Senior IT professionals struggle to learn AI without getting lost in complex, student-focused material. Most platforms don’t address their needs. They don’t need deep technical dives—they need a clear view of AI’s business impact, security risks, and management challenges.
Meanwhile, demand for AI-savvy senior professionals is rising. But traditional learning paths aren’t built for them.
That’s where AI ML Etc. comes in. This startup offers courses tailored for experienced professionals, combining expert-led sessions with AI-based tutoring.
We spoke with founder Nikhilesh Tayal about how AI ML Etc. is changing AI education for senior IT leaders. Here’s what we learned.
AI ML Etc. is a dedicated educational platform tailored specifically for senior IT professionals looking to understand AI. Unlike traditional learning environments, which often cater to students, AI ML Etc. focuses on individuals with over a decade of experience in the industry.
Conventional courses typically emphasise deep technical training, overlooking the broader landscape of AI that senior professionals need. These seasoned individuals must grasp management aspects such as security, regulations, and real-life applications. AI ML Etc. addresses this gap by offering a curriculum designed to provide critical insights more suited to a managerial perspective rather than technical minutiae.
The startup employs a hybrid delivery system that mixes pre-recorded content with live expert sessions, allowing professionals to engage with the material flexibly. Moreover, it includes an AI-based Smart Tutoring system that pinpoints and rectifies gaps in knowledge and skills, offering a personalised learning experience.
AI ML etc. Founders
Nikhilesh Tayal is the driving force behind AI ML Etc., bringing a wealth of experience to the table. With over 18 years in the industry, he’s not just another entrepreneur. His resume includes building two successful startups and holding key positions in tech firms, including a significant tenure as an AI team lead. His background began at Infosys, and knowledge from IIT Kharagpur sets a strong foundation for the expertise and vision he now channels into AI education.
Nikhilesh’s journey into the realm of AI and education traces back to his passion for teaching. Since 2005, he has been educating students and professionals alike, starting with mathematics and evolving into coding. This foundation in teaching sparked a realisation during his own learning process of AI; he noticed an opportunity to simplify complex concepts. He taught AI at engineering colleges and spoke at tech events, all while engaging with senior IT professionals who expressed frustrations with existing learning pathways. The inquiries he received highlighted a glaring gap in educational resources tailored to their needs.
The early days of AI ML Etc. saw Nikhilesh focusing on a target demographic that many larger institutions overlooked. While institutes like IIT were offering standardised courses, he was honing in on seasoned professionals who sought a learning experience beyond traditional educational frameworks. They didn’t want the IIT affiliation; they wanted real learning, and Nikhilesh highlighted this in his course offerings. This strategic approach enabled him to attract initial users who resonated with this no-nonsense educational philosophy.
Nikhilesh’s motivation to establish AI ML Etc. was borne from a mix of personal experience and market demand. His interactions with senior professionals laid the groundwork for the realisation that conventional AI education models could be exclusionary. Companies began hiring for senior AI roles at an alarming rate, which meant that knowledgeable professionals needed a platform focused on their specific challenges and requirements. The birth of AI ML Etc. stemmed from recognising this need and acting on it.
Interview with Nikhilesh Tayal, Founder of AI ML etc.
The team had the opportunity to interview Nikhilesh Tayal, the founder of AI ML Etc. His insights shed light on the vision and mission behind this educational platform dedicated to senior IT professionals.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and how it led you to create AI ML Etc.?
A: Nikhilesh responded, “I’ve been involved in teaching since 2005, starting with mathematics and evolving into coding for working professionals. My experience in teaching allowed me to recognise a gap in AI education for senior professionals. I learnt AI myself by taking renowned courses like Andrew Ng’s. While studying, I realised that many complex concepts could be simplified. I began teaching AI at engineering institutions and received questions from senior professionals, such as whether one could learn AI without a strong maths background or how long it would take to become proficient. This feedback pushed me to explore existing educational offerings, and I saw that the existing courses did not meet their needs.”
Q: What gaps did you identify in current educational platforms for senior professionals?
A: Nikhilesh stated, “Most prominent educational platforms were originally made for students. They focus too heavily on technical details and in-depth exploration. Senior professionals, however, require a broader understanding of AI. They need to learn not just the technical side, but also management aspects, including security concerns, regulatory compliance, team building, and the practical applications of AI in business contexts.”
Q: What specific solutions does AI ML Etc. offer to address these challenges?
A: He explained, “We reimagined AI education specifically for senior professionals. Our approach includes tailored courses that focus on quick, impactful learning. We utilise a hybrid delivery model, combining pre-recorded videos with expert-led doubt-clearing sessions. Additionally, our Smart Tutoring System identifies gaps in knowledge and skills, providing personalised learning pathways.”
Q: How does AI ML Etc. differentiate itself in a competitive market that includes institutions like IIT?
A: Nikhilesh highlighted, “We cater to professionals who desire genuine learning over prestigious affiliations. Our focus is on constructing dedicated AI courses that resonate with senior professionals. By emphasising practical application and flexibility, we attract users who seek knowledge more tailored to their career development rather than the IIT label. That’s how we secured our initial users and built a loyal community.”
Q: What are your future plans for AI ML Etc.?
A: Nikhilesh shared, “Right now, we focus on creating AI courses in English. We’re actively engaging users through tech festivals and online communities. We aim to foster a community of senior professionals sharing insights and learning together. In the next stage, we plan to develop courses in multiple languages and collaborate with corporations to train their senior staff. We also envision exploring topics like blockchain and quantum computing, thus broadening our offering to include multiple technology and leadership courses.”
Q: Can you share your thoughts on the demand for AI professionals today?
A: He mentioned, “The demand is increasing significantly. Companies are urgently looking to fill senior AI roles. Positions like Product Manager and Chief AI Officer are ever-expanding. This influx indicates a keen interest from senior professionals to enhance their AI knowledge, which reinforces the relevance of our work at AI ML Etc.”
Such insights from Nikhilesh Tayal not only clarify the purpose behind AI ML Etc. but also reflect a broader trend in the tech industry that highlights the importance of upskilling and adapting to emerging technologies for career growth.
Feedough’s Take on AI ML etc.
AI ML Etc. is perfectly poised to disrupt the AI education landscape for senior IT professionals. By focusing on a niche often ignored by traditional platforms, they address pressing needs with tailored solutions that combine flexibility and depth. Their innovative Smart Tutoring System ensures personalised learning experiences, making it easier for professionals to engage with complex topics.
Looking ahead, AI ML Etc. should consider expanding partnerships with corporations to further align their offerings with industry needs. Additionally, delving into emerging technologies could enhance their curriculum. This startup clearly taps into a growing demand, setting the stage for future growth and success.
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