Building AI for Real-World Problems – Meet Tino

Tino Tuomi-Nikula’s path into data and machine learning has been anything but typical. With a background in finance and a mindset tuned to solving real, human problems, his work today focuses on making AI useful, understandable—and grounded in reality.

We had a chat with Tino, Hellon’s AI and Data Consultant, to hear his take on building smarter systems, cutting through the AI hype, and why a good pun or office dog might just help make better technology.

Finding the practical edge of AI

Tino’s route into AI wasn’t defined by ambition to follow trends, but by curiosity. “My first real job was at a financial audit firm. We were manually checking documents – it was slow, repetitive, and clearly something a computer could do better.” That moment set him on a path to explore applied machine learning.

He self-studied Python, focused his master’s on data analytics, and built his experience across business analytics, data engineering and cloud infrastructure. “Back then, getting into data science without a PhD was tough in Finland, so I found roles where I could learn. Over time, I realised the real need was for people who could turn models into practical tools – and that’s what I’ve focused on ever since.”

In recent years, he has been busy with various AI and data-related projects. “I have done business intelligence, near real-time IoT data analytics, predictive modelling, maritime fleet optimisation, churn prediction, Gen AI chatbots, agentic document processing, etc. Each project has been quite different from the previous one. The common impact is automating, scaling or improving decision-making in the organisations.“

On agents, access, and real impact

At Hellon, Tino has already worked on a range of AI-driven projects, from predictive modelling to GenAI-powered agents. What connects them? “They’re all about automating, scaling or improving decision-making,” he says. “Whether it’s about helping organisations use their data better, or enabling smarter interactions.”

He’s especially interested in how AI agents – systems that work through natural language – can open up access to digital services. “Many people struggle with traditional interfaces. Natural language is intuitive. If we do it right, AI agents can improve the usability and user experience of digital services.”

But it’s not without its challenges. “LLMs can give an illusion of being all-knowing. But real-world applications demand boundaries. You need to define what they can access, how they behave, and how their limitations are communicated. Otherwise you risk losing user trust.”

AI hype vs. real-world development

Tino is refreshingly honest about the current AI buzz. “The ability of large language models to produce meaningful answers is often confused with the ability to do meaningful work. Plugging in AI isn't a thing; building something useful is still mostly traditional software development.”

That said, there’s still a lot of buzz for a reason – just don’t mistake a language model for a magic wand. Real-world AI runs on code, context and quite a bit of quality coffee.

Still, he sees great potential ahead: “A lot of information work will change. AI can take over repetitive, cognitively heavy tasks. Done right, it frees experts to focus on what really matters.”

He also warns that many organisations underestimate the effort needed to make AI work in their specific context. “It’s not magic. It’s understanding the capabilities, the limitations, and the real problems you’re trying to solve.”

At Hellon, tech meets design

For Tino, working in a human-centred design company makes a big difference. “The mindset here is analytical and forward-looking. People are genuinely curious about how tech shapes organisations – not just how it works, but what it means.”

Collaborating with strategists and designers brings unique value to his work. “It’s a privilege to work alongside people who think deeply about UX, human behaviour and future systems. That’s where good AI becomes great.”

And outside of code…

When he’s not working on AI agents or helping teams make sense of data, Tino unwinds by playing football, drumming, and spending time with his two-year-old daughter. “Discovering the world with her is the best way to switch off,” he smiles.

As for what gets him through the workday? “Puns. Millennial internet humour. And office dogs.” Some say AI will replace half of all jobs – luckily, office dogs are safe.

In short?

Tino isn’t building AI for the sake of novelty. He’s here to build AI that works, solving real problems, making services more accessible, and helping organisations focus on what truly matters. No hype, just meaningful impact.

Not all AI projects need to start with code – some start with conversation. Let’s talk.