AI and the Future of Startups: Mohammad Nasri’s Talk on Applied Intelligence

On February 21, 2025, a gathering of entrepreneurs and technology professionals focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping business processes. Mohammad Nasri, co-founder of Belorens, participated in the event, delivering a session on practical AI integration within startups and how businesses can better position themselves in a changing landscape.

AI as Infrastructure, Not Just a Feature

Nasri’s key point was that AI should no longer be considered an optional feature that companies might experiment with when convenient. Instead, it is becoming part of the operational backbone for many industries.

He explained that while AI is often associated with customer-facing tools like chatbots or voice assistants, this view underestimates the technology’s broader applications. AI systems today handle critical functions such as data analysis, process automation, logistics optimization, and more.

For startups, integrating AI isn’t just about adding a single tool to solve one issue—it’s about considering where AI can strengthen internal processes or enhance decision-making. Nasri stressed that ignoring AI in strategic planning could mean missing out on efficiencies and insights that competitors might already be adopting.

Distributed Intelligence: The Electricity Analogy

To clarify how AI integrates into business environments, Nasri used the analogy of electricity distribution. Historically, factories had to generate their own power. But with the emergence of electrical grids, energy generation became centralized, and consumers simply plugged into the network.

He argued that AI is going through a similar shift. The heavy computational work is done in cloud infrastructures or data centers, while businesses access this processing power via devices and applications.

This model, he noted, allows businesses to tap into powerful AI systems without having to develop their own in-house infrastructure. Startups especially benefit from this setup, as it reduces the need for significant upfront investment in hardware or specialized teams. Instead, AI capabilities can be accessed on-demand, much like plugging into a power grid.

Cognitive Standardization and Its Implications

Nasri suggested that access to AI-driven decision-making tools is contributing to a standardization of cognitive processes. Previously, an organization’s ability to make high-quality decisions was influenced by the expertise and experience of individuals. With AI systems assisting in data analysis and suggesting optimal actions, these decision-making processes are becoming more uniform and scalable.

This development, he explained, mirrors earlier industrial revolutions where machines supplemented or replaced physical labor. Now, AI is beginning to support or even replace certain mental tasks, from simple analysis to complex recommendations.

While this can improve efficiency, Nasri pointed out that it also raises questions about the role of human judgment in business decisions. Startups and larger businesses alike need to determine where human input remains essential and where AI can handle tasks independently.

Evaluating AI’s Role in Business Processes

A central theme in Nasri’s session was the need for businesses to actively assess where AI fits into their operational structure.

He outlined a two-phase approach:

1. Adopt existing AI tools for basic tasks such as customer service automation, scheduling, or data sorting. These tools offer quick wins but often address general needs.
2. Customize and integrate AI into key workflows, ensuring that the technology addresses specific challenges unique to the business. This requires aligning AI tools with organizational goals, data flows, and customer needs, making AI a functional part of the business model.
    

At Belorens, this approach is used to navigate the aesthetic healthcare industry. Users face a wide range of treatment options and medical services, often with little clear guidance. The AI system at Belorens analyzes user preferences, past experiences, and expert insights to provide personalized recommendations. This process reduces uncertainty and supports users in making informed decisions based on individual circumstances.

Nasri emphasized that AI must contribute directly to solving a business problem. If it doesn’t address a specific need, it risks becoming an unused or underutilized feature.

Practical Integration Over Observation

In closing, Nasri encouraged business leaders to move beyond observation and begin integrating AI where it can make a measurable impact. His focus was on practical adoption, where AI is embedded into processes, not simply tested in isolated pilots.

He did not suggest that AI replaces human input altogether but proposed that businesses evaluate where AI can enhance or scale their capabilities. In doing so, startups can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and better serve their customers.

The key question he left the audience with was:
Where in your operations does AI play an active role? And how does it contribute to solving real problems?