India leads in AI and real-time data streaming

Jay Kreps, CEO of Confluent, sees great potential in using real-time data to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses. During his visit to India, he spoke about how important it is for companies to have data flowing continuously between different applications to make timely decisions, such as identifying fraud and automating processes. Confluent supports this "data in motion" by using Apache Kafka, a real-time data streaming platform co-created by Kreps. Many industries use Kafka for various tasks, like tracking sales in retail or managing transactions in banking. Kreps believes that AI applications also rely heavily on real-time data to function effectively in business operations. India is a leader in technology adoption, particularly in AI and real-time data. Confluent has partnered with several Indian firms, including Jio Platforms and Swiggy, to improve their data analytics. For example, Jio Platforms is using Confluent’s technology to manage large-scale events, such as the Indian Premier League, while Swiggy uses it for delivery insights. Kreps noted that Confluent is expanding its team in India, which has grown by 50% in the past year. He highlighted a new feature called Table Flow, which helps users organize their streaming data, making it easier to manage and analyze. As AI develops, high-quality data becomes essential. Many companies struggle to integrate their data effectively, especially if they are using outdated systems. Kreps explained that companies often have their data scattered across many different platforms, making it challenging to access the necessary insights for effective AI use. While Kreps is optimistic about AI's potential to increase productivity in the short term, he also acknowledges the uncertainty of its long-term effects on jobs. He believes that adapting to rapidly evolving technology is crucial for staying competitive in the market.