After completing my first semester in SUMA and gaining a stronger foundation in sustainability, I have had the opportunity to apply these concepts in the SIRI practicum. I am fortunate to be part of a four-person team conducting research at the intersection of AI, finance, and longevity.
Building on prior studies of aging and longevity challenges, our project begins with a systematic mapping of key pain points in eldercare, combined with an analysis of the surrounding financial and investment context. From there, we evaluate the sustainability of different investment approaches, define outcome-based metrics for impact measurement, and ultimately design a platform solution for our client. In essence, our work aims to identify the real structural challenges within the aging system and explore how investment tools can be applied in a sustainable and system-oriented way to address them.
Today, the longevity economy is gaining significant momentum, attracting substantial capital and attention from the investment community. However, rather than following market hype, our team seeks to identify genuine, system-level eldercare needs and connect financial mechanisms with practical problem-solving. By learning from global case studies and engaging in deeper research and team-based analysis, we aim to propose solutions that are both impactful and investable.
From our first team meeting, we established clear and efficient communication channels. Despite differences in schedules and professional backgrounds, we share a common goal. We actively exchange research materials, discuss industry insights, and challenge one another’s perspectives. While we share a similar cultural background, we also recognize the importance of incorporating voices from other regions. Listening to how different groups approach longevity challenges has helped us frame our project within a broader, more international context.
I am the only team member with an engineering background, while my teammates bring experience in product development, investment, and data analysis. I value the opportunity to learn from their perspectives, and at the same time, I aim to strengthen my understanding of consulting frameworks and strategic thinking. In particular, I hope to contribute more to the technical and quantitative aspects of the project, leveraging my professional strengths.
Ahead of our client meetings, we prepared detailed agendas and discussion questions, paying close attention to structure and presentation. Our client provided valuable insights that encouraged us to think beyond conventional boundaries, embracing bold ideas while remaining rigorous in validation and research. Together, we aligned on project scope, milestones, and next steps.
These first three weeks have offered an intense and rewarding learning experience. I have developed professional skills, strengthened communication and teamwork capabilities, and experienced what it means to deliver high-quality work under time constraints. As the project progresses, I anticipate greater challenges ahead, but I am confident that our work will contribute meaningfully to AI-enabled longevity investment and to building a more sustainable future, for the systems we study and for ourselves.