australia.”

Discussions with agricultural leaders during Custom D’s US visit hinted at potential collaborations with research institutions in North Carolina and Boston, indicating a promising expansion trajectory.

Ryan also noted the multi-lingual capabilities of the Ask Farai assistant, making it accessible for non-English speaking users. Custom D’s innovative contributions to the AI landscape were recognized at the AWS re:Invent conference in Las Vegas last year, where the company won awards for innovation partner of the year and social impact partner of the year.

As Custom D continues to grow, its team of approximately 25 professionals, including developers, data scientists, and project managers, is actively involved in around ten Caitlyn projects at the pilot stage and another ten in production for various organizations, including Deer Industry NZ and NZ Avocado.

Looking ahead, Ryan expressed optimism about future developments, stating, “What can be done on top of that — the world is your oyster.” With over 15,000 engineering hours invested in the AI platform, Custom D is poised to provide transformative tools that cater to businesses and government agencies engaged in extensive research efforts.