Expert Session: "Let's AI – From Artificial Intelligence to Actual Intelligence"

Sona School of Business and Management organised an expert session titled “Let’s AI: From Artificial Intelligence to Actual Intelligence” featuring Mr. Thyagu Valliappa, Vice Chairman, Sona Institutions. The session brought together MBA students and students from across Sona College of Technology for an intensive 100-minute exploration of Artificial Intelligence, intelligent technologies, automation, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Exploring AI Beyond the Basics

The session introduced students to the rapidly expanding possibilities of Artificial Intelligence and how AI is moving from being a technological tool to becoming an important enabler of business transformation, innovation and decision-making. Through practical examples, students gained a broader understanding of how AI is being applied across different areas of business and everyday life.

From Automation to Intelligent Action

A key focus of the session was the evolution from automation to intelligent technology. Students explored how organisations can use AI and automation to simplify processes, improve efficiency and support better decisions, while also understanding the importance of human thinking in using these technologies effectively.

Connecting Management with Technology

The session highlighted the growing need to bring together management knowledge and technological capabilities. Students were encouraged to understand that successful technology-driven solutions require more than technical skills. Identifying the right business problem, understanding customers, evaluating opportunities and creating viable solutions are equally important.

AI as a Startup Enabler

The discussion opened students’ minds to the potential of AI for entrepreneurship and startup creation. Rather than looking at AI only as a career skill, students were encouraged to explore how emerging technologies can help identify unmet needs, develop new products and services, create innovative business models and build technology-enabled ventures.

Innovation Begins with Problems

Students were encouraged to observe the challenges around them and think of them as opportunities for innovation. The discussion emphasised the importance of asking better questions, identifying real-world problems and developing practical solutions that can create value for businesses, communities and the city.

Thinking Beyond AI

The session also introduced students to the idea of “AI and beyond AI”. While technology can provide powerful capabilities, the ability to think creatively, understand people, make strategic decisions, solve problems and convert ideas into meaningful outcomes remains essential.

Learning Through Real-World Examples

With several real-time examples and practical perspectives, Mr. Thyagu Valliappa connected technological concepts with business realities. This helped students understand how AI, automation and intelligent technologies can influence organisations, careers, entrepreneurship and the future of business.

Leadership Perspective and Interaction

The session was further enriched by the presence and active participation of Prof. Dr. S. R. R. Senthilkumar, Principal, Sona College of Technology, who engaged in the discussion and shared valuable perspectives on technology, innovation and the opportunities emerging from the integration of AI and education.

The 100-minute session provided students with a broader perspective on the intersection of AI, management, technology and entrepreneurship, encouraging them to move beyond being consumers of technology and become creators, innovators and problem-solvers who can use intelligent technologies to develop meaningful solutions.

The session concluded with a strong message: the future belongs not only to those who understand technology, but to those who can connect technology with ideas, business thinking and real-world impact.