Andrew Feinberg, Chairman and CEO of Netcracker and BostonGene, and Motoo Nishihara, Executive Vice President, CTO, Member of the Board, and Head of Global Innovation Unit, shared the stage as they delivered a keynote during MWC 2024.
NEC is creating a brighter world, while Netcracker is supporting customers in accelerating digital growth and profitability. Collaborating with BostonGene, these three companies leverage data analytics tools to enhance efficiency, make informed decisions, and achieve superior outcomes. They also employ AI technologies for personalized cancer treatment.
Creating a New Future
Nishihara shared his insights on the impact of new generative AI technology and emphasized the significance of how AI is delivered, stating that it will have a profound effect on the healthcare and materials industries. According to Nishihara, "generative AI is a once-in-a-generation technological advancement."
While NEC has long been acknowledged for its expertise in IT, networks, computing, and technology, it is also a prominent player in the AI data sector. The company has made substantial investments in AI research and holds the most international patents in three key areas: biometric authentication, video recognition and analysis, and predictive AI.
NEC has introduced a generative AI service called NEC Cotomi, which stands out with its superior Japanese dialogue comprehension. Noteworthy features include low power consumption, rapid response times, and the ability to be deployed on-site, ensuring enhanced data confidence. In the realm of telecom networks, NEC emphasized the importance of AI orchestration, being one of the few companies with significant experience in this context. This concept, termed ‘AI orchestrator,’ enables the handling of various technologies such as AI security, computing, and networking.
The application of AI orchestration extends to diverse industries, including manufacturing, construction, aviation, and medical fields, making it increasingly common in smartphones, IoT devices, and base stations. Nishihara believes that telecommunications services will become more valuable to society. NEC introduced NEC Cotomi half a year ago, and now, in addition to the prototype, they are announcing a new version, which can run on smartphones. This project involves a joint trial with Qualcomm, whereby they will explore the future of AI through, for example, video recognition.
AI in Healthcare: A Will to Live
Feinberg expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be involved with two companies: one focused on telecom operations and business support; and the other, personalized cancer diagnostics and treatment. Both, he emphasized, are AI-driven software companies. Feinberg then delved into examples of each company's work.
Feinberg introduced Glenn, a 58-year-old diagnosed with small cell lung cancer in October 2020, and showcased a PET scan highlighting cancerous black spots in the lungs, liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, and other organs. Despite undergoing various treatments for a year and a half, there were no positive results. Glenn joined a clinical trial without success. BostonGene intervened by examining a small tissue sample through molecular diagnostics and applying their AI-driven cloud platform. The analysis revealed a unique mutation rarely seen in lung cancer but strongly linked to a specific therapy. Recommending this therapy led to Glenn being cancer-free for years, a success attributed to AI and BostonGene's involvement.
Shifting to the telecom operations and business support sector, Feinberg emphasized their long-standing experience with AI payment solutions before their widespread popularity. To achieve tangible benefits, they prioritize sales and sales channels while also recognizing advantages in operations, network provisioning, and disaster recovery. Through real-life implementations, they claim significant benefits, including cost savings, efficiencies, and increased revenue through targeted channels. These achievements are facilitated by harnessing the power of AI atop advanced digital platforms.
Feinberg stressed, “While AI is potent and transformative, it isn't a silver bullet.” Successful digital transformation, understanding secure deployment, and leveraging AI on sophisticated digital platforms leads to quantifiable returns, from efficiency gains to life-saving opportunities. He concluded by highlighting the ongoing evolution of AI and digital transformation, with those who navigate and deploy them successfully emerging as winners.