In June, Andrew Ng, a prominent AI researcher, introduced the term "Agentic" to describe a new class of AI that moves beyond merely responding to commands—it takes action independently. Unlike traditional AI tools that rely on user prompts, Agentic AI is envisioned to handle complex tasks autonomously, such as analyzing data, predicting outcomes, and even executing decisions. This evolution is rapidly gaining traction, with tech leaders and startups alike rallying behind the concept, promising a future where AI systems act as true digital agents, managing business processes and making decisions without constant human oversight.
The term has quickly become a buzzword, as companies aim to capitalize on the hype surrounding AI's next phase. However, Ng points out that defining what qualifies as "agentic" is still not straightforward. While some systems exhibit agent-like qualities, they may not be fully autonomous. Ng admits there’s a “gray zone,” where technology blends human input with machine-led actions, leaving room for interpretation as AI continues to evolve into more advanced forms. A key figure in this movement is Karl Friston, the world’s leading neuroscientist. His brain-inspired approach forms the mathematical foundation for agentic AI, enabling it to be more autonomous, adaptive, and collaborative.
Let's look at some startups that are already ahead in the race and are doing some tremendous work the space.
