Naveen Rao, VP of generative AI at Databricks, discusses neural networks, human vs. machine compute, the future of AI and LLMs, Databricks’ AI initiatives, competition landscape, and building scalable AI solutions for enterprises with Sunil Rajgopal on the Tech Disruptors podcast.
Replicating human brain efficiency in AI remains a distant goal.
AI models consume significantly more power compared to the human brain.
Deep dives
Challenges in Equipping Machines with Human Intelligence
Equipping machines with human intelligence remains a complex challenge, despite advances. The discussion between Sunil and Naveen delves into the intricacies of this endeavor. Drawing from neuroscience, Naveen highlights the inspiration machines derive from brain function. While progress has been made, replicating the brain's efficiency remains a distant goal.
Efficiency Comparison: Human Brain vs. AI Hardware
A striking comparison emerges between the efficiency of the human brain and AI hardware. Naveen elaborates that the human brain operates on a remarkably low energy consumption of 20 watts, boasting unparalleled computational efficiency. In contrast, leading AI models consume significantly more power, with the Blackwell chip running at a staggering 1000 watts.
Insights on AI Hype Cycles and Paradigm Shifts
Reflecting on historical technological shifts, Naveen draws parallels between past internet-driven changes and the current AI hype cycle. The conversation explores similarities in recognizing paradigm shifts alongside the imperative for evolving business models to align with transformative technologies.
Journey from Founding Companies to Mosaic ML and Databricks
Naveen's entrepreneurial journey unfolds, shedding light on the founding of Mosaic ML. Emphasizing the importance of timing and insightful vision, Naveen illustrates the evolution of Mosaic's innovative approach to optimizing model training costs. The narrative culminates in the strategic merger with Databricks to amplify AI capabilities and product offerings.
The AI landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and a focus on economically scalable models is gaining increased attention. In this episode of the Tech Disruptors podcast, Naveen Rao, VP of generative AI at Databricks, joins Sunil Rajgopal, senior software analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, to discuss a wide range of topics, including neural networks, human vs. machine compute and the future of AI and LLMs. The two also talk about Databricks’ AI and product initiatives, the competition landscape and the nitty-gritty of building scalable AI solutions for enterprises.
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