B'luru-based startup first to compete AI Facebook challenge

A Bengaluru-based startup is claimed to have become the first company in the world to successfully complete a difficult 20-part challenge in Artificial Intelligence created by Facebook in 2015.

Using a unique approach, DataVal Analytics successfully completed all 20 tasks of the test, known as the (20) QA bAbi Tasks, with 100% accuracy. The test, hosted by Facebook AI Research (FAIR), assesses the ability of AI-based programs to perform text understanding and reasoning.

According to a media release, DataVal Analytics, which has its head office in Chicago but operations office in Bengaluru, has been founded by veterans from the Indian Army Lt Col Shashi Kiran (Veteran) and Lt Col Naveen Xavier (Veteran). The team is mentored by the leading entrepreneur, innovator, policy maker Sam Pitroda.

"The Facebook test was created in 2015 and several global companies have made multiple attempts to solve TWENTY tasks. However, no one has succeeded in the past," Pitroda said. DataVal has developed new Natural Language Understanding Technology with focus on human way of understanding language and holistic approach to problem-solving.