Cal Al-Dhubaib champions responsible AI for real-world impact
Based in Cleveland, Cal Al-Dhubaib leads Further’s AI and data science teams to scale ethical, high-risk automation. Following the 2024 acquisition of his firm, Pandata, he continues to design human-centered systems for some of Ohio's biggest brands and industry leaders.
From Cleveland, Cal Al-Dhubaib is helping global companies make AI both powerful and trustworthy. As Head of AI and Data Science at Further, he leads teams that design data-driven systems for some of the world’s most recognized brands, building smarter, more personalized customer experiences while keeping ethics and governance at the forefront.
Before joining Further, Al-Dhubaib founded Pandata, an AI design and development firm known for responsible innovation in high-risk environments. Under his leadership, Pandata partnered with Cleveland Clinic, Progressive Insurance, and FirstEnergy, setting a new standard for human-centered AI before being acquired by Further in 2024.
A certified AI governance professional and frequent keynote speaker, Al-Dhubaib has reached thousands through talks at MAICON, ODSC, AI Summit, TDWI, and DataCamp. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Nasdaq, VentureBeat, and CDO Magazine.
He also gives back locally, serving on the board of Women in Analytics and supporting initiatives through the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Cleveland Food Bank. Recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business as a Notable Immigrant Leader, Entrepreneur, and 40 Under 40 honoree, he continues to shape how AI is built and trusted across Ohio and beyond.
For Al-Dhubaib, the mission is simple: make AI that helps people work smarter and live better — systems as responsible as they are intelligent.
Cal on what’s next for Ohio’s innovation economy
“Ohio’s opportunity is less about chasing the next shiny AI use case and more about building the workforce and controls to use AI well. We already have a track record with programs like TechCred that show what happens when you invest in technical literacy at scale. If we continue to raise the bar on AI quality control and decision accountability, the healthcare systems, financial institutions, manufacturers, and retailers that anchor Ohio’s economy will be able to adopt AI with confidence and at scale.”
Cal’s vision for Ohio’s next big leap
“Look to areas of labor scarcity to prioritize AI investments. In healthcare, education, and parts of manufacturing, demand already outpaces the supply of credentialed workers, and that is where AI is most needed. At the same time, there is a growing gap between new graduates and employer demand for experienced talent. That gap will not close without funding and programs that support on the job learning, including applied, hackathon style models that give people experience before they are expected to have it.”
This profile is part of the OhioX and Ohio Tech News Next25, a series highlighting the leaders, 35 and under, driving the state's innovation economy. From responsible AI to medtech breakthroughs, discover the full class of 2025. Meet the Next25.
