Zoho, the prominent Indian software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, is embarking on a groundbreaking project to create its own large language model (LLM), rivalling the likes of OpenAI’s GPT and Google’s PaLM 2 models. Overseeing the initiative is Zoho’s founder and CEO, Sridhar Vembu, while the company’s dedicated research and development (R&D) team in India is actively working on the project.
With a decade of experience in artificial intelligence (AI), Zoho has already integrated ChatGPT into 13 of its applications to meet customer demands. However, the company is now taking it a step further by developing its proprietary LLM. This internal language model will possess the capabilities of summarization, paraphrasing, and adaptation to new tasks. Although no specific timeline has been set for its completion, Zoho is committed to building this cutting-edge technology.
Zoho’s decision to pursue LLM development follows recent controversy surrounding a statement made by Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI. Altman had expressed skepticism about the feasibility of an Indian startup with $10 million funding working on a foundational LLM. Zoho’s ambitious project challenges this notion, demonstrating the company’s determination to push boundaries and contribute to the advancement of AI technology.
As Zoho ventures into the realm of large language models, under the leadership of Sridhar Vembu, the company reaffirms its commitment to innovation and remains at the forefront of technological advancements in India’s SaaS industry. With its own LLM on the horizon, Zoho aims to expand its AI capabilities, offering enhanced solutions and services to its customers in the evolving digital landscape.