Dr. Azarm Nowzad joined Continental in 2022 as a Technical Project Lead for AI, bringing over a decade of expertise in computer vision, including analytical computer vision, remote sensing, machine learning for object detection, and software development. She leads the "just better DATA" project, a German-funded project aimed at enhancing data collection for AI in autonomous driving. This project focuses on developing AI-based methods and tools to efficiently collect and process high-accuracy data at the Edge, reducing the need for excessive data volumes. Over its three-year duration, "just better DATA" will prototype a process to ensure the provision of high-quality data for training AI models, thereby improving the efficiency and precision of autonomous driving systems. In this role, Azarm has refined her skills in optimizing data workflows and advancing innovative AI-based solutions for data collection and processing. She focuses on providing "better data" for training AI models, enhancing the future of autonomous driving.

The Pop in Your Job – What drives you? Why do you love your job?
What drives me is the chance to connect cutting-edge research with real-world applications. Working in an AI lab on publicly funded projects, I get to dive into emerging technologies and turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Collaborating closely with both academic and industrial partners provides a dynamic environment where I can see the impact of our work firsthand. It’s exciting to see how our work evolves from theoretical concepts to actual products. The process isn’t always smooth—sometimes it’s a matter of testing, adjusting, and figuring out what works best. But that’s where the real magic happens, and it’s incredibly satisfying to be part of something that could shape the future of technology.