Kayode Makinde is a data scientist and Mechatronics Engineering graduate from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), with a focus on advancing artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions that address real-world challenges. Currently a Data and Research Scientist at Perizer, Kayode applies AI techniques to solve complex problems in areas like cultural preservation, precision agriculture, and sustainable development. His projects include developing reinforcement learning agents capable of playing Ayo, a traditional Nigerian game, a project that won the Best Poster Award at the DSN AI Bootcamp and the 3rd Best Poster Award at IndabaX Nigeria 2024. He has also created AI-driven agricultural solutions, such as a ripe orange plucking robot and a bird pest detection system for rice farms, which demonstrate AI’s potential in enhancing productivity. Additionally, his work on an English-to-Yoruba speech translator highlights his dedication to language accessibility and cultural heritage.Kayode’s achievements have earned him recognition, including the Mr. Algorithm title at the DSN AI Bootcamp and a runner-up position at the DataFest Africa Datathon, where his team developed a solution to improve student performance in Computer-Based Tests. He has ranked in the top 0.1% on Zindi’s global leaderboard with 19 competition medals. As a former Campus Lead for the FUNAAB chapter of Data Scientist Network (DSN) and a current Zindi Ambassador, Kayode is committed to fostering a collaborative data science community and promoting AI adoption across Nigeria and Africa. With a passion for both technical innovation and social impact, he continues to build solutions that bridge technology with meaningful applications.