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Meet the talent: Laksh Sharma, Co-Founder

Place of residence: Dublin, Ireland

Position: Co-Founder Gripik E-Commerce LLP

Please describe a day in your life

I usually sleep early, around 9-10 p.m. Then I wake up between 6-7 a.m. Thereafter, I work on my prioritized tasks. After that, I study (I’m doing my master’s from UCD). Then I take a small break and spend time with my girlfriend. Afterwards, I do some Monroe work and go to the gym. I also have meals in between, and dinner is always with my girlfriend.

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them:

Three projects

Gripik E-Commerce LLP: AI embroidery solution for complex digitising needs for upcoming fashion brands focusing on embroidery. We started as an embroidery-based fashion brand but are now branching into the software and hardware side of things.

Beaumont Hospital: We are working on a project with Beaumont Hospital to streamline the process of their equipment library management using technology and business process management tools.

NDRC Accelerator: Shortlisted and had the first interview; currently waiting for the decisions for the next round.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

In my opinion, one of the most influential figures in the world of technology these days is Sam Altman. As the CEO of OpenAI, he has been at the forefront of advancements in artificial intelligence, driving forward cutting-edge research and development that has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries. His leadership and vision have significantly shaped the trajectory of AI and its applications, making him a key figure in today’s tech world.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

If I could pick one app/product/project existing now that I wish I were involved in, it would be OpenAI’s ChatGPT, particularly in the context of working towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The pursuit of AGI represents the next frontier in artificial intelligence, aiming to create systems that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks at a human-like level. Contributing to a project like ChatGPT, which is at the cutting edge of this field, would be an incredible opportunity to be part of the journey towards creating truly intelligent and versatile AI systems that can transform our world in profound ways.

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

In the next ten years, I see technology evolving in several transformative ways, particularly with the computational needs for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) potentially being met through quantum computing. As AGI aims to create systems that can understand, learn, and apply knowledge across various domains at a human-like level, the immense computational power required for this could be provided by advancements in quantum computing.

Quantum computing will likely move from experimental stages to more practical applications, revolutionizing fields like cryptography, complex modelling, and problem-solving. This will enable us to tackle problems currently beyond the reach of classical computers, making it a key driver in the pursuit of AGI.

Beyond AGI and quantum computing, other significant advancements are expected in areas such as biotechnology and healthcare, the Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy and sustainability, autonomous systems, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), blockchain and decentralization, human-computer interaction, and space exploration. These technologies will collectively reshape industries, enhance quality of life, and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

What would you like the industry to look like in ten years?

In ten years, I would like the tech industry to offer more opportunities and not replace tech workers with AGI. Instead, I hope to see a balanced integration of advanced technologies alongside human talent, ensuring that AGI serves as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Additionally, I envision the

implementation of robust regulations to guide the ethical development and deployment of AGI, safeguarding jobs, privacy, and the well-being of society. This approach would foster a collaborative environment where technology and human ingenuity work together to drive innovation and progress.

What are the three characteristics you have that make you successful in tech?

The three characteristics that make me successful in tech are tenacity, building meaningful relationships, and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

Tenacity: I am persistent and determined, which helps me push through challenges and setbacks to achieve my goals.

Meaningful Relationships: I prioritize building strong, meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentors, and peers, which provides a valuable support network and opens up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Pragmatic Problem-Solving: I focus on solving problems that I can tackle and that have the potential to generate value, rather than only pursuing projects I am personally passionate about. This pragmatic approach allows me to be flexible and effective in delivering results and making a meaningful impact.

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

The most challenging thing I had to deal with during my career was juggling entrepreneurship with my full-time job. I didn’t leave my job to pursue my company; instead, I worked on both simultaneously. This often became incredibly difficult, as balancing the demands and responsibilities of both roles required immense time management, dedication, and resilience. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but the experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and prioritization.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

My greatest achievement up until today wasn’t in tech, actually. Fun fact: I was one of the people who started Fridays for Future India, and the first strike we organized was attended by almost 2,000 people. That sense of achievement, when I was only 19 years old, made me who I am today because I realized that if I work hard, I can achieve anything. This experience instilled in me the belief that dedication and effort can lead to significant impact and success.

Meet the talent: Laksh Sharma
Meet the talent: Laksh Sharma

What would you like the industry to look like in ten years?

In ten years, I would like the tech industry to offer more opportunities and not replace tech workers with AGI. Instead, I hope to see a balanced integration of advanced technologies alongside human talent, ensuring that AGI serves as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. Additionally, I envision the

implementation of robust regulations to guide the ethical development and deployment of AGI, safeguarding jobs, privacy, and the well-being of society. This approach would foster a collaborative environment where technology and human ingenuity work together to drive innovation and progress.

What are the three characteristics you have that make you successful in tech?

The three characteristics that make me successful in tech are tenacity, building meaningful relationships, and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.

Tenacity: I am persistent and determined, which helps me push through challenges and setbacks to achieve my goals.

Meaningful Relationships: I prioritize building strong, meaningful relationships with colleagues, mentors, and peers, which provides a valuable support network and opens up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Pragmatic Problem-Solving: I focus on solving problems that I can tackle and that have the potential to generate value, rather than only pursuing projects I am personally passionate about. This pragmatic approach allows me to be flexible and effective in delivering results and making a meaningful impact.

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

The most challenging thing I had to deal with during my career was juggling entrepreneurship with my full-time job. I didn’t leave my job to pursue my company; instead, I worked on both simultaneously. This often became incredibly difficult, as balancing the demands and responsibilities of both roles required immense time management, dedication, and resilience. There were times when it felt overwhelming, but the experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and prioritization.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

My greatest achievement up until today wasn’t in tech, actually. Fun fact: I was one of the people who started Fridays for Future India, and the first strike we organized was attended by almost 2,000 people. That sense of achievement, when I was only 19 years old, made me who I am today because I realized that if I work hard, I can achieve anything. This experience instilled in me the belief that dedication and effort can lead to significant impact and success.

Andriani has been working in Publishing Industry since 2010. She has worked in major Publishing Houses in UK and Greece, such as Cambridge University Press and ProQuest. She gained experience in different departments in Publishing, including editing, sales, marketing, research and book launch (event planning). She started as Social Media Manager in 4i magazine, but very quickly became the Editor in Chief. At the moment, she lives in Greece, where she is mentoring women with job and education matters; and she is the mother of 3 boys.