Founded in 2014, Boston-based Crayon uses a variety of machine learning techniques to help businesses track and analyze market movements relating …

Analytics and artificial intelligence practitioners have come together to form a non-profit organisation called the Association of Data Scientists in India (ADaSci). The body aims to support all those working in data science, analytics, big data, AI and machine learning. Originally envisioned by Analytics India Magazine, ADaSci aims to foster a community of industry leaders, researchers and subject matter experts, while supporting the next generation of data scientists through new ideas and research. Its initial goals are to promote collaboration among data science decision makers and stakeholders, serve as a forum for research, and address data science challenges faced by organisations. It will also offer opportunities for networking, organise national and international conferences, and publish in peer reviewed journals, while providing analytics certification and continuing education, to help members with their career development. Bhaskar Gupta (pictured), founder and CEO, Analytics India Magazine, comments: 'Analytics and AI has the potential to be the next game-changer for the industry, but the space lacks a non-profit body or an umbrella society to serve the needs of analytics professionals in India.

In New York, marketing measurement and optimization specialist Marketing Evolution has appointed Michael Cohen as SVP, Chief Data Science and Analytics Officer. Marketing Evolution uses patented artificial intelligence (AI) and billions of data points to provide marketers with insights to recommend media, message, and budget allocation. Cohen (pictured) most recently served as Head of Analytics and Data Science at Verizon Communications-owned digital content provider Oath: Data Products, which comprises more than 50 brands including HuffPost, Yahoo News, Tumblr, and AOL. Prior to this, he was CTO of analytical solutions provider Marketing Productivity Group, serving as Chief Scientist and Engineer, responsible for the research and development of analytics products, protocols, and software. Cohen has also served on the faculty at the New York University's Stern School of Business, most recently as a visiting scholar and adjunct professor of marketing, conducting research and lectures on the use of machine intelligence for data-driven marketing management.

India-based big data specialist Xurmo Technologies has rolled out its artificial intelligence-based'plug & play' platform in the UK. Founded in 2009 and based in Bangalore, the firm offers big data analysis software which can be deployed in fifteen minutes and requires no coding or knowledge of underlying technologies. Any data can be ingested using point and shoot connectors and automatically brought to analysis; and advanced analytical models can be built from one single interface. Using AI self-learning technology, the platform eliminates the need for coders. Live data from different structures and formats are integrated through the platform in a couple of days, rather than weeks or months; and predictive applications and standard business interface dashboards can be attached, allowing detailed analysis and continuity for end user reporting.

In the US, data science start-up conDati has completed a $4.75m Series A round of funding, which it will use for the commercial launch of its'Big Data as a Service' (BDaaS) solutions later this spring. Founded in summer 2017, conDati applies machine learning and data science techniques to develop solutions that convert massive volumes of customer, event and transaction data into insights and usable information. The firm says it is on a mission to provide marketers with the real-time visibility, predictive models, and science-based recommendations they need to maximize marketing's contribution to business success. Latest funding was led by The Entrepreneurs' Funds (TEF), which also led conDati's previous financing. CEO and founder Ken Gardner (pictured) comments: 'Our momentum is building, and we are eager to get to the broader market and help companies improve their return on marketing.