Augusta University graduate starts business in the artificial intelligence world

The business of artificial intelligence is booming. In all walks of life, you’d be hard pressed not to find some sort of AI in what you do daily. It may be as simple as pulling up directions on your phone or as complicated as touching up photos with generative AI programs.

For Augusta University graduate Philip Dyche, he’s trying to capitalize on the growing industry. Dyche is starting up a business called DocuSight AI that features three products. One, called PDFchat Pro, is designed for professionals. This AI tool is useful for professionals who need to navigate through complex documents quickly and efficiently. Businesses can now upload large files and then allow AI to help extract exactly what the business may need to function at a higher level.

The second product is called StudyBud AI, which is similar to the first, but is designed for educational purposes. Students can upload their textbooks or other student materials, and artificial intelligence will learn the content, simplify complex subjects and provide insightful answers to a student’s questions. Dyche feels this is a game-changer for students who want to optimize their study potential. He sees the demands on students, especially those already working full-time, and knows this AI tool can help them out.

The final product is called AgapeChat AI. Agape translates to “love” in Hebrew. During a humorous conversation with his father, an idea was born to upload different versions of the Bible. Users can ask questions to their selection of pre-uploaded Bibles and receive immediate, in-context responses. This can enhance the faith exploration journey for spiritual seekers and religious educators, Dyche said.

It’s an impressive leap for this 26-year-old who graduated in 2021 with a physics degree from Augusta University’s College of Science and Mathematics, complemented by minors in math and business.

After contributing as a capacity planning analyst at Southern Company Gas, Dyche is set to embark on a new journey as a nuclear physicist with Southern Nuclear starting in October. Unfazed by the challenges and ever confident, he is optimistic about the road ahead.

“I am very positive about things. I try to not have a lot of things hold me back,” said Dyche.

He also wanted to get in on the AI business early, so he can be positioned well for the future.

“That’s exactly like I was thinking. It’s like having the chance to invest in Google when it was just a startup. If you got in on that early, you’d be set for life,” said Dyche.

Dyche came to Augusta University originally for the pre-dental program, but switched to the physics program upon hearing more about it. It led to opening the doors to the nuclear field along with a number of opportunities.

“While physics delved into topics like electrodynamics, quantum physics and intricate math formulas that might seem like rocket science, its true lesson was profound yet simple,” Dyche said. “It taught me that even the most complicated issues can be dissected into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach isn’t just academic; it’s a valuable skill in the business world, making complex tasks more approachable.”

It got him thinking about artificial intelligence. He said it’s not easy to find a tutor for quantum physics or electrodynamics. He thought if you could sit down and “talk” to your textbook, that would serve as a guide to help with the studying and understanding of difficult topics.

He saw how the technology industry was starting to boom with AI. Since he was already coding, he began to play around more with it and saw there was a gap in the workforce with file and document analysis. That was sort of the light bulb moment for Dyche to develop DocuSight AI.

“There are a ton of apps out there to check your files, but imagine digging through a massive 400- to 500-page PDF, just trying to find a warranty or product ID. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s where DocuSight AI can be a game changer. It’s like having an assistant in your pocket. You ask, and in a snap, you get your answer. I just couldn’t ignore such a glaring gap and the chance to make things easier.”

Along with his studies at Augusta University, Dyche also served as president of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He’s still using those connections to further his business venture.

“One of my fraternity brothers, Alex Rountree, is working for the national organization, so he’s going to be at different schools throughout the nation. He’s going to be helping me market my company to all those different schools while he’s out there recruiting for the fraternity men,” added Dyche.

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As a physics student, he credits Joseph Hauger, PhD, Fuller E. Callaway Chair in Physics, for helping him get where he is today.

“He greatly impacted many of my post-college endeavors. Not only is he’s an exceptional teacher, he’s also a genuine leader. His positive influence reaches many students. It was Hauger who introduced me to coding and robotics.”

Besides working for Southern Nuclear and getting DocuSight AI off the ground, Dyche is also pursuing a Master in Business Administration. He has a quest for knowledge that shows no sign of slowing down, and he gives a lot of credit to the AU influence on his career.

“Honestly, I never saw myself being in this spot so soon after walking across the graduation stage. It feels like just yesterday. The influence of AU, the bond with my fraternity brothers, the chats with other students and the support from the staff — all pushed me. I wanted to do big things after college, and now it’s like I’ve strapped into a rocket and I’m just taking off.”