How to Spot Fake AI Innovation: A Guide for Leaders
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CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, is the mecca for tech enthusiasts, where global startups and Fortune 500 giants gather to unveil the "next big thing." I went in ready to be dazzled by cutting-edge AI advancements. Instead, what I found was this: “AI” slapped on products like a cheap sticker, masking a disturbing lack of true innovation.
I spoke with founders, marketers, and engineers who proudly paraded their "AI-powered" solutions. But after digging into their pitches, I realized something unsettling: most of it wasn’t AI at all. It was classic innovation theater—fluff designed to grab attention, dazzle investors, and inflate perceived value without delivering any real intelligence.
After a day of wading through the hype, I saw through the illusion. And I know I’m not the only one. By next year, I’m already bracing for the buzzword “Agenting AI.” Because when AI becomes too mainstream to impress, the tech world finds a new way to dress it up.
Here’s the truth: Not all AI is created equal, and much of what’s being sold as groundbreaking is little more than automation or simple algorithms. So how do you cut through the noise? After dozens of conversations, here are three lessons I learned on how to spot fake AI innovation.
1. Real AI Learns—Fake AI Just Automates
One of the easiest ways to spot fake AI is to ask a simple question: Does this technology actually learn?
Too many products at CES relied on predefined logic rather than real intelligence. For instance, I saw a “smart” device that adjusted temperature settings based on user input. When I asked how it worked, the rep enthusiastically said, “It’s AI-powered!” But when pressed, they admitted it was just basic automation with fixed rules.
True AI goes beyond static programming. It learns from data, adapts to new inputs, and makes decisions that evolve over time. If the product doesn’t improve with use, it’s likely automation dressed up as AI.
2. Buzzwords Are a Warning Sign
If a pitch is drowning in buzzwords—“AI-driven,” “machine learning-enhanced,” “deep neural networks”—it’s often a red flag. At CES, I heard a lot of these phrases without any concrete explanation of what the technology actually did.
I started asking: What’s the model training on? How does it improve over time? What’s the measurable impact? In most cases, the answers were vague, or worse, non-existent.
Real AI companies don’t need to hide behind jargon. They can clearly explain the technology and its value without relying on trendy terms. So when you hear a wall of buzzwords, ask yourself: Is this innovation or just clever marketing?
3. Follow the Data Trail
True AI innovation is data-driven. Without quality data, there’s no intelligence—just guesses. But here’s the kicker: Many of the “AI” products I saw at CES weren’t using data at all.
I spoke to a founder pitching an “AI-powered shopping assistant” that claimed to personalize recommendations for users. When I asked how it gathered data, they confessed it wasn’t actually integrated with any meaningful datasets yet. Translation: There’s no AI here—just marketing.
If a product claims to be AI-powered, ask: What data is it using? How is that data being analyzed? If they can’t answer, you’re looking at a hollow promise, not real innovation.
A Call for Accountability in AI
As I left CES, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the industry is doing itself a disservice by diluting the meaning of AI. Real innovation gets lost in the sea of smoke and mirrors.
I’m not saying automation and basic algorithms aren’t valuable. They are. But let’s call them what they are. Slapping an “AI” label on everything erodes trust and makes it harder for genuinely transformative technologies to stand out.
Next year, when I return to CES, I’ll be ready for the buzzword du jour—maybe “Agenting AI” or “Quantum-Ready Intelligence.” But I’ll also be armed with these three takeaways, ready to separate the true pioneers from the pretenders.
Who else has seen through the hype? Let’s keep the conversation going and hold the industry accountable for what AI truly means.
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What Alex Can Do For You
Developed and led AI and Innovation strategy for multiple Fortune 100 companies, driving double-digit revenue growth.
Over 20 years of hands-on experience driving transformative business and technology solutions for global brands like Dell, Amgen, IBM, Pfizer, and Cisco.
Recognized by Forbes as “One of the World’s Top Experts on Innovation” and named a “Top AI Keynote Speaker to Watch.”
Frequent contributor to Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, sharing actionable insights on AI strategy, the future of work, and innovation.
What sets Alex apart from other top AI speakers and innovation experts?
With AI and innovation elevated to buzzwords, there are plenty of speakers in this space. While many offer insightful keynotes, few can bring the depth of understanding, hands-on experience, and diverse viewpoints that Alex can. Alex doesn’t just talk about AI and innovation. He’s led it at Dell, Pfizer, and Cisco. He’s sat across from C-Suite execs to build global innovation plans. And he’s resonated with audiences at Google, AWS, Disney, Coca Cola, and dozens of other companies with keynotes tailored to their unique AI opportunities. A frequent contributor to Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Fast Company, Alex has been identified as a Top AI Voice on LinkedIn. He is also the author of a Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Fearless Innovation. Alex’s style is personable, approachable, and human. It’s never caught up in techspeak, or jargon so he resonates with any audience. Learn more about what sets Alex apart. Get in touch.
How does Alex customize keynotes and workshops?
No two organizations’ AI or innovation opportunities, or challenges, are the same. So canned keynotes or one-size-fits-all workshops just won’t do. Instead, Alex uses AI and data to tailor his engagements with available pre-event surveys. Analyzing responses, Alex customizes his content to address key needs and pain points, ensuring his message is meaningful. Speaking with leadership and other event stakeholders, Alex further customizes the content to ensure resonance and relevance, engaging audiences. Add it all up and you have keynotes and workshops that feel like they’ve been created for you—because they were. Learn more about Alex’s methodology. Get in touch.
What events and audiences are right for Alex?
With so much experience leading large-scale innovation initiatives, Alex is able to reach and resonate with any audience, no matter their knowledge level, industry, culture, or department. Captivating audiences from a live stage, or a virtual event, Alex is a fixture at C-Suite summits, innovation conferences, policy talks, offsites, and employee all hands meetings, plus governmental and academia events. An audience looking for fresh perspectives, real solutions, and custom content will find Alex’s keynotes engaging and actionable with ideas they can start applying right away. Curious about Alex’s recommendations for your event? Get in touch.
What companies and organizations have worked with Alex?
Alex’s roster of past clients, keynote engagements, and employers reads like a Wikipedia entry of the world’s most innovative, respected organizations. Disney, Coca Cola, ISO, AWS, Google, LEGO, CAT, IBM, Cisco, Dell, and dozens of other organizations have benefited from Alex’s keynotes, workshops, and strategic advisory services. As the former Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at Cisco, leader of global Innovation Centers and Smart City programs in 7 countries, and creator of innovation tracks for 3 Olympics, Alex’s real-world experience magnifies his impact upon any organization he partners with. Additionally, Alex has worked hands-on with governments, industry groups,startups and scaleups, plus large academic institutions, like the University of Delaware and The University of California, impacting 300,000+ students and thousands of faculty.
What topics does Alex Goryachev cover in keynotes and workshops?
While every keynote or workshop is customized to an event or audience, Alex is often requested by clients to bring a fresh perspective and real-world expertise on topics, including: AI’s impact on work and education Innovation in the age of AI Building buy-in and reducing hesitancy towards AI Policy and ethics related to AI C-Suite and leadership insights on AI Employee engagement in innovation The impact of AI on society Use cases, solutions, and strategies for AI and innovation Innovation culture and proven frameworks Reskilling and workforce preparedness Education and academia policy Government AI policy and legislation For additional topic ideas and recommendations for your event, get in touch.
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