No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups How Palantir’s AI Bet is Revolutionizing Defense and Beyond, with CTO Shyam Sankar
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Jul 27, 2023 
Shyam Sankar, the Chief Technical Officer of Palantir Technologies, shares insights from his journey as a key figure in the company’s technological evolution. He discusses Palantir's innovative approach to integrating AI in defense, illustrating the real-world applications of large language models. Sankar highlights the significance of private data and dynamic ontologies for effective AI decision-making. He also proposes a shift towards more intuitive AI interfaces, improving user experiences across various sectors while addressing the challenges of trust and data management.
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Shyam's Background
- Shyam Sankar grew up in Nigeria and the US, witnessing space shuttle launches and sonic booms.
- He worked at Zoom (money transfer) before joining Palantir as the 13th employee.
Joining Palantir
- Sankar's connection to Palantir came through a friend who knew Joe Lonsdale.
- His motivation to join stemmed from personal experiences with terrorism, including 9/11.
Forward Deployed Engineering
- At Palantir, Sankar's role evolved from Forward Deployed Engineering, focusing on direct customer interaction.
- This approach prioritizes understanding customer problems over adhering to specifications, ensuring solutions directly address needs.