Gqeberha, Eastern Cape - The worldwide AI revolution has become a transformative force in the field of technical developments, attracting the attention of leaders and enthusiasts alike. The implementation of AI, once a distant concept, is now palpable and, for some, even unsettling. On the 7th of November 2023, Odin Education, a division of Jendamark Automation, orchestrated a successful AI Business Leaders engagement drawing over 250 attendees.
Odin Education is committed to reshaping education, exemplified by their development of an Ed-Tech ecosystem deployed in underprivileged schools across Southern Africa. Amongst the audience were the beneficiaries of the Odin Education initiative, the students from Cowan High School - who praised Odin Education's tablets for introducing them to innovation and online education. Teachers, too, acknowledged the tablets' utility and informativeness.
The event kicked off with Yanesh Naidoo, one of Jendamark’s owners and a leader of innovation in the organization, explaining the impetus behind their AI for Business Leaders tour. As AI became a focal point of innovation within Jendamark, the company recognized its profound impact and decided to share insights with their 800-plus staff. Encouraging responses prompted external invitations, leading to the realization that sharing knowledge on AI was a responsibility due to the vast opportunities and risks associated with the technology.
Ajit Gopalakrishnan, Head of Odin Education, took the stage to guide the audience through the history of AI, emphasizing its evolution since the 1950s. He showcased AI's practical applications, from image editing to music creation, even demonstrating ChatGPT's impressive responses to prompts on diverse topics. Ajit asserted that humans still wield control over technology, highlighting the significance of understanding AI's underlying mechanisms.
The talk excavated into neural networks and symbolic AI, tracing the substantial development and revolution of AI over the last decade. Ajit credited companies like Google for catalyzing this shift, particularly with the introduction of advanced features like Siri. Within Jendamark, the internal team prioritizes AI integration, fostering a culture of continuous learning and exploration.
Yanesh emphasized the pivotal role of AI for businesses, likening its significance to the advent of the internet. He asserted that organizations neglecting AI adoption risk lagging, and survival without AI could become untenable in the near future.
Reflecting on the event's success, Yanesh expressed satisfaction with the unexpectedly large turnout in Port Elizabeth, prompting plans for future events, possibly in Durban. Ajit echoed this sentiment, noting the enthusiasm and interest from diverse audiences in different cities.
Ajit, reflecting on his role and the evening, shared the motivation behind sharing technological knowledge and highlighted the positive response received in various towns. Regarding the involvement of children with AI tools, he stressed its importance, advocating for a safe environment and mentioning Odin Education's upcoming initiative.
Looking ahead, Ajit encouraged active participation in the AI world, emphasizing its dynamic and unpredictable nature. He urged individuals to engage, learn, and play, asserting that the barriers to entry are low, making it an exciting space for those willing to shape its trajectory. The future of AI, he concluded, holds boundless possibilities for those intrigued and involved in this rapidly evolving landscape.