We’re living in the age of artificial intelligence. From headline-making advances in generative AI to industry-specific applications tackling problems as complex as crop disease or pharmaceutical discovery, AI is rapidly reshaping industries.
- Coca-Cola announced it is joining an AI consortium to combat citrus greening—a devastating orange crop disease—illustrating how seriously global players are taking the technology’s potential. Read more.
- Kraft Heinz is also using AI in surprising ways, applying machine learning to its Claussen pickle line to spot imperfections in cucumbers and boost factory efficiency. Read more.
- AI is also set to transform the way consumers shop for food. Artificial intelligence offers a powerful way to automate grocery shopping and predict what people might buy next, according to PwC.
At yet2, we’ve been experimenting with AI and big data for more than a decade. We’ve tested large language models (LLMs), built custom yet2-designed agentic AI tools, and run countless experiments across millions of data points.
We’ve learned that while AI is a powerful instrument, it’s not the whole orchestra. The real differentiator in scouting comes when AI plays alongside proprietary data and human expertise, with our team conducting the process to ensure harmony and impact.
Where AI Helps (and Where It Doesn’t)
We see clear opportunities where AI and big data add value to the ensemble:
- Agentic AI tools: We’ve designed proprietary AI agents to assist with tasks like drafting TechNeeds and enhancing internal workflows. These tools make us “a little better, and a lot more efficient.”
- Big data sets: Our proprietary data lake now includes over 5 million data points, growing daily, supported by elastic search. These datasets are particularly useful in about 20% of projects, especially when working with proprietary or hard-to-find information.
- Specialized databases: For example, we’ve tapped into Chinese FDA-style regulatory databases (in Mandarin) that list more than 2,000 companies—compared with the 75 we typically find in our own networks. AI helps us parse and integrate this information quickly, greatly expanding our reach.
But like an instrument playing out of tune, AI alone can cause dissonance. In about 80% of projects, we’ve found that it lacks coverage, accuracy, or context. Results often include duplicates, outdated entries, or gaps that make human interpretation essential.
Case Study: Nutraceutical Supplier Scouting
A recent engagement with a nutraceutical CMO put this orchestral model to the test. They asked us to map suppliers they hadn’t yet uncovered.
We ran a three-part process:
- Google AI + ChatGPT – to surface easily accessible information.
- Public + yet2 proprietary databases – to capture companies off the grid of standard searches.
- Human validation – our team called, confirmed, and contextualized results.
AI produced a long list, but with duplicates and outdated details. Our proprietary database surfaced 82 results that AI missed entirely. Most importantly, our human experts tailored and validated the findings, delivering a supplier landscape that was not only broad but also decision-ready.
The Human Value Add
This case illustrates the same lesson we’ve seen across a decade of experimentation: AI and big data are valuable instruments, but they need a conductor.
- Depth: AI can’t reliably provide technical details like certifications or nuanced capabilities.
- Accuracy: Data errors must still be corrected by people.
- Context: Insights across adjacent industries (e.g., aerospace informing food & beverage) require human judgment.
At yet2, our role is to bring the ensemble together—AI, proprietary data, and human expertise—to create something coherent, accurate, and actionable.
Three Key Takeaways
Think of innovation scouting as an orchestra:
- AI is a new instrument – fast and versatile, but limited when playing solo.
- Proprietary data provides the depth – like the strings, it forms the rich foundation that brings substance.
- Human expertise is the conductor – interpreting, harmonizing, and ensuring the music resonates with clarity and precision.
When all three play in concert, scouting delivers results that no single component could achieve alone.
The Bottom Line
We’ve been experimenting with AI and big data for more than 10 years. Along the way, we’ve learned where they enhance the ensemble: improving efficiency, expanding reach, and providing high-confidence paths to impact. But AI alone isn’t the star of the show.
The true differentiator is the blend—AI as a helpful instrument, proprietary data as the foundation, and human expertise as the conductor that ensures everything works in harmony. That’s how yet2 delivers innovation scouting that is comprehensive, impactful, and decision-ready.
Words by Emily Smith
Image by Freepik
