In this episode of Leading with Data, we have the privilege of exploring the vibrant world of data-driven innovation with Vijay Gabale, co-founder at Infilect. Amidst the intricate interplay of economics and resource optimization, Gabale emerges as a visionary leader, leveraging the power of AI and software solutions to reshape industries. With a keen focus on revolutionizing the retail sector through cutting-edge computer vision technology, Gabale’s journey exemplifies the fusion of visionary insight and pragmatic innovation. Join us as we uncover the transformative potential of data-driven ingenuity and the profound impact it holds for a more efficient, sustainable future.

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Key Insights from our Conversation with Vijay Gabale

• Generative AI is not limited to text; it’s revolutionizing retail by enabling rapid and accurate product identification through computer vision.
• The journey from academia to entrepreneurship involves learning to identify market opportunities and the importance of customer-driven innovation.
• Pivoting from a B2C to a B2B model can lead to discovering larger markets with more significant impact potential.
• The COVID-19 pandemic, while initially disruptive, can act as a catalyst for digital transformation in industries like retail.
• The future of computer vision and generative AI lies in specialized models that can handle complex vision-based problems with high accuracy.
• A balanced lifestyle and the ability to focus are key to personal and professional success.
• Computer vision’s potential applications are vast, and space exploration is an exciting frontier for future developments.

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Now, let’s look at the details of our conversation with Vijay Gabale!

How is Generative AI Influencing the Retail Industry?

Generative AI (GenAI) is forging ahead in the retail sector, especially within computer vision. It extends beyond mere text generation, delving into extracting valuable insights from images. Consider the critical task of discerning between similar products on a shelf and precisely labeling them. GenAI streamlines processes, slashing what once took days to potentially mere hours. This application alleviates the workload on tagging teams and accelerates model training, facilitating swifter and more accurate product identification on retail shelves.

Can you share your journey from academia to co-founding Infilect?

My journey began with a deep interest in machine learning during my PhD at IIT Bombay, which transitioned into AI. Post-PhD, I joined IBM Research Labs at a pivotal moment when deep learning was gaining momentum. This experience, coupled with a desire to create a larger impact, led me to co-found Infilect. The initial years were about understanding the market, building the right team, and learning the importance of customer-driven solutions and robust software engineering practices.

What were the key learnings from your time at IBM Research Labs?

The most significant learnings were understanding how to choose problems with a large addressable market, gaining exposure to deep learning, and honing software engineering skills. These skills are crucial as AI is not just about training models but also about deploying them effectively and managing data over time.

How did Infilect pivot from a B2C to a B2B model?

Our initial B2C idea was to create a platform that merged visual discovery with e-commerce. However, we realized the market for such a platform was limited. A serendipitous insight came when we noticed users taking pictures of retail shelves. This led us to pivot to a B2B model, helping consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies understand shelf metrics and inventory through computer vision, which proved to be a much larger and more impactful market.

How did COVID-19 impact Infilect, and how did you adapt?

COVID-19 was challenging as it disrupted our momentum and led to a temporary pullback from investors. However, the pandemic highlighted the need for digital tools in the retail supply chain. Post-COVID, we saw a surge in interest from global markets, which helped us recover and grow significantly.

What is your vision for the future of computer vision and generative AI?

I foresee a future where generative AI will evolve to solve not just text-based problems but also complex vision-based challenges. We’re working on integrating vision-based transformers and other AI models to improve our product tagging and identification processes. The goal is to make AI models that can identify products on retail shelves with incredible speed and accuracy, transforming the retail industry.

What personal and professional philosophies guide you?

Professionally, the ability to say ‘no’ is crucial. It allows us to stay focused and commit to the path that aligns with our vision. Personally, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is important. I’ve learned the value of adequate sleep and a structured daily routine to stay productive and healthy.

What problem do you wish computer vision would solve in the future?

I’m intrigued by the potential of computer vision in space exploration. Specifically, the ability to quickly analyze images from telescopes to discover new stars and better understand our universe could revolutionize our knowledge of space and expedite discoveries.

Summing-up

Vijay Gabale perfectly blends academic knowledge with entrepreneurial drive, moving from ideas to practical solutions. With Infilect, he’s transformed how retail works by using powerful AI to make things smoother and more efficient. His story encourages us to find solutions that make today better while ensuring a brighter tomorrow.

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