Wipro, which began as a family operated vegetable oil manufacturer in the small town of Amalner, India in 1945, is now one of the largest IT companies globally, functioning in more than 167 countries.
The company has been a key player in driving generative AI. With over 30,000 AI and analytics professionals, the team is building their own LLMs.
AIM got in touch with Sriram Narasimhan, global head of data, analytics and insights, Wipro, to understand about their data science applications, hiring for these roles, work culture and more.
Inside Wipro’s Data Science Team
“Data serves as the bedrock for every AI NS ML initiative, laying the groundwork for success. The pivotal factor lies in guaranteeing precise data of optimal quality—an indispensable catalyst for these processes that yield the desired results,” Narasimhan told AIM.
Profound insights emerge from the ability to scrutinise, profile, and decipher patterns within the data landscape, identifying outliers to extract meaningful conclusions. At the heart of any data science endeavour is the adeptness to construct automations through AI and ML algorithms, elevating and refining the data and insight ecosystem.
This transformative process enhances operational efficiencies, underscoring the fundamental role of data science and engineering as the critical inaugural stride in the pursuit of quality outcomes in AI/ML implementations.
Wipro’s AI and analytics team is substantial, with over 30,000 practitioners globally. The company boasts 500+ AI/ML patents, 20 innovation centres, and over 15 partnerships with a strong presence in various industries.
Recognised as a leader by agencies like Everest Group and IDC, Wipro specialises in industry-specific solutions and horizontal offerings like ML Ops and Legacy modernisation.
“The team co-builds solutions, leveraging tools like the Wipro Data Intelligence Suite (WDIS), prebuilt Industry Business Applications, and the Wipro Enterprise Generative AI (WeGA) Framework,” he added. These tools accelerate customer implementations, supporting the modernisation journey and enabling responsible AI with safety and security guardrails.
Riding the Generative AI Wave
Wipro has been actively involved in generative AI initiatives for over two years, collaborating with research institutes like the AI Institute at the University of South Carolina and IIT Patna. The company is committed to training its sizable workforce of 250,000 in generative AI. They have developed their own LLMs enhancing versatility and future-proofing, and have established a unique partnership with Google Cloud to integrate its generative AI products and services.
The company’s generative AI applications cover diverse themes, including cognitive chatbots, content creation and optimisation for marketing, media, automation in code generation, and synthetic data generation. The company’s internal initiative, Wipro ai360, focuses on incorporating AI across all platforms. Notable client projects include assisting a chocolate manufacturer in enhancing product descriptions and collaborating with a European telecom company to extract value from data.
Wipro is invested in the generative AI landscape, with 2/3rd of its strategic investments directed towards AI. The company plans to further support cutting-edge startups through Wipro Ventures and launch a GenAI Seed Accelerator program to train the top 10 generative AI startups.
Acknowledging the challenges associated with generative AI, the Bengaluru based tech giant has implemented a control framework, emphasising responsible usage. Initiatives include dedicated environments for developing generative AI solutions, GDPR-compliant training, and efforts to detect AI-generated misinformation. They have also established an AI Council to set development and usage standards, emphasising ethical guidelines, fairness, and privacy.
The team is attuned to evolving regulatory frameworks and is adapting strategies accordingly. The company envisions widespread benefits to the IT industry, with generative AI influencing code generation and call centres. The team anticipates a wave of AI services emerging in the next five years, facilitating enterprises in harnessing AI’s full potential. In the long term, they foresee AI disrupting every industry, with specific verticals like precision medicine, precision agriculture, hyper-personalisd marketing, and AI-led capabilities in smart buildings and homes gaining prominence.
Interview process
When hiring for data science roles, Wipro seeks candidates with practical experiences, strong programming and statistical skills, analytical abilities, domain knowledge, and effective presentation skills.
“The hiring process involves a comprehensive evaluation based on real-world use cases, emphasising not only technical proficiency but also the candidate’s understanding of problem statements and the application of statistical methodologies to solve complex issues,” he added.
“Joining our data science team promises exposure to cutting-edge, real-life AI/ML problems across various industries as we encourage a democratic approach to AI, allowing teams the independence to build solutions while adhering to organisational processes,” Narasimhan commented.
The company offers a diverse range of competencies, including data engineering, data science, conversational AI, ethical AI, and generative AI, enabling associates to work on projects aligned with their capabilities and aspirations.
In interviews, Wipro emphasises the importance of showcasing real-life use cases rather than being overly theoretical. Candidates are encouraged to highlight their practical experiences, demonstrating how they understand, consider options, and provide solutions to problems in the realm of data science, AI, and ML.
Work Culture
Wipro fosters a work culture rooted in values and integrity for its global workforce of 250,000+. Guided by the ‘Spirit of Wipro’ and ‘Five Habits’ principles, it emphasises respect, responsiveness, communication, ownership, and trust. With a 36.4% gender diversity goal, the company supports inclusion through programs like Women of Wipro (WOW), addressing various aspects of diversity such as disability, LGBTQ+, race, ethnicity, and generational diversity.
For talent management, they use tech solutions like the MyWipro app and WiLearn. These tools facilitate goal documentation, feedback, skill-building, and awareness of biases. The company conducts biannual performance reviews, offers training, mentoring, and leadership programs, including global executive leadership initiatives.
Employee benefits encompass a comprehensive package, including 401k, pension, health, vision, dental insurance, competitive pay, bonuses, paid time off, health savings, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, family medical leave, life insurance, and more. Additional perks involve retirement benefits, stock purchase plans, paid holidays, legal plans, insurance for home, auto, and pets, employee discounts, adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and well-being programs.
