In 2017, a pivotal moment in the history of artificial intelligence took place. Aidan Gomez, then an intern at Google Brain and a computer science student at the University of Toronto, co-authored the groundbreaking paper "Attention Is All You Need." This paper introduced the transformer model, a significant leap forward that would later ignite the generative AI revolution.
Reflecting on this journey "There's no one in the field who was around back then who could have foreseen where we are in terms of technological capability. The models are doing stuff that I personally thought maybe I’d see at the end of my career, maybe in like 40 years."
Gomez's trajectory took a notable turn when he left Google in 2021 to co-found Cohere, an AI startup with a unique vision. Backed by tech giants like Nvidia, Cohere focuses on developing generative AI models designed for enterprise applications, distinct from consumer-oriented products like OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The startup's impressive growth is evidenced by its $5 billion valuation and a recent $270 million funding round, attracting investment from industry leaders such as Salesforce and Oracle.
Highlighting the tangible impact of generative AI, Gomez cited research from MIT and Harvard demonstrating significant productivity gains. "You sit a knowledge worker next to one of these models, train them on how to use it, and you see productivity lifts of about 40%," Gomez noted. This underscores the transformative potential of AI in various industries.
One striking example of Cohere's impact is its collaboration with an insurance company. By deploying AI models to accelerate the actuarial process, the insurer could submit quotes more swiftly, gaining a competitive edge in securing contracts for natural resource projects. "The first insurance provider that puts a reasonable bid in front of them wins that contract," Gomez explained. This innovative use of AI not only sped up the quoting process but also significantly increased the company's success rate in winning contracts.
Cohere's journey from a small team to a rapidly expanding enterprise with about 400 employees highlights the growing demand and potential of AI technologies in the business world. Gomez and his team continue to push the boundaries of what's possible, demonstrating the profound impact AI can have on industries that might seem unconventional for such advanced technology.
Aidan Gomez's story is a testament to the unpredictable yet exhilarating evolution of AI, showcasing how visionary thinking and cutting-edge research can redefine the technological landscape.
