UA Little Rock Hosts Tech Launch Panel on AI Investment with Argentinian Experts
A special Tech Launch event at UA Little Rock featured a panel discussion on AI trends, bringing together experts from Celara Labs to explore the future of artificial intelligence and its impact on business and technology.
On March 4, Marla Johnson, UA Little Rock’s tech entrepreneur-in-residence, moderated while over 40 UA Little Rock students, faculty, and industry leaders asked Zubair Talib, an AI expert with an MIT background and executive director at Celara Labs, and Pablo Abdian, CEO and co-founder of Celara Labs, a wide range of questions about AI.
The event provided insights into AI-first products, business opportunities, and challenges associated with AI integration. Abdian referenced “AI Superpowers,” a book that explores the global impact of AI, noting that societies that cultivate AI knowledge will drive the future.
Abdian also highlighted the company’s approach to AI innovation, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in AI technology development.
“We have always remained agnostic in our use of technology,” Abdian said. “Rather than committing to a single major provider like Google or Microsoft, we integrate the best available tools while adding a personalized touch that makes our solutions adaptable.”
One of the key takeaways from the discussion was the significant cost associated with AI implementation. Abdian explained that developing AI solutions accounts for only 15 to 20% of total costs, while 25 to 30% is tied to infrastructure and deployment. However, the most substantial expense—over 50%—comes from the cultural shift within organizations.
“Many companies underestimate the impact of AI on their workforce,” Abdian explained. “AI adoption requires careful planning to help employees adapt, rather than simply replacing them.”
Talib underscored the importance of a systematic approach to AI investment, particularly in light of rapid technological advancements. He warned against rushing into AI-driven projects without proper planning, emphasizing the need for a step-by-step approach.
“Companies often lose money by implementing AI solutions prematurely,” he said. “A thoughtful, incremental process ensures businesses maximize their return on investment.”
The panelists discussed real-world applications of AI, including a predictive model for football game outcomes that initially boasted 94 percent accuracy but later failed due to an unexpected social factor—team members’ personal conflicts (specifically not realizing when one player’s wife was cheating with another player). The experience led Celara Labs to incorporate social media data into their predictive models, demonstrating the importance of external influences on AI performance.
When asked about AI’s impact on future generations, Abdian stressed the need to balance hard and soft skills in education, while Talib highlighted the importance of creative intuition in navigating AI advancements.
“If technology becomes cheaper and easier to use, the real question is: What will you build?” Talib asked.
The discussion also addressed the global AI investment landscape. Talib acknowledged the U.S. as a leader in AI, engaged in a competitive race with China. “Everyone is experimenting in some capacity,” he said.
When asked about AI investment strategies, he advised business owners to seek efficiency and reduced risk through AI implementation, emphasizing the value of domain expertise over solely technological advances.
In response to a question about what Little Rock can learn from Argentina’s entrepreneurial culture, Abdian emphasized relentless problem-solving.
“In Argentina, when we face a challenge, we don’t stop until it’s fixed,” he said. “How do you awaken that instinct in students? That’s the key to fostering innovation.”
The panel concluded with a discussion on the state of Arkansas’s potential for AI-driven business growth. Talib noted the state’s rich healthcare and agricultural systems are industries ripe for AI integration.
“Success begets success,” he said, encouraging local businesses to experiment with AI solutions to drive innovation and efficiency.
The Tech Launch panel was part of UA Little Rock’s ongoing efforts to connect students and entrepreneurs with global technology leaders, with an emphasis on AI’s evolving role in business and society.