COSTA MESA, CALIF. -- Experian celebrated the 15th anniversary of its Innovation Lab in North America, a cornerstone of the company’s long-time commitment to innovation around data and technology. Over the past decade and a half, the Lab has helped drive transformative advancements that have reshaped industries, including the introduction of no- and low-code AI solutions and groundbreaking credit risk assessment models designed to enhance financial inclusion.

“Our Lab has been instrumental in propelling our journey of pursuing groundbreaking ideas and insights,” said Shanji Xiong, Chief Scientist of Experian Innovation Lab. “By harnessing the expertise of our Ph.D.-level data scientists and software engineers in AI and machine learning, we’ve not only achieved technological milestones but also helped create solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

A Legacy of Innovation

The Lab’s achievements include its critical role in the development of the Ascend Analytical Sandbox™, the first Big Data architecture-based commercial product in our industry. This revolutionary tool, which evolved into the Experian Ascend Platform™, redefined data analysis by offering a cloud-hosted environment that delivers unparalleled insights, advanced data visualization, and seamless model development.

The Ascend Platform continues to push the boundaries of innovation with the recent launch of Experian Assistant, a cutting-edge Generative AI tool that leverages natural language inputs and user-friendly prompts to slash model development times and solve complex use cases. Powered by agentic AI technology, it also enables financial institutions to broaden the scope of data and utilize advanced AI and machine learning techniques to effectively score a larger number of consumers. This not only enhances accuracy and inclusivity but also aligns with Experian's mission of fostering greater financial inclusion.

Other notable Lab advancements include the first artificial intelligence-driven solutions for marketing and fraud detection, the first machine learning and optimization-based solution for identity resolution and management, and the integration of Generative AI into personalized consumer products, transforming how people manage credit and make informed financial decisions.

“These milestones underscore our commitment to mission-driven innovation,” said Kathleen Peters, Chief Innovation Officer at Experian Decision Analytics. “By addressing real-world challenges faced by our customers, the Lab has played a pivotal role in advancing Experian’s technological leadership and market competitiveness.”

Driving Experian’s Vision Forward

The Lab embodies Experian’s dual commitment to forward-thinking innovation and fostering a collaborative culture. Through leadership engagement and grassroots initiatives, the Lab accelerates progress by prototyping new technologies and encouraging employee-driven ideas. This dynamic approach ensures Experian remains at the forefront of data-driven advancements, particularly in areas like Generative AI and machine learning.