Gapstars – a B2B service provider helping innovative Dutch software companies grow rapidly with high-performing agile offshore development teams in Sri Lanka, hosted Sri Lanka’s first AI Day on June 30, 2023, at Gapstars HQ, Colombo. This groundbreaking event brought together members of the Gapstars community to collaborate on crafting sustainable AI solutions aimed at addressing contemporary business challenges. With a focus on education, empowerment, and shifting perceptions, Gapstars aimed to demonstrate the positive potential of AI as a valuable tool in software development.
The event commenced with an inspiring keynote speech by Group Chief Analytics & AI Officer, Dialog Axiata – Dr. Romesh Ranawana. His presentation, titled ‘Embracing the AI Revolution: How AI Will Shape the Future of Engineering,’ delved into the evolution of AI and emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in the mindset and work ethics of traditional developers to adapt to AI successfully.
The AI Day evolved then taking the form of a competition, where engineering teams showcased their prior prepared and approved AI solutions, that were evaluated based on Business Impact, Materialisation of an Idea, and Creativity. On the day of the event, teams were tasked with refining their ideas and presenting them to a distinguished panel of judges who evaluated the overall solution and the teams’ presentation skills. The panel of judges consisted of Head of Delivery – Sachintha Kalambaarachchi, Software Architect – Gihan De Silva, Solution Architect – Pubudu Senadeera, and Head of Academy – Phillippa Lawless.
Speaking with Director of Operations, Gapstars Pvt Ltd – Gurbe Scheenstra, at the event stated: “The inaugural Gapstars AI Day undoubtedly marked a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards embracing AI and leveraging its potential for positive change. By providing a platform for engineers to showcase their skills, learn, and grow, we are shaping a future where AI is seen as an indispensable ally, capable of revolutionising software development and solving modern business challenges.”
Four outstanding teams emerged as winners of the competition. Sharing the joint third place were Team Rentman and Team MyCademy, demonstrating their prowess in crafting innovative and impactful AI solutions. Team Dual Inventive secured the second-place position, impressing the judges with their creative approach. Finally, Team Fixico claimed the coveted first-place spot, with their AI solution standing out as the most compelling and effective receiving their first-place prize of a sunset cruise from Sail Lanka.
As Gapstars looks to the future, it is evident that their commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration will continue to propel them to the forefront of the AI revolution. With the successful launch of its first AI Day, the company has laid a strong foundation for future events that will continue to inspire, educate, and empower engineers, ensuring that AI remains a driving force for positive change within the software development industry.
Gapstars in the Netherlands was founded in 2015 and is currently under the leadership of its Co-Founder & CEO – Hugo Hemmen, and Co-Founder and COO – David Bijker. The international company provides software development services for start-ups and scale-ups based in the Netherlands. As a company that is growing rapidly, Gapstars has a workforce of 180+ employees based in Colombo and seeks to expand the team to 300+ engineers by the end of 2023.
