diVerse - a virtual dialogue tool for social inclusivity

Purpose and goal: Implicit social biases are mental shortcuts that can lead to decisions in organizations that are based on assumptions rather than facts. These issues can negatively impact a company’s net income, by decreasing employees’ productivity and customers’ trust. Using scientific knowledge

and realistic interactions with AI-equipped avatars, we created a digital tool for increasing awareness of implicit social biases in workplaces. This product is now in the validation phase with the actual users. Expected results and effects: Thanks to its flexibility and scalability, diVERSE can easily be implemented at various

organizations to increase workplace diversity, equality, and inclusion. Additionally, the project resulted in a significant, bidirectional transfer of knowledge between academia and industry. Approach and implementation: diVERSE has enabled a synergistic and mutually beneficial collaboration between the Fellow

and the Host, which will continue beyond the project’s duration. The Fellow integrated well into the organizational structure of the company.