How AI is changing the LATAM startup industry?
The 1st LATAM AI Index has been launched. Globant Announces USD$1 Billion Investment in the region. Retail Market Projected to Reach USD$57.8 Billion by 2030. And "a Tale of 2 Technologies": AI & AR.
The latest news and trends in the Latin American AI startup scene.
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Artificial Intelligence Can Contribute to Transforming Development Models in Latin America and the Caribbean to Make Them More Productive, Inclusive and Sustainable
The first Latin American Artificial Intelligence (AI) Index has been launched at an event held at the headquarters of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC or CEPAL) in Santiago, Chile.
The index highlights the potential of AI to transform development in the region, but also emphasizes the need for regulation and coordination to minimize risks and ensure ethical implementation.
The index, developed by Chile's National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA), analyzes the state of AI in 12 Latin American countries and considers factors such as research, adoption, governance, perception, and foresight. (CEPAL).
Quick News
Zendesk introduces CX Inteligente, its collaborative customer service model with OpenAI. Zendesk has introduced its CX Inteligente concept to enhance customer experience, using artificial intelligence (AI) and Generative AI. The strategy focuses on providing personalized and empathetic customer care, which is particularly relevant today, given the increased investment in artificial intelligence in Latin America. (Contxto)
Globant Announces USD$1 Billion Investment in Latin America to Strengthen Its Presence in the Region, Focusing on AI and Other Emerging Technologies. Digital transformation company Globant has announced a 5-year, USD$1 billion investment plan in Latin America to strengthen its presence in the region. The plan includes expanding in Brazil and establishing an Innovation and Emerging Technologies Center in São Paulo to explore the application of AI and quantum computing in client solutions. Globant will also enhance its AI-based products and platforms, such as Augoor and GeneXus, and hire 20,000 professionals across multiple development centers in Latin America. The company aims to leverage the region's innovation and talent for global growth. (PR Newswire)
AWS launches interactive healthcare cloud training. Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched AWS Industry Quest: Healthcare, a cloud training program aimed at healthcare professionals in Latin America, Canada, and the Caribbean. The program offers training in building cloud solutions for healthcare and addressing the need for skilled cloud talent in the health IT sector. Participants can engage in simulated hospital scenarios using AWS services and complete gamified lessons on various healthcare topics. The program aims to improve patient satisfaction, equipment utilization, and wait times. (Healthcare IT News)
Artificial Intelligence in Retail Market Projected to Reach USD$57.8 Billion by 2030. The AI in retail market is projected to reach USD$57.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 41% from 2023 to 2030. AI technology in retail allows companies to collect and analyze large amounts of data, leading to personalized shopping experiences for customers. It also assists in supply chain optimization, price optimization, and market forecasting. Factors driving market growth include increased awareness of AI and big data analytics, the need to enhance customer experience, and improve productivity. However, challenges include the lack of infrastructure and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. North America is expected to lead the market, but the highest growth rate is anticipated in the Asia-Pacific region. (Fagen Wasanni Technologies)
Next Billion-Dollar Startups 2023: AI And Data Dominate This Year’s List. Forbes and TrueBridge Capital Partners have released their annual list of the 25 most likely venture-backed startups to reach a USD$1 billion valuation. More than half of this year’s companies have Asian or Hispanic founders. The companies on the list are using artificial intelligence, software, and data to build strong and lasting businesses. Despite a tough year with banking troubles and compressed valuations, these startups have an average revenue of USD$24 million and have raised an average of USD$104 million in equity funding. The list includes companies in various industries, including Monarch Tractor, Pendulum Therapeutics, Loop Returns, Medallion, and Harvey. (Forbes AI)
9+10=21 — Artificial intelligence researchers show dangerous flaws in generative AI systems. Hackers at the Def Con hacking conference in Las Vegas participated in a contest to expose flaws and biases in large language models (LLMs). The aim was to see if companies like Google, Meta Platforms, and OpenAI can develop guardrails to address the problems associated with LLMs. The White House, which supports the initiative, is concerned about bias and manipulation in AI systems. Researchers have found extensive bias and other issues, including the spread of inaccuracies and hate speech. While some believe that mitigation measures are possible, others argue that the very nature of LLMs makes them vulnerable to attacks. The contest aimed to increase awareness and testing of LLMs. (Irish Examiner)
How Shopify is making AI Magic. Shopify, the e-commerce platform, is making significant strides in integrating AI into its products. With its broad range of capabilities and access to real-time merchant data, Shopify is leveraging AI to enhance various aspects of its platform. It has already introduced AI features like text generation, summarization, and semantic search through its "Shopify Magic" tool. Additionally, Shopify is developing an AI assistant called Sidekick, which aims to provide valuable insights and take actions within the platform. The company's focus on AI highlights the advantage that existing software incumbents have in leveraging AI advancements. Shopify's efforts demonstrate the potential for vertically-integrated incumbents in the e-commerce industry to offer a wide range of AI-driven services. (Artificial Ignorance)
This AI Company Releases Deepfakes Into the Wild. Can It Control Them? Synthesia, a London-based generative AI company, has developed deepfake avatars that can read scripts and bring them to life. These avatars have been used for various purposes, including corporate training, but they have also been misused by bad actors to spread disinformation and scams. As the commercialization of synthetic media increases, companies like Synthesia face the challenge of how to prevent misuse and take responsibility for the AI they create. Synthesia is working on improving its content moderation systems and has restricted the use of its avatars for news content. The CEO envisions a future where synthetic video becomes personalized and interactive, similar to the evolution of text on the internet. (Wired UK)
How To Stop Generative AI From Destroying The Internet. Generative AI, which can produce human-like content, is reshaping our online experience. However, as this technology advances, the line between machine-generated and human-crafted content becomes blurred. The ease of creating content also means misinformation can spread rapidly. This raises concerns about trust in online content and the need for a robust verification infrastructure. Blockchain and digital intermediaries may play a role in maintaining authenticity. Collaboration between technologists, policymakers, and users is crucial to ensure the internet remains a place of trust. Investment in AI-driven verification tools, regulatory standards, and digital literacy programs are necessary to combat AI-generated disinformation. (Forbes)
Storyboard Launches AI-Powered Translations to Overcome Language Barriers in Latin America. California-based audio communication provider, Storyboard, has introduced a new feature in its Chat platform that offers real-time AI-driven transcriptions and translations in over 50 languages. This feature aims to address the language barriers that persistently affect communication and profitability for companies with diverse workforces, particularly in Latin America and globally. The venture capital fund ALLVP revealed that 46% of corporate companies in Latin America are already using AI in their daily operations, and 93% have plans to implement it in the future. (Contxto)
AI Education
Business Intelligence & Data Analyst (BIDA)
CFI offers a Business Intelligence & Data Analyst Certification Program that provides training in various skills required for data analysis and business intelligence. The program consists of 33 courses covering topics such as data storage, data analysis, data visualization, and data transformation. It includes both core and elective courses, as well as a final exam to earn a certification. The program also offers optional prep courses for those who need to refresh their basics. Career opportunities in this field include data analyst, business analyst, and quantitative analyst/data scientist.
AI For Everyone
The course focuses on various aspects of business strategy, including the workflow of machine learning and data science projects, AI terminology, and AI strategy. The course is flexible and self-paced, with approximately 10 hours of content to complete over a three-week period. It includes videos, quizzes, and evaluations. The instructor has a high rating, and the course offers a professional certificate upon completion.
Ai And Ml: Leading Business Growth
Gain the knowledge, tools, and best practices needed to lead strategic initiatives aimed at leveraging cutting-edge AI and ML to drive innovation, efficiency and business growth with this action-learning-based live virtual program.
Food for Thought
A Tale of Two Technologies: How AI and AR Tech Are Changing Our World
The article discusses the potential of combining generative artificial intelligence (AI) with augmented reality (AR) to enhance communication, accessibility, and understanding. It explains how AI can translate conversations in real time, allowing people who speak different languages to communicate effortlessly. The integration of AI and AR can also enable remote collaboration through lifelike avatars and virtual whiteboards. Moreover, this technology can benefit individuals with communication difficulties or hearing impairments. In education and entertainment, AI and AR can create immersive and engaging experiences. The article emphasizes the ability of this technology to bring people closer together and overcome barriers such as language and location. (DATAVERSITY)
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