In this episode of Volt-Full episode of #CCTV – Coffee Club with The Volt, Niloy Banerjee brought alongside Ankush Sabharwal, Founder and CEO of CoRover.ai. He is also the person behind building India’s own Generative AI, BharatGPT. BharatGPT has taken the tech corridors in a storm defining a new age of interactive AI. In this candid Volt-Age, we dive into the world of GenAI, block chain and digital twins and try to understand how it is shaping major Indian sectors. Also with Ankush, we try to decipher the inside world of LLMs and the possibilities of creating voice-based and further video-based models. The below edited excerpts are the transcribed version of the interview. To watch the full video: CLICK HERE
What has been CoRover’s key contribution towards BharatGPT and your key role in it?
CoRover.ai is into the conversational AI journey since 2016 with having 130 cr users and growing with about 14 Indian languages by voice and 22 Indian languages by text.
According to Ankush Sabharwal, CEO of CoRover.ai, “we have all the ingredients what an LLM would look for and I think it was our responsibility to have India’s own LLM through our platform which perhaps, should take less time creating AI and with better accuracy and in fact pulling nation where we allow citizens to use any technology product by just talking to the technology just like two people talk. We want people to talk to the machine the same way.”
Ankush Sabharwal further added, “certainly, parity has been established and is currently being utilized by Indian citizens. We have observed the positive impact and progress being made. Citizens are reaping the benefits, and there is still much more to achieve. Rest assured; we are moving in the right direction.”
The power of Digital Twins in large language model and its framework for generative artificial intelligence?
Ankush commented, “The natural way of meeting and conversing is essential for human beings as social creatures. It is our instinct to interact with others and establish connections. While technology allows us to virtually communicate through video, voice, or text, the most authentic form of interaction is face-to-face. When discussing conversational AI, we often think of text and voice assistants, but the ultimate goal should be to create a digital twin that mimics a real person. This way, we can have more meaningful and genuine interactions rather than talking to robots. Therefore, the concept of a Digital Twin serves as a bridge between the virtual and real world, enhancing our overall communication experience.”
How can the world of GPT transit towards voice-based and further video-based assistance? Is CoRover working into these emerging models?
Ankush replied, “The reason we emphasize human-centricity is because it encompasses all the aspects that the physical world offers us, such as video, facial expressions, voice, and text in the user’s preferred language. These elements are integral to our platform. Is it possible to envision the future of BharatGPT incorporating AI clone recognition and avatar creation? While these functionalities are not currently included in BharatGPT , we use BharatGPT for interactive discussions and generating responses.
What has been the role of Google in the strategic development of CoRover?
According to Ankush Sabharwal, “Google is an extensive collaborator with us in numerous areas, including offering Infra, providing GTM support, and even extending their services like . Additionally, we have a partnership with Google Ads, which adds multiple dimensions to our collaboration.”
In how many Indian languages does the Bharat GPT currently supports and perhaps, in the coming time how does it aim to cater various sectors including the salient agriculture sector?
Ankush Sabharwal responded, “We provide support for 22 different languages. Additionally, we have partnered with ‘Bhashini’ to offer Language Technology through voice, covering a total of 14 languages. Agriculture plays a crucial role in any country, and India has successfully capitalized on this sector. Unlike some countries, we have a thriving agriculture industry and are not reliant on other nations for food. Therefore, it is essential for us to encourage citizens to embrace technology, regardless of their education level, literacy, geographical location, language preference, or access to the internet. We believe accessing information/knowledge in local language is a key step towards enabling everyone to make the most of the technology at their doorsteps.”
CEO of CoRover.ai Ankush Sabharwal further said, “we must have the ability to read and write in order to educate ourselves. However, education is not limited to just attending school. It involves more than just memorizing facts; it requires seeking out the right information, understanding policies and more.
Everyone can understand and being able to communicate in at least one language, even if one cannot read or write in that language. Using BharatGPT powered Virtual Assistants, users can get information in various aspects, like, learning how to take care of our health and improve our skills, we can enhance our earning potential and support our families and empower our nation at large. We can serve as a bridge by utilizing information and technology to empower individuals and society. With 78% of our population residing in villages, agriculture is a vital source of employment. By focusing on agricultural development, we can make a significant contribution to this sector.”
How the company aims to democratize AI: Making Artificial Intelligence Accessible to Every Business?
Ankush Responded, “I believe that is the essence of the company. Even though we initially focused on offering AI solutions to only the most influential individuals in India, we have now expanded our vision to cater to everyone, including those at the bottom of the pyramid. Our goal is to reach the masses and not just the few top-notch users. By having a platform with at least 100 million users, we aim to provide AI technology to the entire nation and eventually to the global market.”
In the current context, how do you think, emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data etc. can vitally reshape governance?
Ankush Sabharwal said, “Emerging technologies such as AI and big data are crucial for everyone to comprehend, learn, and assess for potential integration into existing businesses or problem-solving endeavors. Governance, whether at an individual, family, organizational, or governmental level, involves having visions, milestones, challenges, and problems that require attention and optimization. It is essential to explore and leverage technologies like blockchain to find innovative solutions, even if not all technologies are necessary for every situation. By understanding and evaluating these emerging technologies, they can be utilized as tools to enhance problem-solving processes effectively. Additionally, the government is increasingly focusing on AI, emphasizing the importance of incorporating these advancements into various sectors. Collaboration with the government allows for a more strategic and informed approach to utilizing these technologies for the betterment of society.”
Ankush Sabharwal, CEO of CoRover.ai further added, “There are individuals available to provide support, whether it pertains to their rights. The outlets are now successful entrepreneur academies, and everyone is prepared to proceed. The pie has grown larger. For example, if someone needs to open a pharmacy in a small neighborhood, it could potentially threaten the existing pharmacy owner in the same area, as the revenue would be divided. Otherwise, entering the business was challenging due to the limited market and influence in the area. Therefore, we must come up with a solution that starts with a local approach. I am addressing this issue within the community, but it follows a localized approach. If I can solve a problem within one community or sector, I can then scale it to a national level in India and possibly even globally with the assistance of technology. Considering these factors, everyone is willing to offer help, including competitors, as the market has expanded significantly. This fosters a competitive spirit that is beneficial, rather than harmful. The focus is on solving important issues, and if we are dedicated to this cause, the ecosystem will support us in achieving our objectives.”
Where is the HQ of CoRover.AI and the key business model of the company and your expansion plans in the coming time.
CEO of CoRover.ai said, “We are based in Bangalore with a presence in Delhi and Mumbai. Additionally, we have clients in the USA, UK, and UAE. Expansion is a possibility if we address the real problem effectively. By doing so, we can attract more users who will want to utilize our services. It is also worth considering offering our solution to government departments, as it may lead to further opportunities. As a small startup, most of our customers have discovered us organically, showing a high level of interest in working with us. However, there is a discrepancy between expectations and reality when it comes to our services. By consistently providing the right solutions, we are on the path to success.”
What message do you have for those involved in creating innovative solutions within the startup ecosystem?
On the closing note, Ankush Sabharwal commented, “I believe that the level of support for this ecosystem is beyond anyone’s imagination. It is important to recognize that we don’t have to be the first ones to take action, as others are already doing so. However, before jumping into any opportunity, we should carefully assess the impact we can make and align our mindset accordingly. If we truly desire to pursue something, now is the perfect time. On the other hand, if we are not inclined towards it, it is understandable to refrain from taking action. It may be challenging, but if we are determined, we will find the necessary support.“
Ankush rightly mentioned that the country is currently witnessing a new startup movement in the country, where individuals with innovative ideas and the right mindset are coming together to initiate something new. This is the opportune moment to embark on such endeavors.
