AI Rising Podcast

Enterprises are rethinking their AI strategies. Instead of billion-dollar moonshots, they’re betting on micro transformations—smaller, high-value projects that deliver quick wins while laying the groundwork for governance, security, and scalable AI adoption.In this episode, we unpack the realities of enterprise AI adoption: why so many projects fail, the challenges of scaling GenAI when costs rise instead of fall, and how industries like banking, manufacturing, and healthcare are finding ROI in targeted use cases.We also explore the guardrails enterprises are building—compliance, auditability, and security—and the shift towards efficient models that could democratize AI. Plus, a sharp look at OpenAI’s expansion into consulting, browsers, and hardware—is it a competitive advantage or a dilution of focus?This episode brings clarity to the noise, spotlighting what’s working, what’s failing, and where enterprise AI is headed next.

In this episode of AI Rising, host Nelson John is joined by Biswajit Bhattacharya, Lead Client Partner & Automotive Industry Leader at IBM Consulting India and South Asia, to explore how artificial intelligence is driving the next wave of transformation across India’s manufacturing and mobility sectors.Together, they dive into how AI is reshaping operations - its role in helping companies align profitability with sustainability goals through ESG-driven growth, digital twins, data fabric. The conversation also highlights IBM’s role in enabling smart factories and predictive maintenance to resilient supply chains, software-defined vehicles, and trustworthy AI frameworks.Tune in to discover how AI is not just a tool but a catalyst powering innovation, resilience, and a smarter industrial future for India.

This episode of the AI Rising podcast explores the journey and impact of JARVIS, an Indian AI-powered video analytics platform. The discussion highlights how JARVIS leverages computer vision and audio analytics for real-time security, operational insights, and proactive monitoring in environments like police forces, universities, and retail. The episode also examines India’s strengths and challenges building its AI ecosystem, the importance of ethical AI deployment, and the opportunities ahead for vision AI innovations.

AI is not what's next for healthcare — it's what's nowIn this episode of AI Rising, host Nelson John speaks with Roland Rott, President & CEO of Imaging at GE HealthCare, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of care — from diagnostics to decision-making, and from hospital floors to rural clinics.Considering India’s unique healthcare landscape and its growing reputation as an innovation hotspot, Roland offers a front-row view into how GE HealthCare is building AI-powered solutions that improve accuracy, scale access, and redefine patient care — all while navigating the complexity of one of the world’s most demanding markets.We explore:• Why India is central to GE HealthCare’s AI and growth strategy• How AI is transforming imaging, diagnostics, and clinical workflows• The balance between cutting-edge innovation and clinical trust• The future of AI-powered care in both developed and emerging marketsTune in for more

In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Ratan Kumar Kesh, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer at Bandhan Bank, to explore how AI is transforming the very foundation of modern banking.From intelligent automation and fraud detection to contextual banking offers and AI-powered agent systems, Mr. Kesh shares real-world insights into how Bandhan Bank is embracing next-gen technologies to meet rising customer expectations, enhance internal efficiencies, and navigate the complexities of a highly regulated financial ecosystem.We also discuss the role of open banking, cloud infrastructure, and internal AI adoption strategies that put employees at the center of digital transformation. If you’re curious about how traditional banks are evolving in the AI era—or what it takes to build a future-ready financial institution—this conversation is packed with perspective.Tune in for more.

What does it take to bring reliable, clean electricity to some of the world’s most underserved communities—and do it profitably?In this episode, we speak with Manoj Sinha, Co-founder and CEO of Husk Power Systems, a company that’s building the world’s largest network of AI-powered mini grids across India and Africa. Manoj takes us through his journey—from growing up in Bihar with limited access to electricity, to launching Husk with a bold mission: to make energy affordable, reliable, and 100% renewable for rural households and micro-enterprises.We dive deep into:How Husk uses machine learning to predict energy demand and optimize power generationWhy AI is critical to scaling decentralized energy in emerging marketsThe economics behind their pay-as-you-go SaaS modelWhat it takes to reduce energy delivery costs year after yearThe future of Virtual Power Plants, grid resilience, and India's climate goals

In this episode, the hosts sit down with Pradeep Gulipalli, Co-founder and CEO (India) of Tiger Analytics, to discuss the company’s rapid growth and the evolving world of data and analytics. The conversation touches on recent announcements from Microsoft and Google, explores how automation and smarter systems are changing business operations, and looks at the practical side of adopting new technology in big enterprises. Pradeep shares insights on how companies are actually using AI tools today, the challenges they’re facing, and what skills and mindset are needed to succeed in this fast-moving space. The episode closes with advice for startup founders and young professionals interested in working with data and technology.

AI is changing the way we diagnose, treat, and even prevent disease—but how far can it really go? In this episode, Dr. Sreedhar Potarazu, Clinical Director at American Eye Care Center, joins us to unpack the real impact of AI in medicine. From clinical decision-making to patient empathy, we explore where technology helps—and where it still falls short. Can AI truly replace doctors, or is it simply the next tool in their kit? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of healthcare, ethics, and the irreplaceable human touch.

In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N speak with Anurag Sahay, VP & Global Business Unit Head – AI and Data Sciences at Nagarro, about why AI hallucinations might not be flaws, but indicators of an evolving intelligence paradigm. They explore how most people—and enterprises—still think in linear, deterministic ways, and why that mindset may no longer serve us in the GenAI era. Anurag explains how startups are often better positioned to take bold creative leaps, while enterprises struggle with embracing stochastic systems. The conversation also dives into why observability, not perfection, is the key to scaling AI—challenging conventional assumptions about accuracy, failure, and the true nature of intelligence.

In this episode, we dive into the hype, the reality, and the shifting ground beneath the world of technology, AI, and business strategy. From the microservices vs. monolith debate to the Codex CLI and GenAI frenzy, we break down the tech buzzwords enterprises love—and sometimes misuse. We unpack the role of developer insecurities, resume-driven engineering, and the fleeting nature of tech trends (remember Pokémon Go and the Oscar selfie?). As India's startup landscape sees an AI-first pitch from nearly every corner, we reflect on what truly defines deep tech, why traditional machine learning is far from obsolete, and how enterprises should resist the urge to jump on every shiny new tool. At the end of the day, the question remains: what business problem are you solving?

In this episode, we unpack the evolving landscape of generative AI — from the delay of GPT-5 and the release of OpenAI’s O3 and O4 Mini models to the explosive rise of Chinese innovations like DeepSeek and Mistral. We dig into why calling GPT-5 the 'holy grail' of AI is a flawed narrative, and how the global AI race is being reshaped by open-weight models, MoE (Mixture of Experts) architectures, and aggressive Chinese strategies.We also explore the growing buzz around 'white coding' — where non-programmers use AI to generate code — and the infrastructure shocks that follow. Why are API bills skyrocketing? What happens when blindly deployed AI code meets real-world production? From misleading claims to misunderstood models, we break it all down.Tune in as we question hype, bust myths, and offer a grounded take on where AI is really headed.

In this episode, Leslie and Jayanth discuss how industries have evolved over the past few years, drawing parallels between shifts in tourism, remote work, and coworking spaces with the impending transformation AI will bring. They highlight how AI's impact will be more widespread, affecting almost every industry and job role.They also delve into a BCG survey on Gen Z’s adoption of generative AI, which revealed a surprising insight: despite being digital natives, Gen Z professionals are not proficient users of Gen AI in workplaces. While 80% of Indian developers recognize its productivity benefits, only 39% use it proficiently, and just 31% of Gen Z developers are proficient adopters. The discussion underscores the role of training in improving AI adoption, as proficiency jumps from 16% to 48% with five or more targeted training sessions.Tun in to know more

In this episode, hosts Jayanth and Leslie sit down with Mr. Vijay Balakrishnan, Executive Vice President - Chief Digital & Information Officer at Godrej Enterprises Group, to explore how AI and digital transformation are reshaping manufacturing, supply chain, and customer experience.From cloud-first strategies and AI-powered supply chains to intelligent call center automation, Mr. Balakrishnan shares insights on how Godrej is leveraging Gen AI, IoT, and digital twin technology to drive efficiency, enhance decision-making, and improve customer satisfaction.Tune in to understand how AI is moving beyond the hype and transforming businesses—one process at a time.

As businesses move beyond experimentation, AI agents and LLMs (Large Language Models) are driving a new era of enterprise automation. This discussion, featuring Raghav Aggarwal, Co-Founder of Fluid AI, explores how AI is evolving from knowledge-based assistance to intelligent action, transforming workflows across industries.We delve into the integration of internal enterprise data with powerful AI models like OpenAI, enabling predictive analytics, strategic decision-making, and smart automation. The conversation also breaks down the three layers of AI adoption—fully autonomous processes, human-AI collaboration, and human-led tasks—showing how enterprises are defining their automation strategies.With 2025 marking a shift from pilots to full-scale AI deployment, Raghav Aggarwal shares insights on key challenges like security, governance, and workforce adaptation. How are CXOs balancing AI’s potential with risk management? What industries are leading in AI-driven transformation? And how do agent-based AI systems bring businesses closer to true efficiency?Join us as we uncover how enterprises are leveraging AI for smarter research, seamless automation, and groundbreaking innovations.

In this episode of AI Rising, hosts Jayanth and Leslie dive deep into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, exploring India’s role in shaping the future of AI. They discuss the India AI Mission and why it urgently needs a strong leader—just like Aadhaar had Nandan Nilekani and UPI had its own champions. Can India templatize its AI strategy for the Global South, just as it did with UPI?The conversation also shifts to the debate between large language models (LLMs) vs. small language models (SLMs)—is India better off innovating with SLMs rather than competing in the costly LLM race? With compute limitations and a unique linguistic landscape, could smaller, more efficient models be India’s AI breakthrough?Jayanth and Lesli also unpack the latest Sam Altman vs. Elon Musk drama—how the valuation of OpenAI and Musk’s sharp retorts are shaping the future of AI power struggles. Meanwhile, China is making a strong comeback in computer vision, with innovations like ByteDance’s “Only Human” model and Landing AI’s agentic object detection leading the charge.With AI innovation shifting across continents, who will lead the next big breakthrough? Tune in to AI Rising for expert insights and thought-provoking discussions on the future of AI.

In this episode of AI Rising, hosts Jayanth and Leslie talk about Investors trying to assess companies like Nvidia, OpenAI, or Facebook’s LLaMA are struggling to model just how much these technologies will be used, or to what extent they themselves will be disrupted. The uncertainty is immense, and it’s clear that many AI models are still lurking in the shadows. The recent developments, like DeepSeek’s release, have stunned the world, marking a significant shift in the AI landscape. Some concerns have been raised because it has come out of China, but it’s also important to recognize the innovation China brings—look at its infrastructure, BYD, and how much of the world’s telecom networks rely on Huawei and ZTE. This is not another TikTok scenario. DeepSeek has an MIT license, which is a US-based institution, and they’ve already factored in concerns around local data hosting, ensuring compliance with sovereign data policies.

In this thought-provoking episode of AI Rising, hosts Jayanth and Leslie navigate the fast-moving currents of artificial intelligence.They begin with China’s latest AI breakthrough—a cutting-edge open-source reasoning model poised to challenge OpenAI’s dominance. What does this mean for the global AI landscape, and how might it redefine innovation in the field? The discussion then shifted to the Stargate Plan, a staggering $500 billion initiative under Trump’s vision for American AI supremacy. Will this bold move give the U.S. an unshakable edge in the AI arms race, or does it risk being another moonshot with uncertain outcomes? The host also explore the intersection of tradition and technology, uncovering how Mahakumbh 2025 is leveraging AI to transform one of the world’s largest religious gatherings into a seamless, tech-enabled experience.

Welcome to the brand new season of AI Rising. Join hosts Leslie Damonte and Jayantan Kolla as they explore how AI is reshaping our world in 2025. In this episode, we kick off the new year with a closer look at the innovations unveiled at CES, like NVIDIA’s groundbreaking robotics and AI-powered personal devices. We’ll dive into how AI is blending with human creativity, transforming industries like healthcare, workforce management, and even personal tech.

In this episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie and Jayant sit down with Jaspreet Bindra, founder of AI and Beyond, to explore the evolving AI landscape. They discuss breakthroughs like AlphaFold, the rise of localized AI models, and the ethical challenges surrounding Generative AI (GenAI) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Jaspreet shares insights on enterprise adoption of GenAI, the patience required for its growth, and the emerging agentic frameworks reshaping the industry. The conversation highlights data privacy, humanistic ethics, and AI’s parallels to human creativity, including its "hallucinations." Tune in to discover how AI is transforming industries, driving innovation, and balancing progress with responsibility.

In this episode of AI Rising, our hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla dive deep into the rapidly evolving AI landscape. We explore OpenAI's latest funding milestone—raising over $6 billion at a staggering $150 billion valuation—and the controversies surrounding its transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit structure. We also discuss the exciting announcements from OpenAI, Meta, and Google regarding AI assistants with advanced voice modes and their implications for the future of human-computer interaction. Shifting gears, we analyze Ask Capital's report predicting India's digital economy to surpass $1 trillion by 2028, driven by innovations like UPI and government initiatives. Lastly, we examine the significance of India's announcement of four thematic hubs for quantum computing and its intersection with AI technologies. What role will quantum computing play in shaping AI's next frontier? Tune in to hear our take on these groundbreaking developments.

In this thought-provoking episode of AI Rising, our hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla unpack a whirlwind of topics shaping the AI landscape. First, Leslie and Jayanth delve into the buzz surrounding Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO, whose controversial remarks in a Stanford University interview sparked a stir before the video was taken down from YouTube. From criticizing Google’s work culture to drawing parallels between coding and learning a language like English, Schmidt's candid observations have left the tech world buzzing. Next, the discussion shifts to generative AI—does it live up to the hype, or is it a technology in a frantic rush to prove itself? Jayanth also explores the challenges investors face when betting on AI startups and the growing emphasis on building responsible AI models that balance innovation with ethics. Join us for a deep dive into the controversies, debates, and opportunities defining the rapidly evolving AI industry.

In this episode of AI Rising, Leslie and Jayanth discuss the hype surrounding OpenAI's rumored "Orion" project. Jayanth sheds light on the state of agentic AI in India, where flashy pitch decks often overshadow substance. He draws attention to trends like Indic language LLMs, many of which are mere wrappers on existing English models rather than innovations built from the ground up. Are these developments genuine breakthroughs, or are they simply marketing tactics aimed at impressing investors? Joining the conversation is Dhruv Rastogi, Senior Vice President & Head of Data Science at Medi Assist. With over 15 years of experience spanning finance, marketing, sales, and healthcare, Dhruv is a versatile data scientist driving innovation in India’s healthcare ecosystem. As SVP at Medi Assist, he’s leveraging AI to make healthcare services more efficient and accessible. Dhruv discusses how Medi Assist is tackling a critical issue—reducing the wait time for insurance claims during hospital discharges. “A patient or their family, in such vulnerable situations, just want a smooth experience,” says Dhruv. By using predictive analytics, Medi Assist estimates bills with an accuracy of around ₹500, more or less, streamlining the process for patients and caregivers alike. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the intersection of AI innovation, healthcare transformation, and the ever-evolving tech landscape.

In this episode of AI Rising, host Leslie D’Monte is joined by Ashwin Raguraman, Co-founder and Partner at Bharat Innovation Fund. Ashwin reflects on the journey of launching the fund in 2018 to support deep tech startups in India—a bold move, as the startup ecosystem was still emerging. "We were trying to promote the ecosystem ahead of its time," he shares, highlighting the fund's mission to foster innovation before the landscape fully matured. Leslie delves into Ashwin’s approach to selecting deep tech entrepreneurs, asking what factors guide his investment decisions. Ashwin outlines three key vectors: first, the founding team’s background; second, the size and potential growth of the market, adding that forecasting both startup success and market evolution is a unique challenge; and third, the technology’s level of disruption, including patents and solutions. Tune in for insights into the strategies that drive investment in India’s deep tech ecosystem and how AI is changing the landscape.

In this insightful episode, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla engage with Shashank from Tredence to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and data analytics. Shashank delves into the role of AI in creating interconnected solutions for supply and demand, emphasizing Tredence's unique approach in delivering actionable insights over mere predictions. The conversation spans the growth trajectory of AI startups like Fractal, the critical role of cloud computing, and India’s emerging influence in the AI ecosystem, showcased by models like Ola’s Krithrim. Additionally, Shashank shares the culture of innovation at Tredence, inspired by initiatives like Tredence Studio, a space reminiscent of Google’s Area 120, where employees can nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. He also touches upon India’s booming startup landscape, his investments in a VC fund supporting Indian startups, and Tredence's culture of mentorship-driven growth. Tune in for an engaging discussion on AI’s transformative power in business, India’s role in the global AI scene, and the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within organizations.

In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla sit down with Tathagato Rai Dastidar, founder of SigTuple, a company transforming diagnostic healthcare through AI-driven solutions. The discussion opens with the rise of AI agents like Salesforce's AgentForce AI and Microsoft’s new Copilot. Leslie poses the big question: can AI truly reason like humans? Tathagato offers an intriguing perspective, asking, “Do we even understand how humans reason?” Jayanth shares insights from his recent Europe trip, where he met AI innovators struggling to scale solutions due to the continent’s fragmented landscape. Tathagato then explains how SigTuple is streamlining diagnostics using AI-powered microscopes, making healthcare more efficient and accessible. Tune in for a compelling conversation on AI’s real-world impact and the future of healthcare technology.

In the latest episode of the AI Rising podcast, hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla sit down with Sayandeb Banerjee, Cofounder and CEO of MathCo, an enterprise AI and analytics company known for developing data-driven AI models that enhance decision-making processes.  The discussion dives into whether the debate of open-source vs. closed-source AI still matters to clients today. Banerjee reflects on the enduring resistance to open source and what it means for the industry. They also explore the rise of SLMs, with a focus on Gemma 2—how its portability sets it apart, and whether SLMs make more sense for businesses looking to adopt scalable AI solutions.  Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with real-world AI applications and industry perspectives! 

In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla sit down with Ankur Pal, Chief Data Scientist at Aplazo, a leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) FinTech platform based in Mexico. Ankur, who leads the company’s data organization, is deeply committed to democratizing financial access through innovative technology. In addition to his role at Aplazo, he is an active angel investor with a portfolio of over 40 global companies, including Spenmo, Otipy, Rupifi, and TeachMint. The conversation begins with a discussion of Gartner’s Hype Cycle Report 2024 for emerging technologies, which projects a plateau for generative AI in 2 to 5 years, autonomous agents in 5 to 10 years, and artificial general intelligence (AGI) in more than 10 years. Ankur shares insights on how investors are navigating the rapid evolution of foundational AI models, while the hosts also explore the unique regulatory landscape in Latin America, which is fostering innovation in the fintech space. Tune in to this enlightening discussion to learn more!

In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla are joined by Anant Vidur Puri, a seasoned Venture Capitalist from Bessemer Venture Partners. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the Listening-while-Speaking Language Model (LSLM), a model that integrates listening and speaking capabilities, allowing for real-time, seamless interaction.  The conversation then shifts to the broader implications of AI on the workforce, with insights from a recent Accenture report revealing that up to 44% of working hours in the US are poised for automation or augmentation, with even higher percentages in the UK. The hosts, alongside Anant, delve into the risks this poses, particularly for workers with lower digital skills, and the potential widening of the digital divide. Anant brings his expertise to the table, emphasizing the critical role of Gen AI in the future of software development. He cautions that businesses not adopting AI will be left behind, as both competitors and clients increasingly demand AI-driven solutions. In a more personal segment, Leslie asks Anant what excites him about entrepreneurs, providing listeners with a glimpse into the mind of a leading venture capitalist. Tune in to explore the forefront of AI innovation and its far-reaching impacts on both technology and the workforce.

In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla are joined by Srinivas Gattamneni (Srini), CEO of ADA, a global data and AI company headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The episode dives deep into how AI and Generative AI are revolutionizing digital marketing, with Srini sharing insights on funnel management, content automation, and personalized advertising. The conversation further explores how companies are approaching AI adoption, with Srini emphasizing the importance of foundational platform readiness and data preparedness. Additionally, he provides a comprehensive overview of the AI landscape in Southeast Asia, drawing parallels to the Indian market while noting the unique challenges posed by fragmented government structures, regulations, and cross-border complexities. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the latest in AI, digital marketing, and the evolving landscape of Generative AI!

In the latest episode of AI Rising, our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla moderated the Accel Cybersecurity Summit roundtable discussion discussing the latest trends and concerns in cybersecurity, particularly in light of recent high-profile incidents and the growing influence of AI. The discussion features cybersecurity experts and industry professionals including Prayank Swaroop, Partner at Accel, Jossef Harush, Head of Supply Chain Security at Checkmarx, and Ross Haleliuk, Product Manager at LimaCharlie. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, from recent cyber attacks and the increasing sophistication of modern threats to the impact of AI on cybersecurity and the challenges faced by businesses in protecting their digital assets. The experts explore software supply chain security, the role of social engineering in attacks, and the potential of AI to both enhance and complicate cybersecurity efforts. They also discuss the delicate balance between innovation and security for startups, as well as the evolving landscape of enterprise IT security in an era of rapid AI adoption. Tune in for an insightful episode!

In the latest episode of AI Rising, our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla delve into the potential impact of a newly passed bill in Karnataka which directs private firms in the state to reserve jobs for Kannadigas. As the state grapples with the implications of the legislation, questions have arisen about whether it will tarnish its reputation as a tech hub. Our hosts further discuss the silliness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Appreciation Day, celebrated on July 16 each year. While intended to spotlight AI innovation and adoption across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and cybersecurity, Leslie and Jayanth question the necessity of dedicating a day to AI, labeling it as a marketing gimmick with no real sanction. Adding to the discussion, Leslie recounts an amusing episode from Google I/O in Bengaluru, where some leadership appeared unaware of the day’s existence, further underlining his skepticism. Tune in for an insightful episode!

In the latest episode of AI Rising, our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla, debunk the news of a ‘robot suicide’ in South Korea and discuss what exactly went down. Recently, a case was reported from Gumi City Council in South Korea where a civil servant robot allegedly 'committed suicide', which was termed as the country’s first 'robot suicide'. The Daily Mail had reported the incident and stated that the 'Robot Supervisor' allegedly committed suicide on 26 June as its parts were found scattered under the stairs between the first and second floors of the council building. The robot used to work as an employee of Gumi City Council every day from 9 am to 6 pm. While the news brings attention to the question of a robot’s rights, it also exaggerates the event. ‘Robot suicide’ would imply that the robot had become sentient. Leslie points out that there was no such thing. Moreover, he adds, the manufacturing company of the robot had released a statement highlighting that the robot was malfunctioning. Attributing the exaggeration of the news to Korean’s love for robots, our hosts discuss whether a robot has rights. Tune in for an insightful episode!

In the latest episode of AI Rising podcast, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla delve into the latest developments in the Gen AI space, the intersection between Data Science and AI, the pros and cons of rapid AI development, and cyborgs. To discuss all this and more, we were joined by Ashwin Swarup, the VP of Data Science and Data Engineering at Nimblework Inc. Ashwin is also the lead of KAIron - a Gen AI platform for Digital Transformation. He points out the similarities between how humans and AI learn - through minimizing the error between an attempt and the objective. He adds that since AI is developing rapidly and learning through its mistakes, coders or writers, who were to have gained expertise through such mistakes will now miss out on the same. Our hosts, amicably agree to the point, "A fool with a tool remains a fool." Tune in for the latest developments in the world of AI and expert insights!

In the latest episode of AI Rising podcast, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla delve into the latest AI developments. They discuss Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI's former chief scientist, who is venturing out to establish his own AI company, Safe Superintelligence. This move follows the attempt to unseat CEO Sam Altman in November last year. The hosts also discuss Anthropic's latest marvel, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, which has rapidly outpaced rivals like OpenAI's GPT-4o, Google's Gemini 1.5 Pro, and Meta's LlaMA-400b in both speed and performance, showcasing the relentless competition among tech giants to dominate AI innovation. Jayanth points out how the leaderboard will keep shifting as better and better LLM models are launched. The hosts also discuss how businessman Steve Endacott is campaigning in Britain's national election with an AI-generated avatar, “AI Steve,” as the face of his independent candidacy. His initiative to introduce more AI candidates sets a new precedent in the intersection of technology and politics. We also delve into the latest insights from IBM's 2024 CEO study, revealing that 59% of CEOs believe competitive advantage hinges on advanced generative AI, with 72% viewing industry disruption as a risk rather than an opportunity. The survey underscores the necessity for companies to adapt their business strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. Tune in as we explore cutting-edge developments and their implications for the future of AI and beyond.

In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla discuss the seismic shifts in the tech world, starting with Nvidia's monumental achievement on June 18th. Nvidia has overtaken Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company, boasting a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion—more than 20 times its value in January 2020. Investors are clamoring for its shares just as tech giants are eagerly snapping up its advanced AI chips. In the quarter ending in April, Nvidia's revenue soared by 262% year-on-year, while its net income skyrocketed by an astounding 628%. "Nvidia has its fingers in all AI pies," Jayanth remarks. The hosts also tackle the pressing issue of LLM hallucination, a significant challenge in generating accurate and reliable AI responses. They explore how source-reference divergence, biased training data, and privacy concerns can contribute to the spread of misinformation, discriminatory content, and privacy violations. Additionally, they delve into catastrophic interference, also known as catastrophic forgetting, explaining how artificial neural networks can abruptly and drastically forget previously learned information when new information is introduced. Tune in to this insightful episode for a deep dive into Nvidia's meteoric rise and the complexities of maintaining accuracy and reliability in AI systems.

In the latest episode of AI Rising, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla, discuss the major developments in the world of AI, starting with Apple's announcements of its AI features, world's first AI beauty pageant, and the rise of AI-led startups. During last week's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), an information technology conference held annually by Apple Inc, Apple announced major AI features coming to its iPhone, iPad, and Mac operating systems later this year. While the announcements were underwhelming for many, Jayanth points out that Apple is consumer-scaling AI. He adds how Apple fans know well to skip the 1st gen launch and compares the announcements to the launch of Apple iPhone in 2007. What has Aerosmith's "Hole in my Soul" got to with the world's first AI beauty pageant? Discussing "Miss AI" - models created using generative AI, our hosts also talk about AI companions, and what this means for our future interactions. Tune in to listen to this insightful episode.

In the latest episode of AI Rising, we delve into the transformative impact of AI on education and the urgency of skilling for the future in a tech-dominated world. Join our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla as they speak with Mr. Rajendra Singh Pawar, Chairman & Co-Founder of NIIT Group. Mr. Pawar is a pioneering leader in the field of IT and education. Under his leadership, NIIT has become a global leader in skills and talent development, significantly impacting the tech industry. He has been a part of Prime Minister Vajpayee's National Taskforce (1998) and was a member of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's National Council on Skill Development (2009-2014). Additionally, he chaired the NASSCOM Cyber Security Task Force, contributing extensively to the nation's tech landscape. In recognition of his contributions, Mr. Pawar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011. In this episode, we explore how AI, particularly Generative AI, is revolutionizing education and shaping the future of learning. Mr. Pawar shares his insights on the critical need for future-focused skilling to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. How is AI transforming the way we learn and teach? How is NIIT supporting this growth? Does the responsibility for skilling lie with individuals or organizations? Tune in to AI Rising for an enlightening discussion on the intersection of AI and education with one of the leading minds in the industry.

Environment Day is celebrated every year on 5th June to encourage protection and action to protect the Earth’s drastically deteriorating climate. With AI revolutionizing every industry, how is it helping climate activists fight? What is its impact on environment conservation? Join Vamsi Krishna M, Founder and Managing Director, Kosher Climate, as he speaks to our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla on the latest episode of AI Rising, where they discuss carbon credits, how AI can be used to map deforestation, predict the weather, track pollution, among other applications. AI can also be used to improve agriculture and reduce its environmental impact, as per the World Economic Forum. Does responsibility to protect the climate lie with individuals or organizations? What are the latest tech developments in the area? Tune in to listen to expert insights.

Join Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla on the latest episode of AI Rising, where they discuss potential game-changer announcements such as the launch of Microsoft's Copilot+PCs, AI agents, neural processing units (NPUs), and more.Our hosts delve into the world of AI PCs, now equipped with NPUs that will accelerate AI models directly on the device. Jayanth points out how this can drastically reduce latency and enhance efficiency. They discuss how these capabilities are seamlessly integrated into Microsoft Office tools like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, potentially revolutionizing enterprise productivity.The conversation moves to the impressive growth projections for AI PCs and generative AI phones, expected to reach 295 million units by the end of 2024. Leslie and Jayanth also explore the future of AI agents, examining how these technologies differ from large language model chatbots and the potential they hold for becoming ubiquitous in our daily lives.Tune in to the AI Rising Podcast for an insightful discussion on the future of AI, the innovations driving Microsoft's evolution, and the exciting developments shaping our digital world.

The European Council on 21 May approved a first-of-its-kind law aiming to harmonise rules on artificial intelligence - the AI Act. This sets a global benchmark for the regulation of a technology drastically gaining use in business and daily life. The new legislation follows a ‘risk-based’ approach, which means the higher the risk to cause harm to society, the stricter the rules. Join Josianne Cutajar, Member of the European Parliament, as she speaks to our hosts Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla on the latest episode of AI Rising, where they discuss the AI Act, its implications, its extent, and other big developments in the world of AI. Recently, Open AI launched Chat GPT-4o; where O stands for Omni. The next day, Google I/O took place where Google unveiled the new version of Gemini 1.5 Flash and announced integration of AI into Google Search. As our hosts discuss the tech giant bouts, Jayanth points out how Google aims to integrate AI and use several of its products as a distribution channel. Tune in to the listen to the full episode.

In the latest episode of AI Rising Podcast, Mint Sr. Associate Editor Leslie D'Monte and Convergence Catalyst co-founder and principal analyst Jayanth N Kolla delve into the evolving landscape of AI, touching upon intriguing developments and debates. Leslie and Jayanth dissect OpenAI's recent blog post, which hints at the impending release of ChatGPT 4.5 Turbo and potentially ChatGPT 5.0 in June. They scrutinize Sam Altman's candid critique of GPT-4's performance, juxtaposed against the hefty $520 million investment, as incremental steps towards achieving AGI. Financial insights into OpenAI's daily expenditure of $700,000 to maintain ChatGPT spark discussions on Microsoft's countermove with the development of Athena chips. Meanwhile, the revelation of a mysterious GPT-2 Chatbot outperforming GPT-4 ignites curiosity, raising questions about Microsoft's partnership alignment with OpenAI. Rumors swirl around the potential release of GPT-5 and its implications on ownership, while Microsoft diversifies its AI portfolio with projects like Mistral-Large and MAI-1. Leslie and Jayanth caution against taking CXOs' rumors at face value, prompting reflections on AI leadership within organizations. Tune in to the listen to the full episode.

Mint Sr. Associate Editor & Tech expert Leslie D'Monte and Convergence Catalyst co-founder and principal analyst Jayanth N Kolla are back with the second season of AI Rising Podcast. Hold on to your hats as they discuss “dogfighting” and AI, the use of AI in F1 racing via Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), the drastically advancing AI apps, and deepfakes circulating in the charged atmosphere of India’s general elections. Join in as Leslie and Jayant discuss how the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) programme flew an F-16 against a human-piloted F-16 in close combat scenarios that are sometimes also referred to as “dogfighting”. They also noted the advancing text-to-video generator Vidu, and highlighted its pros and cons - while it blends shots smoothly for coherent storytelling and simulates real-world physics effectively, it sometimes overlooks small but important details, and may struggle with complex dynamic scenes. The duo also discussed Meta’s new releases - two pretrained and instruction-fine-tuned LLaMA-3 text-based language models. Tune in to learn the difference between Single Language Models and Large Language Models, and listen to the insightful discussion about AI chatbots and more.

In the last episode of AI Rising's season 1, hosts Leslie D'Monte and Jayanth N Kolla embark on a captivating journey into the future of work being redefined by AI with Carin Isabel Knoop, Executive Director, Harvard Business School. Carin identifies as a pragmatic optimist devoted to helping those who care for others. Her pragmatism shines through as she discusses regulations and policies, and draws parallels between online dating behavior - like catfishing, breadcrumbing, and ghosting - and work relationships from recruitment to resignations. Together this dynamic trio discusses the advantages, the disadvantages, and the long-term effects of how HR and potential candidates use AI algorithms to create picture-perfect bios that lead to employee-employer mistrust. Hear them contemplate how the answers to such issues may lie in understanding human behaviors, sociology and anthropology and not in technology. They question how humans define work today and cite intriguing examples like that of Infosys and its internal marketplace as a possible solution to moonlighting. Eventually, they ask HR to Bumble Up! How? Tune in to find out.

Will Sam Altman be able to raise $7 Trillion to reshape the semiconductor ecosystem? What is the AI roadmap? How can enterprises adopt Gen AI as part of their digital transformation strategy? What are the 5 problem areas that any enterprise needs to resolve today? How can companies keep up with the competition while strategizing and solving time-consuming yet relevant problems? Why are enterprises finding it difficult to scale their AI pilots? How are the non-core-tech companies adopting AI more quickly and efficiently than the core-tech companies? What is the thought process behind Fractal's exponential growth? How is Fractal's portfolio strategy similar to Google's? What's the future of getting to a $15 Billion revenue company? Hear Srikanth Velamakanni - Fractal Co-founder, Group CEO and Vice Chairman - spill the beans on this episode with hosts Jayanth and Leslie.

Join Jayant and Leslie as they explore the shifting landscape of AI education, taking a closer look at the importance of continuous learning and reskilling. From the relevance of certification courses in AI to the contrasting motivations driving AI education in Eastern and Western cultures, this conversation offers a panoramic view, revealing the multifaceted nature of AI education and the significance of certifications from the eyes of employers. Alongside this, the integration of AI tools in HR practices is discussed, highlighting how AI certifications impact hiring decisions. In a recent conversation with the Cornell University graduation students, Jayant shared anecdotes from engaging with Gen Z students, uncovering their aspirations and concerns about AI. Gain a glimpse into China's advancements in AI innovation and the ethical considerations that come with it. Experience a fresh take on AI education, melded with personal anecdotes and expert recommendations, designed to empower you in the era of technological transformation. This episode resonates with individuals seeking to grasp the depth and breadth of AI education.

Step beyond the screen and into the forefront of smartphone evolution with our latest episode! where we will talk about the secrets behind the next wave of handheld technology and explore the world of Gen AI-enabled smartphones. From AI processing units to advanced LLM capabilities, discover how these devices are transforming into intuitive companions, seamlessly integrating into our daily lives. Experience firsthand how these devices blur the lines between innovation and necessity, offering enhanced imaging capabilities and seamless integration with daily tasks. Get ready to rethink what you know about your pocket-sized companion.

India has the talent and the capital when it comes it AI. However, she doesn't have an AI ecosystem. What can an AI ecosystem do for the country? What does it take to build one? Why does the government need to become an early adopter and how will that affect India's standing in the international market? What are some of the challenges India faces when it comes to building such an ecosystem? What are some of the advantages India has over other countries? If we can build this ecosystem what would be its salient features? What are some of the surprising innovations in the field of AI? And lastly, India is sitting at a cusp of opportunity. If India misses to catch the AI wave what could be the repercussions? Join hosts Leslie and Jayanth in conversation with Mr Umakant Soni, Chairman of AI foundry and co-founder of ARTPARK as they tackle these questions head-on. Apart from tech enthusiasts and curious investors, this episode is especially recommended for people working in the government, healthcare, fintech and edtech sectors!

Join Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla as we explore the latest trends shaping our world in 2024. From the buzz around new gadgets at CES to the growing trend of open-source tech, we're covering it all. Ever wondered how robots are learning to move like us or what's new with those companion robots you've been hearing about? We've got the scoop right here. Plus, we're exploring how big companies are shaking up their strategies to keep up with these tech shifts. Think it's all about fancy algorithms and complex systems? Wait until you hear about the challenges finance departments face with these changes, and how our kids are already ahead of the game, swapping Google searches for something even cooler. Tune in for an engaging chat that brings the future of technology right to your doorstep, in a language we all understand. No jargon, just exciting insights and a peek into what's next!

Is the business world prepared for the AI wave? Join Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla as they analyze current AI trends heading into 2024. The discussion explores how AI is reshaping the business landscape and questions if organizations are ready for the innovation and challenges it brings. They highlight the contrast between tech sectors and non-tech industries in justifying AI's value. They emphasize the need for strategic change management, cover AI's role in government initiatives and space exploration, and discuss the evolving understanding of its return on investment. The discussion also focuses on dispelling the myth of big tech dominance, emphasizing the rise of open-source AI and the necessity for increased regulation and transparency. Get ready for an engaging exploration of challenges faced by CIOs and CTOs in justifying AI investments. Don't miss this insightful conversation bringing the AI trends of 2024 into focus, providing strategies to make AI work for your business.

Are you curious about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our world, whether we are stepping into an AI-driven future, or if it's already upon us? Today's podcast merges the marvels and mysteries of AI, taking you on a journey from the evolution of classical AI to the innovative realms of generative AI. Our conversation, led by Leslie D’Monte and Jayanth N Kolla, features insights from Amitabh Nag on Large Language Models (LLMs) and explores the pioneering BharatGPT initiative by Bhavesh Aggarwal. We delve into Tech Mahindra's Indus Project and Tata's partnership with media, showcasing how these collaborations are reshaping content creation and emphasizing the need for originality in the digital age. Discover how Altman's strategies are merging AI with human intelligence, redefining technological boundaries. This episode not only uncovers the unnoticed pervasiveness of AI in everyday technologies like online banking and search recommendations but also highlights the global potential of AI innovations like 'Bhashini'. Join us as we discuss the profound implications of AI on a global scale and understand why learning, unlearning, and relearning are vital in the 21st century."