Engineering is not a degree anymore, it is a mindset: Google exec Amit Kumar

The AI conversation is shifting from model debates to value debates. Amit Kumar, Managing Director, Digital Natives Business at Google Cloud India, explains that while the model is crucial, it's the value the model delivers that matters. This shift is changing the talent landscape, as engineering is no longer a degree but a mindset built on curiosity and hands-on experimentation.

Kumar works with startups and digitally driven companies, helping them leverage Google's cloud and AI technology to grow their businesses. India is emerging as a high-velocity proving ground for global innovation in AI. Enterprises and startups are navigating AI's next frontier, focusing on real-world business value rather than just initial experimentation.

To truly extract value from agentic platforms, organizations must redesign internal workflows and rethink outcome measurement. Privacy concerns are being addressed through a hybrid approach, with some sensitive operations kept on-premises and others leveraging public cloud infrastructure for broader customer interactions. Security guardrails are being constructed through human-in-the-loop requirements and maker-checker models.