Question: s it true that AI is becoming a field thats harder and harder to get into, as its requiring more and more computing power, making only large corporations be able to train and host them?

Carl Peter Robinson answered on 17 Jan 2024:

That’s a great question because you’ve highlighted the observation, and worry, that only a select few Big Tech companies will dominate future major advances in AI. This is due to their vast wealth and current market dominance, with which they will be able to buy the necessary hardware resources and hire the “best” engineers and scientists. Having said that, I’d like to think that won’t be a major issue as there will be plenty of opportunities for smaller businesses and start-ups to make a name for themselves in the world of AI, by means of novel ideas and really smart engineering and development. We’re already seeing very proficient large language models and ChatGPT-like systems available on open source repositories or marketed by small businesses, developed with much fewer resources than what the Big Tech companies have. Of course, there’s always the issue of Big Tech hoovering up these smaller companies, mainly to neutralise any threat to their market dominance. But I still think innovation, creativity, and passion to solve a particular problem will provide many avenues for those who want to succeed and thrive in the AI field.