GUWAHATI: A Guwahati-born computer scientist’s artificial intelligence data analyser company has been acquired by OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research organisation and founder of popular chatbot and virtual assistant, ChatGPT.
OpenAI has acquired Rockset, a company co-founded by Dhruba Barthakur, that specialises in developing real-time search and analytics databases, for an undisclosed sum.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the acquisition, Barthakur, told a news website, “I am excited as our software, which has been used so far by a smaller number of people, will now be utilised by millions through OpenAI.”
This acquisition represents OpenAI’s first venture into acquiring a tech company, a strategic move aimed at significantly enhancing its capabilities by integrating real-time data analysis into ChatGPT’s services.
The integration is expected to provide ChatGPT users with advanced real-time analysis and insights.
Barthakur provided an example, explaining that if a farmer in Assam asked ChatGPT what to sow, they would only need to provide their location.
The software would then analyse every possible data point, from weather forecasts to soil conditions to seed availability, and suggest a remedy in seconds.
This acquisition is expected to propel OpenAI’s mission to advance digital intelligence, and Rockset’s innovative technology will now reach a global audience, marking a significant milestone in the world of artificial intelligence.
“You can imagine the future use of it in every sphere. Artificial intelligence is a disruptive technology, and I foresee machines taking over many normal aspects of our lives,” he told the website.
Rockset, known for its expertise in developing real-time search and analytics databases, leverages artificial intelligence for applications such as chatbots and anomaly detection.
The company has garnered significant investment from prominent venture capital firms, including Greylock, Sequoia, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s venture arm, accumulating a total funding of $105 million as of last year.
Barthakur further mentioned that his team of around 100 employees would be joining OpenAI starting today.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Barthakur recalls how he and his friend Venkat Venkataramani left Facebook in 2016 to establish Rockset.
“From two, we have grown to 100 people, and now millions will use our work,” he told the website.
Barthakur’s journey began in Guwahati, where he attended Don Bosco School and Cotton College, then earned a Computer Science degree from BITS Pilani.
Barthakur lives in California with his wife, a school teacher, and their two daughters.
