By AI Start-up’s in Sri Lanka: Pioneering Innovation Across Industries
Sri Lanka, a nation celebrated for its breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is now making waves in a completely different arena: artificial intelligence (AI). A growing number of startups are leveraging AI to tackle local and global challenges, positioning the island nation as a rising star in the global tech ecosystem. From agriculture to healthcare, education to tourism, these startups are proving that Sri Lanka has the talent and vision to compete on the world stage.
We dive into the groundbreaking work of 10 startups and initiatives in Sri Lanka,Some of them are global but connected to Sri Lanka., Whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about AI, this guide will introduce you to the pioneers driving Sri Lanka’s AI revolution.
1. SLASSCOM: The Apex Body for Tech Innovation
Connecting Start-up’s to Global Opportunities
SLASSCOM, the leading association for IT and software companies in Sri Lanka, plays a pivotal role in promoting AI and other emerging technologies. By organizing events like the National IT-BPM Summit and publishing reports on emerging technologies, SLASSCOM connects startups with resources, investors, and global markets. Their 2022 Industry Review Report highlighted the growth of AI startups in Sri Lanka and their potential to contribute to the economy.
Website: https://www.slasscom.lk
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: SLASSCOM is accelerating AI adoption by fostering collaboration between startups, academia, and industry.
2. Startup Sri Lanka: Government-Backed Innovation
Fueling the Next Generation of Innovators
Startup Sri Lanka, a government initiative, supports startups across various sectors, including AI. Through funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, it helps startups scale and thrive. In 2021, Startup Sri Lanka supported AgroShift, an AI startup focused on optimizing farming practices.
Website: https://www.startupsl.lk
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: This platform is driving Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
3. Dialog Axiata: AI in Telecommunications
Transforming Customer Service with AI
Dialog Axiata, a leading telecom provider, launched Dialog Genie, an AI-powered chatbot that handles customer inquiries and provides personalized recommendations. According to Dialog’s 2022 Annual Report, Genie reduced customer service response times by 30% and improved customer satisfaction scores.
Website: https://www.dialog.lk
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: Dialog’s AI initiatives are setting a benchmark for customer service in the telecom industry.
4. John Keells Holdings: AI in Retail and Hospitality
Personalizing Customer Experiences
John Keells Holdings integrates AI into its retail and hospitality operations, offering personalized customer experiences and demand forecasting. Their Cinnamon Hotels chain implemented AI to analyze guest preferences, resulting in a 15% increase in repeat bookings.
Website: https://www.keells.com
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: By leveraging AI, John Keells is enhancing customer experiences and driving revenue growth.
5. CodeGen International: AI for Travel and Tourism
Revolutionizing Travel with Personalized AI
CodeGen developed TravelBox, an AI-powered platform that offers personalized travel recommendations and booking services. TravelBox has been adopted by several travel agencies, increasing their booking conversion rates by 25%.
Website: https://www.codegen.com
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: CodeGen’s innovations are helping the tourism industry recover from the pandemic and adapt to changing traveler expectations.
6. ICTA: Driving Digital Transformation
Building a Smarter Sri Lanka
ICTA launched the Smart Sri Lanka initiative, which includes AI projects for e-governance and public service delivery. One of their projects, an AI-powered chatbot for government services, reduced response times for citizen inquiries by 50%.
Website: https://www.icta.lk
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: ICTA’s efforts are making government services more accessible and efficient.
7. University of Moratuwa: AI Research Hub
Solving Urban Challenges with AI
Researchers at the University of Moratuwa developed an AI model to predict and manage traffic congestion in Colombo. A pilot project in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council reduced average commute times by 20%.
Website: https://www.mrt.ac.lk
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: Moratuwa’s research is addressing real-world challenges and improving urban living.
8. University of Colombo: Innovating with AI
Combating Fake News with Machine Learning
The University of Colombo created a machine learning algorithm to detect fake news in Sinhala and Tamil. The algorithm was integrated into a local news platform, reducing the spread of misinformation by 40%.
Website: https://www.cmb.ac.lk
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: Colombo’s work is promoting media literacy and combating fake news.
9. Startup Genome: Global Insights
Putting Sri Lanka on the Global AI Map
Startup Genome’s 2022 Global Startup Ecosystem Report highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential as an emerging AI hub, noting a 15% year-on-year increase in AI startup activity.
Website: https://startupgenome.com
Contact: [email protected]
Why It Matters: By showcasing Sri Lanka’s progress, Startup Genome is attracting global attention and investment.
10. LinkedIn: Connecting AI Professionals
Building Bridges for Sri Lankan Innovators
LinkedIn has become a platform for Sri Lankan AI professionals to share their work and connect with global opportunities. Several Sri Lankan AI startups have used LinkedIn to secure partnerships and funding.
Website: https://www.linkedin.com
Why It Matters: LinkedIn is helping Sri Lankan startups gain visibility and scale their operations.
Breakthrough AI Work in Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka is still in the early stages of AI adoption, several projects stand out for their innovation and impact:
Ceylon AI’s Diabetic Retinopathy Detection: Achieved 95% accuracy in diagnosing the condition, enabling early treatment in rural areas.
Dialog Genie: Reduced customer service response times by 30% and improved satisfaction scores by 15%.
Terrabit’s Environmental Monitoring: Helped the government track deforestation and predict natural disasters.
University of Moratuwa’s Traffic Management Model: Reduced average commute times in Colombo by 20%.
Sri Lanka’s AI startups are proving that innovation knows no boundaries. From tackling climate change to revolutionizing healthcare, these companies are addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. With support from organizations like SLASSCOM, ICTA, and academic institutions, the country’s AI ecosystem is poised for exponential growth.
