#366 From Dubai to the World: Rodolph Khlat on AI-Powered Software Development

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” our host, Mehmet, welcomes Rodolph Khlat, the co-founder of Smartr AI, a Dubai-based software development automation engine. Rodolph shares his fascinating journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in AI-driven software development. He discusses the origins of Smartr AI, a company dedicated to making software development faster and more efficient through automation and artificial intelligence.

Rodolph explains how he and his co-founder started as small developers fresh out of college, eventually discovering a unique technique that allowed them to deliver high-quality code in a fraction of the time. This discovery led to the creation of Smartr AI, a product designed to onboard junior developers and enable them to produce work at the level of senior developers. With Smartr AI, they have completed numerous projects across several countries, including partnerships with notable clients like Telus and the Dubai Corporate Games.

Throughout the conversation, Rodolph highlights the challenges and feedback they’ve received from the developer community. He emphasizes the importance of non-intrusive integration into developers’ workflows and shares insights from their Beta program, which currently has 50 developers testing the product. He also touches on the broader market validation they’ve achieved and their plans for expanding Smartr AI’s capabilities.

Mehmet and Rodolph delve into the differentiation between Smartr AI and other low-code/no-code platforms. Rodolph explains that while low-code/no-code solutions cater to non-technical users, Smartr AI is designed for actual developers, offering deeper customization and avoiding vendor lock-in. They discuss the potential for AI to assist, but not replace, human developers, envisioning a future where AI handles repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of coding.

The discussion also covers the entrepreneurial landscape in Dubai and the wider MENA region. Rodolph praises Dubai’s supportive environment for startups, citing its streamlined processes and focus on eliminating bureaucratic noise, which allows entrepreneurs to concentrate on building and scaling their businesses. Mehmet echoes this sentiment, noting the growing interest from international founders looking to move to Dubai for its favorable business climate.

More about Rodolph:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/khlat/

01:13 Guest Background and Startup Journey

01:56 Challenges and Solutions in Software Development

04:40 Market Validation and Feedback

07:01 Automation and AI in Software Development

10:07 Low Code vs. Smartr AI

16:16 AI's Role in Software Development

20:46 Smartr AI for Non-Technical Users

31:30 Entrepreneurial Landscape in Dubai

34:57 Final Advice and Closing Remarks