Young AI Trailblazers Unveiled: Meet the 35 Innovators Revolutionizing Tech and Redefining Therapist-AI Collaboration

The Download: Meet Our AI Innovators and the Rise of Covert Therapist-AI Collaboration In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, 35 innovators under the age of 35 have been recognized for their groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence (AI). Among them is Yichao "Peak" Ji, a 32-year-old chief scientist at Chinese startup Butterfly Effect, whose AI app Manus has taken the world by storm. Meet Our AI Honorees Each year, The Download selects outstanding individuals under the age of 35 who are harnessing technology to tackle complex problems in their respective fields. This year's list includes researchers and developers from Silicon Valley's top tech firms, as well as academic experts pushing the boundaries of AI performance. Check out all our AI innovators here. The Rise of Peak Ji In March, Yichao "Peak" Ji appeared in a launch video for Manus, an AI agent developed by Butterfly Effect. The video was not elaborate, but something about Ji's delivery and vision behind the product resonated with viewers worldwide. The early preview spread rapidly across the Chinese internet and eventually reached global audiences. "I didn't expect it to go viral," Ji said in an interview. "But I think it's because we're trying to solve a real problem – making AI more accessible and user-friendly." Background and Context Manus is an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist users with mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. The app uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to provide personalized support and guidance. The rise of Manus has sparked interest in the use of AI for mental health applications. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global AI market is expected to reach $190 billion by 2025, with healthcare being one of the fastest-growing sectors. Covert Therapist-AI Collaboration While AI-powered chatbots like Manus are gaining traction, some therapists have begun using AI covertly in their practice. This trend has raised concerns about the potential risks and benefits of such collaboration. "We're seeing a growing number of therapists using AI tools to augment their services," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a clinical psychologist at Stanford University. "However, we need to be cautious about how these tools are being used and ensure that they align with established therapeutic practices." Current Status and Next Developments As the use of AI in mental health applications continues to grow, it's essential to address the implications of covert therapist-AI collaboration. The Download will continue to monitor this trend and provide updates on the latest developments. In the meantime, innovators like Yichao "Peak" Ji are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI. As he noted, "We're just getting started – there's still so much to explore and discover in the world of AI." Sources: The Download's 35 Innovators Under 35 list for 2025 Interview with Yichao "Peak" Ji, chief scientist at Butterfly Effect Grand View Research report on the global AI market *Reporting by Technologyreview.*