Leadership - Savannah Digital Research Institute

Tom Bruno, Founder

Tom is a seasoned Product and Business Strategy Leader with a professional journey spanning technology hubs across the globe, from Nairobi to Dublin and San Francisco. With over a decade of experience at Google, Tom has a proven track record leading both consumer and enterprise software platforms and hardware products. Currently based in San Francisco, he serves as the Product and Business Strategy Lead for Chrome Browser, collaborating closely with senior leadership to shape product strategy, make critical investment decisions, and develop strategic roadmaps.

Driven by a passion for leveraging technology for social good, Tom co-founded the Savannah Digital Research Institute (SDRI) with Dr. Moses Thiga. SDRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence specifically for Sub-Saharan Africa. Recognizing the disparity between Silicon Valley’s technological advancements and Africa’s unique needs, SDRI focuses on developing AI technologies, applications, and policies that address the region’s most pressing challenges. SDRI’s initiatives are grounded in a deep understanding of local contexts, cultural nuances, and diverse societal needs.

Tom’s educational background is diverse, encompassing a BS in Digital Technology, Design, and Innovation from TU Dublin, an MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from HEC Paris, and an MS in Engineering with a focus on Robotics, Electronics, and Systems Engineering from UC Berkeley College of Engineering. This multidisciplinary foundation, combined with his vast experience in the tech industry, informs his approach as he and the SDRI team strive to leverage AI for positive social impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Dr. Moses Thiga, Co-Founder

Dr. Moses M Thiga is a senior lecturer in Information Technology in the department of Computer Science at Kabarak University. He also serves as the coordinator of the Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the center for Health Informatics. Dr. Thiga holds a PhD in Information Systems from Kabarak University, an MSc Information Systems Management from Liverpool University, an MSc in Statistics from Egerton University and a BSc in Computer Science from Egerton University. 

Dr Thiga’s current research interests include the use of ML in predicting blood pressure, and research ethics in ML. He is a convener of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence conference at Kabarak University as well as a workshop on the development and deployment of AI solutions in Africa. Dr Thiga is also leading a Dara Innovation and entrepreneurship initiative aimed at achieving the commercialization of data science solutions.
Academic Appointments
• Senior Lecturer, Information Technology. (2020 – Present)
• Lecturer, Information Technology (2014 – 2020)
Administrative Appointments
• Director, Research, Innovation and Outreach (2017 – Present)
• Director, e-learning (2020 – 2024)
Honors & Awards
• Staff of the year (2023)
• Researcher of the year (2021, 2023)
• Conference Grant – Artificial Intelligence Journal (2023 – 2025)
• Tensorflow Historically Black Colleges and Universities Grant (2021-2023)
• Clinical evaluation of ML models in healthcare grant (2022)
• Framework development for the Ethical Review of ML Projects (2022)
• NRF Kenya grant for maternal e-health system development (2020)
• Google Computer Science High School Outreach Grant (2013 – 2023)
Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations
• Board Member, Data Science Africa
• Member, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
• Member, Taskforce on the Development of Regulations Under the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2023
Professional Education
• PhD Information Systems, Kabarak University (2014)
• MSc Information Systems Management, Liverpool University (2013)
• MSc Statistics, Egerton University (2010)
• BSc Computer Science, Egerton University (2005)

Dr. Moses Thiga, Co-Founder

Welcome Letter from the Founders

To our esteemed partners, collaborators, researchers, and supporters, On behalf of the Savannah Digital Research Institute (SDRI), we extend a warm welcome and express our deep gratitude for your interest and support in our mission to advance Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the benefit of Sub-Saharan Africa.

We are a passionate team of researchers, engineers, and experts dedicated to harnessing the power of AI to address the region’s unique challenges and unlock its vast potential. We believe that AI can revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, education, financial inclusion, environmental conservation, and governance, ultimately improving the lives of millions of people.

SDRI is committed to conducting cutting-edge research, developing practical AI solutions, and fostering a thriving AI ecosystem in Africa. We prioritize collaboration, innovation, and ethical AI development, working closely with local communities, governments, and industry leaders to ensure that our work is relevant,impactful, and sustainable.

As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of AI in Sub-Saharan Africa. Together, we can create a brighter future for the region and empower its people to thrive in the digital age.

Sincerely,

Tom Bruno & Moses Thiga

506 S Spring St #13308 SMB#65925  Los Angeles, CA 90013

Join us in shaping the future of AI in Sub-Saharan Africa

Savannah Digital Research Institute is registered as a nonprofit organization in California with the California Secretary of State. Our file number is 6263010.