Chathuri Daluwatte - Innovating AI, One Breakthrough at a Time

Chathuri Daluwatte, the Winner of the AI in Industry Award at the Women in AI (WAI) North America 2023 event, has not only advanced the boundaries of artificial intelligence but has also carved a path of empowerment and innovation. Her story is one of resilience, creativity, and determination, inspiring others to embrace AI’s transformative potential.

Chathuri is the Head of AI Diagnostics of AstraZeneca and a member of the Editorial Boards of Nature Portfolio Journal Digital Medicine and CDO Magazine.

Chathuri’s journey in AI began early. “I wrote my first program when I was just 10 years old,” she recalled. “Since then, throughout college and my career I look for opportunities to use AI to realize value.”

Her passion for AI is not limited to the technical aspects—it’s about the impact. Whether it’s unlocking efficiencies or solving complex problems, Chathuri has dedicated her career to advancing AI in meaningful ways.

For Chathuri, monotony is not an option. “I get easily bored doing the same thing over and over,” she said. “Doing something new is fun and fulfilling when accomplished. That's what keeps me going.”

The road to success in AI is rarely smooth, and Chathuri’s journey has been no exception. She faced obstacles ranging from systemic bias to having her work overlooked or even credited to others. “Perseverance while keeping a "your loss, not mine" attitude when facing challenges is a recurring theme,” she noted. “I also let go and move on to new opportunities if the environment doesn't align with my values or treat me with respect I deserve.”

She talks about how women often face extra barriers when advocating for change, especially in an industry that demands new ways of thinking. And how it’s not just about men vs. women; sometimes these barriers come from within our own communities. Overcoming adversity from unexpected sources has been part of her journey.

Her innovative mindset and refusal to settle have made her a trailblazer in the field.

To aspiring women in AI, Chathuri offers heartfelt advice: “When the dot com boom happened, that revolution did not include women by default, and we had to chase to get included. The times are different and there are now seats at the table and many ways to find those tables and seats. So, find them, and take them, and have your voice heard. Don’t accept it any other way.”

She encourages everyone to embrace the potential of AI and leverage diverse perspectives to drive innovation. “AI has the potential to change how we do things and realize value is mind blowing ways, we are only scratching the surface. Embrace that potential. While embracing it, using diverse points of view that are different from yours is the way to achieve differentiation. Including women and other diverse groups is the only way to get there.”

Chathuri Daluwatte’s achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. If you know someone who is pushing the boundaries in AI, now is the time to celebrate their contributions. Nominate them for the Women in AI Awards and help spotlight the leaders shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Interview by: Chathuri Daluwatte

Edited by: Marie Escobar