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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI Rising Podcast

The Rise of the Chief AI Officer

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can India Build the Next Global Tech Template?

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deepseek vs. ChatGPT, Trump’s $500B AI Investment & Mahakumbh 2025

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI Trends and Predictions for 2025

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jaspreet Bindra on GenAI, Ethical Challenges, and the Road to AGI

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How AI Powers India's Trillion-Dollar Digital Push and Quantum Ambitions

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Gen AI in a Rush To Prove Itself?

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using AI to Break Barriers in Healthcare: Insights from Medi Assist's Dhruv Rastogi

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building India’s Deep Tech Ecosystem with Ashwin Raguraman

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Data-Driven Insights to Entrepreneurial Innovation

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transforming Diagnostics: How SigTuple Is Revolutionizing Healthcare

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!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gemma 2 and the Open-Source Debate: A Deep Dive with MathCo's Sayandeb Banerjee

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI, Fintech, and Latin America's Regulatory Edge: Ankur Pal Breaks it Down

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investing in AI: Insights from Venture Capitalist Anant Vidur Puri

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gen AI in Marketing: Trends and Challenges in Southeast Asia

AI is all around us – in our search engines, when recommending movies or books, when playing video games, or even when making digital payments. AI flies airplanes, drives cars, helps speed up drug discovery, and even predicts the next storm. But the AI treadmill moves at a very rapid pace with its own pros and cons. Case in point, Generative AI like Chat GPT, Mid Journey, etc. So, dive into the world of AI with Mint's weekly podcast, AI Rising! Join Mint Sr. Associate Editor & Tech expert Leslie D'Monte and Convergence Catalyst co-founder and principal analyst Jayanth N Kolla as they speak to students, academics, business leaders, policymakers, lawyers, artists, gamers, and scientists to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in our lives and work. Uncover its wonders and drawbacks, like deep fakes and privacy concerns. Are we on the brink of AI sentience? Tune in to explore. This is a Mint production, brought to you by HT Smartcast.

hubhopper

AI Rising Podcast

hubhopper