Unleashing AI For Enterprise Productivity A Major Challenge: Nandan Nilekani

He highlighted that the proliferation of robust open-source AI models has fastened the adoption of AI to tackle intricate business and societal issues

Infosys chairman Nandan M Nilekani highlighted at the 43rd annual general meeting (AGM) that, unlike AI applications for consumers, the evolution of next-generation technology for enterprises will span several years. He emphasised that the primary challenge lies in harnessing AI to drive the next wave of productivity for businesses.

Nilekani also noted that initial concerns about AI have subsided and people now understand its potential like other transformative technologies such as electricity, nuclear energy, and the internet. He added that generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) holds significant potential for positive impact, provided it is developed responsibly and within ethical boundaries.

"World is at very early stage of AI development. Unlike consumer AI, which will roll out quickly...enterprise AI will take several years to unfold. Infosys is well positioned for that. The pace at which everything around us is evolving is dizzying. A big challenge of our time is to unleash AI for the next wave of productivity for enterprises. We have had a head start on that journey and are keen to share the learning and value with our clients," Nilekani said.

He highlighted that the proliferation of robust open-source AI models has fastened the adoption of AI to tackle intricate business and societal issues. "As we move into more use cases, a thousand flowers will bloom," Nilekani remarked. Infosys claims that it has trained 250,000 employees in generative AI.

Nilekani noted that consumer-oriented AI applications will enhance productivity and simplify daily life for millions, whereas enterprise AI poses greater complexity and challenges. "It (enterprise AI) will require a root and branch surgery of the multi-generation technology that lies within firms. The challenge will also be to orchestrate the extensive data inside the corporation in a way that it is consumable by AI. The quality of output will need to be managed to ensure factual responses and insights with no hallucinations," he opined.

The chairman pointed out that despite concerns about AI, no global initiative is currently focused on responsible AI. He said that Infosys is dedicated to promoting responsibility and takes safeguards seriously during software development processes.

"We have created 23 AI industry blueprints to solve industry-specific challenges. We are currently working on over 225 generative AI programmes for our clients. Key to executing complex transformation is talent," Nilekani added.