Dr Manoj Manuja has worked extensively on Industry 4.0 technologies for building IT applications for Fortune-500 customers, especially in digital transformations, at Global companies like General Electric (GE) and Infosys.

He is currently the Founder & CEO of Mystik Minds Pvt Ltd, a company that helps students meet their career aspirations. In his current role, he is assisting students outside the computer science discipline, specifically those studying agriculture, pharmacy, and business management, in enhancing their proficiency in AI. 

INDIAai interviewed Dr Manoj to get his perspective on AI.

How did an electronics engineering graduate get interested in AI?

I've always had a penchant for exploring new horizons, and I feel truly blessed for the opportunities that have come my way throughout my professional journey. Infosys, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping my trajectory by providing an open platform for exploration, learning, and the advocacy of cutting-edge technologies during my tenure in the Education & Research Department.

Being at the forefront of technological advancements has been my constant pursuit. In the early stages of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server (MOSS), I was among the few at Infosys who delved into its possibilities when it was still in its infancy. The world of Hadoop and Big Data Analytics also became familiar to me, thanks to my manager, SVS, who led me to establish a Hadoop cluster when many were still deciphering the realm of Big Data.

My journey then transitioned seamlessly into Cloud Computing, and under the mentorship of Satheesha, I achieved certification as an AWS Associate Solution Architect. The era of Data Science and AI unfolded during my tenure leading the competency development team, a chapter credited to the mentorship of Anubhav Pradhan.

So, when reflecting on how an electronics engineer evolved into an AI expert, the credit undoubtedly goes to Infosys and its fostering culture of openness, continuous learning, and the enthusiastic exploration and evangelization of emerging technologies.

You have broad exposure, both in industry and academia. What inspired you to start Mystik Minds?

In response to the question about the inspiration behind starting Mystik Minds, my extensive experience in both industry and academia has been pivotal. Throughout my career, I've been driven by a customer-focused mindset, whether navigating the industry or contributing to the academic ecosystem. In the corporate arena, my primary motivation was facilitating project teams to meet and exceed customer requirements. Meanwhile, the compelling goal in academia was to equip students with the skills to be industry-ready from day one.

Working in both spheres, I consistently aimed to bridge the gaps between expectations and competencies. This mindset, cultivated over my 30+ years of professional experience, instilled in me a propensity to approach every situational problem, emphasising straightforward, focused, and pragmatic solutions.

During my recent years in academia, I keenly observed two distinct scenarios. Firstly, there was a widespread trend of integrating AI across various domains, transcending traditional boundaries in the industry. Simultaneously, in the academic realm, students from non-computer Science and Engineering (CSE) programs found themselves marginalized in exploring AI within their respective domains. 

Recognizing this disparity between industry demands and academic offerings, I felt compelled to develop a solution. This realization formed the basis for founding a company that would specifically address the challenge faced by non-CSE students uncomfortable with coding skills. The core mission of Mystik Minds is to empower these students to seamlessly integrate AI into their respective domain areas, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that AI exploration is accessible to all.

Tell us about your exciting challenges during the No Code AI development phase. How did you overcome them?

The development phase of the No-Code AI Initiative was an exhilarating journey marked by a series of exciting challenges. One of the primary hurdles we encountered was striking the right balance between simplicity and functionality. Crafting a no-code platform that remains user-friendly while offering robust AI capabilities demanded a meticulous approach to design and development.

Another challenge stemmed from the diverse backgrounds of our target audience. Tailoring the initiative to cater to professionals and students across various domains meant addressing a wide range of industry-specific requirements. It required an in-depth understanding of different fields and the flexibility to adapt our program to meet the unique needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Ensuring scalability and future adaptability was yet another challenge. The rapid evolution of AI technologies meant that our No-Code AI Initiative needed to remain current and relevant. We invested significant effort in creating a flexible framework that could seamlessly integrate emerging AI trends, ensuring that our participants always have access to the latest advancements.

Overcoming these challenges required a multi-faceted strategy. We initiated an extensive research and development phase, collaborating with experts from different industries to understand their pain points and expectations. Continuous feedback loops were established to refine our platform iteratively, addressing usability concerns and enhancing functionality based on user experiences.

Building a team with diverse expertise was instrumental in navigating the intricacies of AI and ensuring that our initiative resonated with professionals and students alike. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration allowed us to create a program that simplifies AI and caters to the specific needs of individuals across various sectors.

Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within our development team proved crucial. We embraced an agile development methodology, allowing us to respond swiftly to emerging challenges and incorporate valuable insights from our user community.

In essence, overcoming the challenges during the development phase of the No-Code AI Initiative was a collaborative effort that combined research, user feedback, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of AI advancements. The result is a program that addresses the unique challenges posed by a no-code approach and sets a standard for inclusivity, accessibility, and effectiveness in AI education.

Tell us about your experience while presenting at GPAI-2023 in Delhi.

Participating in the GPAI-2023 Expo in Delhi and presenting our stall showcasing No-Code AI was an enriching experience. The event provided a vibrant platform that brought together thought leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from the global AI community. Being a part of this dynamic gathering allowed us to share and showcase the transformative potential of our No-Code AI initiative to a diverse and engaged audience.

Our stall at the expo was a focal point for highlighting the intersection of simplicity and power within artificial intelligence. The immersive experience of presenting No-Code AI resonated particularly well with attendees, sparking insightful conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of the accessibility and inclusivity our initiative brings to the AI landscape.

Engaging with industry experts, fellow entrepreneurs, and curious minds provided an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas, gain feedback, and explore potential collaborations. The diverse perspectives represented at the expo further enriched our understanding of AI's varied applications and implications across different domains.

One of the standout aspects of the experience was witnessing the enthusiasm and interest generated by the No-Code AI demonstration. Attendees from diverse backgrounds, including professionals, academicians, and students, could grasp the power of AI without the need for extensive coding skills. It resonated strongly with the ethos of the GPAI-2023 Expo, which focused on fostering innovations that are not only cutting-edge but also accessible to a broader audience.

The expo also served as a valuable platform to learn about the latest advancements in AI, witness emerging trends, and engage in fruitful discussions with peers who share a passion for shaping the future of technology. Networking opportunities were abundant, and the connections made during the expo have since translated into collaborative efforts and partnerships that continue to propel our No-Code AI initiative forward.

The GPAI-2023 Expo was a pivotal moment for us, providing an impactful stage to showcase our No-Code AI initiative, connect with industry leaders, and contribute to the broader dialogue on making AI education inclusive and accessible. The experience reinforced our commitment to democratizing AI and left an indelible mark on the trajectory of our journey.

What advice would you offer to someone looking to get into AI? What is the best way to advance?

Seize the opportunity to join the AI movement swiftly, recognizing that AI is the future. Embrace its integration into your specific domain as a pivotal initial step. 

Coding skills are not mandatory; focus on nurturing your logical reasoning abilities. Develop a keen understanding of challenges in your surroundings and envision potential solutions. 

Acknowledge that AI can be applied effectively in your domain without delving into complex mathematics. Be proactive in exploring No-Code AI opportunities, enabling seamless integration without coding. 

Remember, AI is not here to replace jobs but to augment them. However, those equipped with AI skills will inevitably outpace others. 

Embrace AI before it's too late, empowering yourself to contribute significantly to the transformative field without the need for coding skills.