Best of 2024: AIM Editor’s Top Picks
It’s been a whirlwind year for AI and an even busier one for us at AIM Media House. From breaking industry-shaking updates to shaping the conversations that define the future, we have been at the heart of it all. Over the past year, we published 3,343+ stories—interviews, deep dives, and reports. These stories weren’t just articles; they sparked global debates, celebrated innovation, and challenged the status quo. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to inform, inspire, and connect a community passionate about AI and are proud to bring you the Editor’s Picks for 2024—a curated selection of the year’s most impactful stories. Let’s dive in. [Popular Opinions] How I Met Your Llama Meta’s Llama models are changing India’s tech landscape, empowering small developers and streamlining enterprise solutions. With endorsements from figures like Mukesh Ambani, Llama has become a foundational tool in India’s generative AI ecosystem. Whether it’s helping farmers with KissanAI, enhancing customer service for Indian Railways, or aiding fact-checking with Sach AI, Llama is making AI accessible and impactful. Why read this? Open-Source Llama isn’t just changing AI—it’s driving a technological transformation across India. The CUDA Killer NVIDIA’s CUDA reigns supreme in the AI world, powering 95% of the GPU programming market with its vast ecosystem and unmatched performance. However, AMD’s ROCm is stepping up as a challenger, offering open-source flexibility, strong ties to frameworks like PyTorch, and cost-effective alternatives for developers. With partnerships like Triton’s integration and new MI325X accelerators, AMD is positioning ROCm as a serious contender. Why read this? The battle between CUDA and ROCm could reshape the AI hardware landscape and change how we build the future. Nokia, Connecting GPUs Once synonymous with mobile phones, Nokia is making waves again—this time by transforming networking for the AI age. With partnerships like NVIDIA for AI-powered Cloud RAN and Qualcomm for seamless multi-vendor AI interoperability, Nokia is building the infrastructure to support next-gen technologies. From private 5G networks with Dell to AI-driven solutions with Google, Nokia’s focus is clear: simplified, automated, and scalable networks for industries worldwide. Why read this? Nokia’s AI-powered revival is a masterclass in reinvention—proof that even legacy giants can lead the future of connectivity. [Unpopular Opinions] Why Traditional SaaS is Under Threat Big names like Salesforce and Workday are feeling the heat as companies like Klarna ditch traditional software for in-house AI solutions. Why? AI tools are making it cheaper and easier to create custom solutions that fit perfectly instead of relying on one-size-fits-all software. From universities to startups, everyone’s rethinking their approach—choosing flexibility and long-term savings over pricey subscriptions. This shift is forcing SaaS companies to evolve fast or risk becoming obsolete. Why read this? The way businesses run is changing fast, and this story reveals what’s coming next. Remote Work Needs to be Banned From Eric Schmidt to Elon Musk, industry leaders are largely opposed to remote work, blaming it for stifling innovation and productivity. CEOs like Amazon’s Andy Jassy and OpenAI’s Sam Altman insist that in-person collaboration drives breakthroughs. Yet, with traffic snarls in cities like Bengaluru and employee protests, the return-to-office mandate has sparked backlash. As companies try hybrid models, the question remains: Is the era of remote work truly over, or is this just another chapter in workplace evolution? Why read this? This decides the future of work, and it’s a conversation every professional needs to be part of. Goodbye, Consultants Why hire a consultant when AI can do the job? With tools like ChatGPT and SurveySensum, anyone can now analyse customer feedback, track trends, and generate actionable insights—all in real time and at a fraction of the cost. From automotive touchpoints to telecom retention strategies, AI is transforming how businesses understand and engage with customers. SurveySensum’s AI engine even automates feedback summaries in multiple languages, slashing costs by up to 80%. Why read this? The future of market research is here. It’s fast, efficient, and powered by AI—you don’t want to miss this shift. AI Just Stopped 5G from Dying AI is breathing new life into 5G with innovations, thanks to NVIDIA and SoftBank’s AITRAS network, seamlessly integrating AI into telecom. As 5G faces competition from technologies like Elon Musk’s Starlink and the rise of quantum networking, its role in tomorrow’s connectivity remains uncertain. Why read this? The networks of the future are being built today. [Quixotic Intellectuals] Meet OpenAI’s First and Only India Employee Pragya Misra, OpenAI’s trailblazer in India, is no ordinary hire. From being WhatsApp’s first employee in India to representing the country as one of its top amateur golfers, Misra’s journey is a masterclass in versatility and determination. Now leading public policy and partnerships for OpenAI in India, Misra’s passion for India’s potential shines through, making her the perfect bridge between OpenAI’s global mission and India’s grassroots innovation. Why read this? Misra’s inspiring story is shaping the future of AI in a country poised to lead the world. Meet the Child Prodigy from India Who Helped Build OpenAI’s GPT-4o Prafulla Dhariwal, a child prodigy from Pune, has taken the tech world by storm as a key contributor to OpenAI’s groundbreaking GPT-4o model. Known for its all-in-one capabilities in text, vision, and audio, GPT-4o is already being hailed as a game-changer. But behind the magic is Dhariwal’s extraordinary journey—from designing websites at 11 and earning global accolades in science and math Olympiads to shaping the future of AI at OpenAI. His story is one of brilliance, determination, and the power of dreaming big. Why read this? Stories of exceptional talent like Dhariwal remind us of what’s possible—and inspire us to think bigger. Going Back to AI Roots: Logan Kilpatrick’s Journey from OpenAI to Google Gemini Logan Kilpatrick, once known as Logan GPT, made headlines when he transitioned from OpenAI to Google on April Fool’s Day, 2024. Now at Google, he’s diving deep into the development of the Gemini AI models with legends like Jeff Dean and Demis Hassabis. In his words, it’s like “going back to the roots” of a small, dynamic startup within the tech giant. With Google ramping up AI innovation to stay ahead in the race, Kilpatrick is at the heart of making products that could redefine AI’s role in our lives. Why read this? Kilpatrick’s story reveals the passion and power driving today’s AI revolution, where the best minds in tech are shaping the tools of tomorrow. The SHAKTI-Man of India Veezhinathan Kamakoti, the mastermind behind India’s first microprocessor, SHAKTI, has dedicated the past decade to building India’s semiconductor ecosystem. From mentoring startups like Incore and Chakra Electronics to leading cutting-edge AI initiatives like BharatGPT, Kamakoti is a force driving India toward technological independence. His SHAKTI project isn’t just about processors—it’s about empowering startups, building trust in Indian hardware, and creating AI solutions tailored for every sector, from agriculture to medicine. Why read this? Kamakoti’s journey is shaping a future where India stands tall in global tech—and his vision is just getting started. The Curious Case of Paras Chopra Paras Chopra, founder of Wingify and author of the blog Inverted Passion, has embarked on a bold new journey with his latest venture, Turing’s Dream. This six-week residency program is a haven for AI enthusiasts building groundbreaking projects like noise-cancellation devices and graph neural networks for fraud detection—minus the flashy startup buzz. Chopra’s focus isn’t on building companies; it’s on fostering curiosity and pushing the boundaries of AI reasoning, creativity, and ethics. Why read this? Chopra reminds us that curiosity, not just commerce, drives true innovation in AI. Why India Needs People+ai With a mission to bring AI to the grassroots, Tanuj Bhojwani’s People+ai is tackling India’s unique challenges head-on. Backed by the visionaries behind the EkStep Foundation, this initiative focuses on frugal, scalable AI solutions tailored to India’s diversity—think Indic language models, rural accessibility, and affordable compute infrastructure. Bhojwani believes India’s vast population and cultural complexity make it the perfect testbed for creating AI use cases that can transform lives, from healthcare to education. Why read this? People+ai isn’t just building AI for India; it’s setting the stage for a global AI revolution driven by real-world impact. WTF is Nikhil Kamath Doing with Young Entrepreneurs? Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath is challenging startup mentorship with his Innovators Under 25 initiative and WTFund. Offering non-equity grants of up to INR 20 lakh, Kamath empowers young founders to tackle real-world problems across sectors like AI, healthcare, and sustainability—without any take in their companies. From AI-powered toys and cancer detection tools to sustainable DNA storage, the program showcases India’s brightest minds creating impact-driven startups. Why read this? Kamath’s approach is a fresh take on nurturing innovation—proof that investing in talent (not just equity) can transform industries. Zerodha CTO Says He Stopped Googling Technical Stuff Kailash Nadh, CTO of Zerodha, has switched from Google Search to AI chatbots like ChatGPT, claiming they save him hours by delivering direct, actionable answers to technical queries. Nadh predicts a shift from traditional search to AI-powered Q&A formats, with tools like Perplexity AI offering a preview of what’s to come. However, he warns of a growing “garbage problem” in search, with AI-generated content and bots flooding the web. Nadh emphasises that innovation must address real problems, not chase hype. Why read this? Nadh captures the evolving role of AI in the way we access and interact with knowledge online. [Make AI in India] AI for India vs AI for Bharat The conversation around AI in India is evolving into a tale of two nations: ‘AI for India,’ catering to urban, tech-savvy populations, and ‘AI for Bharat,’ designed for rural communities where intuitive, impactful technology is a necessity. From startups like Fasal and Hesa improving farming and local commerce in villages to urban giants like Reliance and Ola driving AI innovations, the landscape is as diverse as the country itself. While urban India thrives on cutting-edge advancements, the true transformative potential of AI lies in empowering rural Bharat, where innovations can directly impact millions. Why read this? Understanding AI’s dual role in India highlights how technology can bridge the gap between two vastly different realities. An AI Agent Now Costs More Than a Junior Developer In India Devin, an AI-powered software development tool priced at $500 per month, now surpasses the annual cost of hiring a junior developer in India. Promising efficiency gains like reducing project timelines by 12x and automating repetitive tasks, Devin has already impressed companies like Nubank and Ramp. However, critics argue it’s only as good as a junior developer who is prone to errors and dependent on oversight. Why read this? AI tools like Devin are pushing the boundaries in software development, raising questions about cost, quality, and the evolving role of human coders. Impact of Generative AI on Indian IT Jobs Generative AI tools like Cursor and Claude are reshaping the Indian IT landscape, threatening traditional roles while creating new efficiencies. Once a safe haven for maintenance and service jobs, the sector now faces mounting pressure as AI enables enterprises to build applications internally, reducing dependence on IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro. Why read this? The rise of generative AI isn’t just about innovation; it’s a wake-up call for Indian IT to evolve or risk irrelevance. 2025 is the Year of AI Agents, and India is Leading the Charge India is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, and the big theme for 2025 is AI agents. These digital assistants are set to redefine productivity by learning our habits, analysing routines, and making our lives more efficient. Industry leaders like CP Gurnani and Redis VP Manvinder Singh are confident in India’s potential to lead this charge, with Redis playing a key role in powering next-gen agentic AI through its cutting-edge tools like vector search and semantic caching. Why read this? India isn’t just adopting AI, it’s shaping the global future of AI agents. An Indian AI Startup That’s Quietly Taking Over the Enterprise World TWO, an Indian AI startup, is quietly reshaping the enterprise AI landscape with its powerful multilingual GenAI models, SUTRA and Sutra HiFi. Founded by Pranav Mistry, the company focuses on solving high-impact problems for large enterprises across India and APAC, boasting customers like Jio, Samsung SDS, and Shinhan Bank. With innovations in predictive AI and lightweight model architectures like 1-bit LLMs, TWO’s approach prioritises scalability, cost efficiency, and localisation. Why read this? To discover how TWO is redefining enterprise adoption, proving that the next big AI breakthrough might just be homegrown. [Bengaluru Days] Bengaluru’s HSR is All About AI Startups HSR Layout in Bengaluru is fast becoming the epicentre of India’s AI revolution. With iconic buildings like Urban Vault housing a cluster of trailblazing AI startups, the neighbourhood is a vibrant ecosystem fostering innovation and collaboration. From GenAI startups like Factor.ai to medical diagnostics platform SigTuple and others, HSR Layout is a melting pot of diverse talent and groundbreaking ideas. Why read this? HSR Layout isn’t just a neighbourhood; it’s the heartbeat of Bengaluru’s AI innovation. When Bengaluru Put Diapers on the Map Kimberly-Clark, the brand behind Huggies and Kleenex, has made Bengaluru its global innovation hub—and for a good reason. With a track record of AI-powered solutions like Maestro, which saved $20 million annually in logistics and stock management, the team is driving breakthroughs in marketing, e-commerce, and field operations. From custom tools like KC-GPT to route optimisation algorithms used worldwide, Bengaluru is shaping how Kimberly-Clark operates globally. Why read this? Bengaluru isn’t just leading India’s tech scene—it’s shaping global business strategies with cutting-edge AI. Cockroach is Growing in Namma Bengaluru Cockroach Labs, creator of the resilient cloud-native CockroachDB, has deepened its roots in Bengaluru, leveraging the city’s unmatched talent pool to drive its Asia-Pacific growth. Born from the challenges its founders faced at Google, CockroachDB’s architecture eliminates vendor lock-in and supports seamless operations across clouds and data centres—earning trust from giants like Netflix and startups like Fi. With plans to expand its Bengaluru office into a premier R&D hub, the company is also integrating AI-driven features like vector similarity searches, solidifying its role as a leader in scalable database solutions. Why read this? Cockroach Labs’ story isn’t just about databases—it’s about reimagining resilience and scalability for the AI era, with Bengaluru at its core.
We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to inform, inspire, and connect a community passionate about AI.
We’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to inform, inspire, and connect a community passionate about AI.
["AI (Artificial Intelligence)"]
["ChatGPT", "GenAI", "agentic AI", "OpenAI", "AI", "neural network", "GPT-4o", "ML", "Aim", "generative AI", "AI (Artificial Intelligence)"]
["AI", "ML", "neural network", "generative AI", "GenAI", "agentic AI", "GPT-4o", "ChatGPT", "OpenAI", "Aim"]
Since 2012, AIM has been chronicling the technological progress in artificial intelligence by highlighting the innovations, key players, and challenges shaping the future of our world. Through dedicated journalism, we promote and discuss ideas from smart, passionate, action-oriented individuals who strive to change the world.