Step into the dynamics of AI Innovation with insights from our inaugural ANS Data and AI Hackathon we held in December.

Dona Sarkar, Chief Troublemaker, Copilot and AI Extensibility at Microsoft, along with Chris Huntingford, Director of Digital Innovation at ANS, share their reflections. 

In this four-minute read, gain valuable insights on tackling real-world business challenges through AI, Copilot, Machine Learning and Low Code solutions.  

“You don’t need to know AI, you just need to know the problem…we all have a role in the AI verse”

 

Dona Sarkar perfectly summed up the sentiments at our first ever ANS Data and AI Hackathon event in December. 

Over two days, six customers brought us their real-world business challenges where our team of consultants hacked AI, Copilot, Machine Learning and Low Code solutions, providing them with invaluable knowledge and solutions to return to their business. 

Here’s just a few key takeaways from our exclusive interview with Dona Sarkar after the event: 

How was the AI Hackathon experience for you both? 

Dona It was awesome! Participants tackled real problems, not hypothetical ones which was refreshing. They delved into business cases, offering practical solutions. 

Chris Absolutely loved it! The hands-on approach, utilising tools like Code Pilot Studio and Azure AI Studio, showcased a depth of engagement. 

What’s the importance of organisational enablement in the AI journey? 

Dona Building a data and prompt culture is crucial. Organisations must acknowledge the evolving nature of AI and be comfortable with imperfection. It’s about guiding people through the process and fostering a mindset of continuous learning. 

The conversation touched on security concerns. What’s your perspective? 

Chris Security is a top concern, but understanding the model’s lifecycle is key. Microsoft’s approach involves creating individual copies, detached from the original model. It’s about putting control in the hands of the organisation. 

Any advice for those venturing into AI? 

Chris Remove the fear. Jump straight into technology, try it out and understand the underlying math. AI is not magic, it’s accessible once you demystify it. 

As AI continues to shape industries, Dona and Chris both emphasise the need for a hands-on experience, a shift in mindset, and continuous learning. The future lies in building a culture that embraces the dynamic nature of AI, fostering innovation and growth.