Rohan Rao's Guide to Choosing the Right LLMs for Businesses

In this episode of Leading with Data, we dive into the fascinating world of data science with Rohan Rao, a Quadruple Kaggle Grandmaster and expert in machine learning solutions. Rohan shares insights on strategic partnerships, the evolution of data tools, and the future of large language models, shedding light on the challenges and innovations shaping the industry.

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Key Insights from our Conversation with Rohan Rao

• Strategic partnerships in competitions can lead to memorable victories and learning experiences.
• The evolution of data science tools requires continuous learning and adaptation from practitioners.
• The future of LLMs may depend on new data sources and synthetic data generation.
• Businesses are keen on integrating LLMs but face challenges in applying them to unique datasets.
• A comprehensive framework for selecting LLMs can guide businesses in making informed decisions.
• Experimentation is key in choosing between traditional algorithms and generative AI for business problems.
• Proprietary LLMs with APIs often offer a more convenient solution for businesses despite higher costs.
• Responsible AI involves a multifaceted approach, including technology, policy, and regulation.
• Specialized AI agents hold promise for targeted, efficient problem-solving within businesses.

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Let’s look into the details of our conversation with Rohan Rao!

How Did You Begin Your Journey in Data Science and Which Competition Stands Out for You?

Thank you, Kunal, for having me on Leading With Data. My journey in data science began nearly a decade ago, filled with coding, hackathons, and competitions. It’s challenging to pick a standout competition, but one memorable moment was achieving a hat trick of wins on Analytics Vidhya’s hackathons by cleverly teaming up with a strong competitor. It was a strategic move that paid off and is a fond memory from my competitive days.

Observing the Trends, How Has Data Science Evolved Recently?

The field of data science has seen phases of gradual progress and sudden leaps. Tools like XGBoost revolutionized predictive modeling, while BERT transformed NLP. Recently, the release of ChatGPT marked a significant milestone, showcasing the capabilities of LLMs. These advancements have required data scientists to continuously adapt and upgrade their skills.

What Are Your Predictions for the Future of Generative AI?

The trajectory of LLMs tends to show a steep initial improvement followed by a plateau. Improving performance incrementally becomes more challenging over time. While LLMs have learned from vast amounts of internet data, the future improvements may hinge on new, large datasets or innovations in synthetic data generation. The computational resources available today are unprecedented, making innovation more accessible than ever.

How Are Businesses Adopting Generative AI and LLMs?

Businesses across various industries are eager to integrate LLMs into their operations. The challenge lies in marrying these models to proprietary business data, which is often not as extensive as the data LLMs are trained on. At H2O.ai, we’re seeing a significant portion of our work focused on enabling businesses to leverage the power of LLMs with their unique datasets.

What Are the Most Common Use Cases You’ve Seen in Different Sectors?

The most common question from businesses is how to make an LLM learn from their specific data. The goal is to apply the general capabilities of LLMs to address unique business challenges. This involves understanding the models’ strengths and limitations and integrating them with existing systems and data formats.

Can You Share Your Framework for Selecting the Right LLM for Business Needs?

Certainly. The framework I presented at the Data Hack Summit includes 12 points to consider when selecting an LLM for your business. These range from the model’s capabilities and accuracy to scalability, cost, and legal considerations like compliance and privacy. It’s crucial to evaluate these factors to determine which LLM aligns best with your business objectives and constraints.

How Do You Navigate the Choice Between Traditional Algorithms and Generative AI?

The key is to experiment and iterate. While traditional algorithms like XGBoost have been the go-to for many problems, LLMs offer new possibilities. By comparing their performance on specific tasks, businesses can determine which approach yields better results and is more feasible to deploy and manage.

What Are the Considerations When Building Engineering Solutions Around LLMs?

Choosing between proprietary LLMs with APIs and hosting open-source LLMs on-premises is a significant decision. While open-source models may seem cost-effective, they come with hidden complexities like infrastructure management and scalability. Often, businesses gravitate towards API services for their convenience, despite higher costs.

How Do You Address the Challenges of Responsible AI?

Responsible AI is a complex issue that extends beyond technological solutions. While guardrails and frameworks are in place to prevent misuse, the unpredictable nature of LLMs makes it difficult to fully control. The solution may involve a combination of technological safeguards, government policies, and AI regulations to balance innovation with ethical use.

What’s Your Take on the Use of AI Agents in Business?

I’m extremely bullish on the potential of AI agents. Specialized agents can perform specific tasks with high accuracy, and the challenge lies in integrating these microtasks into broader solutions. While some products may simply wrap existing LLMs with custom prompts, truly specialized agents have the potential to revolutionize how we approach problem-solving in various domains.

End Note

As Rohan emphasizes, navigating the landscape of data science and generative AI requires continuous learning and experimentation. By embracing innovative frameworks and responsible AI practices, businesses can harness the power of data to drive meaningful solutions, ultimately transforming the way they operate and compete in a rapidly evolving market.

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