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Prathin Pradhan

Tech Careers in 2024: The Most In-Demand Skills and Roles

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The technology industry is evolving rapidly, and advancements in technology are creating demand for jobs in various fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Organizations are increasingly prioritizing data-driven decision-making, automation, and enhanced user experiences. This shift requires a workforce equipped with specialized skills.

Let’s explore the most in-demand tech jobs of 2024 and highlight the skills needed to excel in these positions. Understanding these trends will help you navigate the ever-changing job market and seize opportunities as they arise, whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the technology sector.

 

Data Scientist.

A data scientist is a professional who uses statistical analysis, programming skills, and domain knowledge to derive insights from complex data sets. They play a crucial role in assisting organizations in making data-driven decisions. This involves gathering data from various sources, such as databases, APIs, and external datasets. They process and clean the data, identify trends, and help the organization develop strategies based on these insights. A data scientist earns an average salary of ₹9,73,734 per year in India as of May 2024.

Skills Required.

  • Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, or SQL for data manipulation and analysis.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, experience with data analysis, and strong industry knowledge.

Cloud Engineer.

A cloud engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud-based systems and services. They develop the architecture for these cloud solutions, which includes infrastructure, networking, and storage, to ensure optimal performance and scalability. Additionally, they monitor cloud systems to identify performance issues and optimize resource usage. The estimated total pay for a cloud engineer is ₹8,00,000 per year, with an average salary of ₹7,00,000 annually.

Skills Required.

  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure.
  • Experience with network engineering, cloud computing, and security.

DevOps Engineer.

The term “DevOps” is a combination of the words “development” and “operations.” DevOps professionals are specialized IT experts who bridge the gap between development and operations teams, as the name suggests. Their responsibilities include deploying automated applications, maintaining existing applications, and identifying potential risks and benefits associated with new software and systems. The estimated total pay for a DevOps Engineer is ₹7,90,000 per year, with an average salary of ₹7,15,000 per year.

Skills Required.

  • Skilled in coding languages such as Python, Java, and C++, among others.
  • Familiarity with CI/CD tools and experience with cloud service providers.
  • Analytical, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

AI/ML Engineer.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are leading the way in technological innovation. As these fields advance, the demand for AI/ML engineers continues to rise. These professionals focus on developing algorithms that allow computers to learn from data, make predictions, and perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. On average, AI/ML engineers earn around ₹10,00,000 per year.

Skills Required.

  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
  • Familiarity with frameworks and libraries and a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, like statistics and linear algebra.
  • Experience with data manipulation and analysis and good problem-solving skills.

The tech job market in 2024 is very vibrant and full of opportunities. Learning and developing the right skills is important to remain competitive in this dynamic landscape. The technology sector will keep advancing and will create new opportunities within the tech sector. By staying informed and adaptable, individuals can position themselves for success in this dynamic and promising field.

How and Why well-funded Edtech Startups failed in India?

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The Edtech sector in India has experienced rapid growth, with new startups being introduced frequently in recent years. This growth can be attributed to the increased usage of smartphones and the growing demand for online education. However, many Edtech startups are facing significant challenges, leading to the closure of numerous companies.

In 2022, several Edtech companies were compelled to make difficult choices. Lido, an Edtech company that provided live online tuition classes, had to close down in February 2022 due to a lack of funds. In April 2022, Unacademy laid off over 600 employees, followed by Vedantu, which laid off over 200 employees. Additionally, over 800 employees resigned from Byju’s Edtech startup within two months after being asked to work from the office. The Edtech industry also accounted for 40% of the layoffs in 2023. Byju’s is now involved in multiple bankruptcy cases in India and abroad.

Let’s delve into the factors that led to the downfall of these heavily financed Edtech startups.

Byju's Logo

Fierce Competition.

The Edtech sector market has become saturated with nearly 4500 Edtech startups in India. Many of these startups offer similar products and services which led to fierce competition. This increase in competition led to price wars and an increase in customer acquisition costs. Many startups invested heavily in marketing and advertising to reach potential customers, which strained their finances as acquisition costs often outpaced revenue growth, leading to unsustainable business models.

Regulatory Challenges.

The regulatory environment in India can be complex and unpredictable, with strict guidelines governing accreditation and quality assurance. Edtech startups often struggle to navigate these regulations, especially those offering formal degrees and certifications. Changes in these regulations can disrupt ongoing operations and increase operational costs. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to various legal issues, making it challenging for startups to establish themselves in this oversaturated market.

Ineffective Marketing Strategies.

Effective marketing strategies are essential for Edtech startups to create brand awareness and establish themselves in the market. Many unsuccessful Edtech startups fail to invest in targeted marketing and communicate their value proposition effectively. In the Edtech industry, marketing should concentrate on developing relationships, demonstrating value, and creating a supportive learning environment. Authenticity and credibility are more important than flashy advertisements.

Conclusion.

Edtech is not a company or an industry but a powerful evolving concept. Despite countless failures in this sector, the future of Edtech is still promising, provided companies learn from past mistakes and address these issues through innovation, quality focus, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to user engagement.

Meet Kunal Bahl, new Judge of Shark Tank India

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Kunal Bahl, the co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, has joined the panel for season 4 of Shark Tank India, replacing Deepinder Goyal, the founder and CEO of Zomato. He will join the existing panel of Sharks, including Anupam Mittal, founder and CEO of the People Group; Aman Gupta, co-founder and CEO of boAt Lifestyle; Namita Thapar, executive director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited; and Ritesh Agarwal, the founder and group CEO of OYO. Kunal Bahl has founded and grown numerous technology ventures and has invested in over 250 startups. Let’s delve into the life of Kunal Bahl, the newest shark.

Kunal Bahl was born in India and completed his education at Delhi Public School R.K. Puram in New Delhi. He was later accepted at the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology, and earned two bachelor’s degrees in Entrepreneurship, Operations, and Information Technology. Additionally, he completed an executive marketing program at the Kellogg School of Management.

Kunal Bahl co-founded Snapdeal, an e-commerce company, in 2010. Later, in 2022, they assumed the group corporate identity of AceVector. AceVector Limited became the holding company for Snapdeal, Unicommerce, and Stellaro brands. Additionally, he co-founded Titan Capital, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm in India that invests the personal funds of Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal. Through Titan Capital, he has invested in over 250 startups across various sectors including consumer tech, health tech, fin-tech, SaaS, consumer brands, and B2B services. Some of the companies he has invested in are Ola Cabs, Urban Company, Razorpay, Ofbusiness, and Mamaearth, among others.

He is a promoter of Unicommerce, a leading SaaS company in India that had a successful year. The company was named one of the most highly subscribed IPOs of 2024. Additionally, he was appointed as the chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry Startup Committee. He has also been a member of the Executive Council at NASSCOM, the National Startup Advisory Council, and the Board of Governors of the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations.

He has also been appointed as an Independent Director on the Board of Piramal Enterprises, an Indian conglomerate.

Before becoming a shark, Kunal Bahl appeared on the Prime Video series “Mission Start Ab,” where ten innovators compete for mentorship and funding. Bahl’s entrepreneurial journey includes building and scaling technology ventures, and he has invested in over 250 startups. Although the makers have not announced the premiere date for the new season, Bahl’s unique insights and expertise will be a valuable addition to the show.

How AI-powered humanoid robots are set to impact our lives

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Humanoid robots were once a futuristic concept, but now AI-powered robots are utilized across all industries to assist us. These AI-powered humanoid robots combine artificial intelligence with robotics to mimic human-like characteristics. They are equipped with sensors, cameras, AI, and machine-learning technologies and can mimic a human’s expressions, interactions, and movements. These robots use AI to perform tasks faster and more accurately.

Humanoid robots are being used in various fields.

•Healthcare: AI-powered robots unequivocally accelerate surgical procedures, monitor patients, deliver precise diagnoses, and perform a wide range of surgeries, from minimally invasive procedures to open heart surgeries.

• Manufacturing: AI and robots have been utilized in the manufacturing industry for more than a decade. They are capable of performing tasks such as welding, packaging, and shipping. Additionally, they can assist with damage control and rapid maintenance. These robots can complete these tasks efficiently due to automation.

• Agriculture: The agriculture industry uses robots to improve process efficiency and increase crop yields. AI helps farmers understand weather conditions and advises them on fertilizers and water. However, the main application of AI in agriculture is to help farmers automate manual labour, thus improving efficiency and saving time.

• Nuclear waste management: Cleaning up nuclear waste has been a major drive for robotics development, automated robots designed for this purpose help in collecting radioactive wastes which would be dangerous to humans.

 

Image Credit: Samsung.com

Impact on our lives
AI-powered humanoid robots are set to transform our lives by enhancing healthcare, improving customer service, and providing educational support. These robots can also be used to provide companionship to patients and elderly people and help them complete daily tasks to make their lives convenient.

The use of humanoid robots in the realm of customer service has become very prevalent, these robots are used to greet customers, provide information, and also help in making transactions. This helps the business work efficiently and reduces the number of workers required to operate.

These robots can also help us complete everyday chores, such as cooking and cleaning, making our lives easier. They can also enhance workforce productivity by working alongside humans in industries such as manufacturing and logistics. They are used to complete dangerous tasks like search and rescue missions and can help in supplying resources to hard-to-reach areas during disasters. These AI robots can also emulate and study the behaviours of humans, helping researchers in different fields.

Humanoid robots

Sophia: Created by Hanson Robotics, Sophia can interact with people and also hold conversations.

Ameca: Designed by Engineered Arts, Ameca naturally interacts with humans and detects emotions and age. Ameca can communicate common expressions like astonishment and surprise and gestures like yawning and shrugging.

Atlas: Created by Boston Dynamics, it was funded by the US Defence Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), it is used to assist humans in search and rescue missions.

AI-powered humanoid robots have the potential to transform our lives by enhancing companionship, improving healthcare, education, and many more. Their ability to assist in labour-intensive tasks and operate in dangerous environments is very useful. However, as these robots become more integrated into society, we need to be cautious about the ethical complications and the societal change that this will bring.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

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The South Korean tech giant, Samsung, officially unveiled the groundbreaking Samsung Galaxy Ring at the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris on July 10th, 2024. While the release date for India is yet to be announced, pre-booking for the Samsung Galaxy Ring is now available in India for a token amount of Rs. 1999. Let’s delve into the impressive features of the Samsung Galaxy Ring before its much-anticipated release in India.

Enhanced with Galaxy AI, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is designed for everyday use, featuring an IP68 water resistance rating and a concave design to minimize scratches. It is available in nine different sizes, ranging from size 5 to 13, and comes in three colours: Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gold.

The Galaxy Ring is a health-tracking wearable device that uses Galaxy AI to monitor metrics such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and distance covered. Unlike its competitors in the market, it does not require a subscription to use, and it can last up to seven days on a full charge.

In the Galaxy Ring, we’ve got three high-tech sensors, each dedicated to tracking different metrics.

Image Credit: Samsung.com

Optical Bio-signal Sensor: It monitors your heart health with its improved heart rate tracking. The Galaxy AI filters out the user’s body movement to provide an accurate rating.


Accelerometer: This sensor is used to track the user’s walking and running activities.


Skin Temperature Sensor: It is used to monitor changes in skin temperature while sleeping.

All health insights tracked by the Galaxy Ring will be available for viewing on your phone through the Samsung Health app. The Galaxy AI calculates your physical readiness for the day based on yesterday’s sleep, heart rate, and activities, providing an energy score every day. Additionally, it offers personalized wellness tips to help you improve each day. The device seamlessly connects with other Galaxy devices and allows you to snap a photo or dismiss an alarm with just a pinch of your fingers, all the health data will also be transferred and stored in the Samsung cloud connected to your account which makes it easier to access and manage the data.

The price for the Samsung Galaxy ring has not been announced in India yet. Pre-booking is available until the 15th of October, indicating that it should be released on October 16th or later. When ordering, there is an option to ship the sizing kit before confirming the ring size, which is convenient if you’re unsure of your ring size.

 
 

The Man Who Taught Machines to Think

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The rapid advancement of AI has been remarkable, and all this was possible because of the machine’s ability to learn and adapt. The man who was pivotal in the advancement of machine learning and who taught machines to think was John Joseph Hopfield. Let us delve into the life of John J. Hopfield and uncover how he eventually secured the Nobel Prize.

Born on July 15th, 1933, in Chicago to physicists John Joseph Hopfield and Helen Hopfield, Dr. Hopfield completed his Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania, in 1954. In 1958, he received his PhD in Physics from Cornell University. During his doctoral work, he wrote about the interaction of excitons in crystals. In his dissertation, he also coined a term that is still used in solid-state physics: “The polarization field ‘particles’ analogous to photons will be called ‘polaritons’.

Hopfield spent two years working at Bell Laboratories on the optical properties of semiconductors and quantitative models. In 1958, he became a faculty member at the University of California, Berkeley, and later worked at many other universities, including Princeton University and the California Institute of Technology. It was later revealed that Hopfield was the “hidden collaborator” for Philip W. Anderson’s work on the Anderson impurity model.

Hopfield Network
In 1982, he published his first paper on neuroscience titled “Neural networks and physical systems with emergent collective computational abilities.” John J. Hopfield introduced the Hopfield Network, a form of recurrent artificial neural network (ANN), in this study.

Hopfield Network is primarily used for associative memory as it retains and recalls patterns, it can also store and reconstruct images and other types of patterns in the form of data. Hopfield stated that the inspiration for the Hopfield network came from his knowledge of spin glasses, which he gained from his hidden collaboration with Philip W. Anderson. The Hopfield network had a limitation in its memory capacity. In 2016, Hopfield and Dmitry Krotov developed a new version with larger memory, known as the modern Hopfield network.

By bhadeshia123 – YouTube: Emergence, dynamics, and behaviour – John Hopfield (Time: 35m55s) – View/save archived versions on archive.org and archive.today, CC BY 3.0, Link

In 2015, John J. Hopfield was awarded the Albert Einstein World Award of Science for his work in the field of life sciences. Hopfield was awarded the IEEE Frank Rosenblatt in 2009 for his contributions to understanding information processing in biological systems.

John Joseph Hopfield was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize with Geoffrey E. Hinton for “foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks.